21 Sep 2015

They say dynamite comes in small packages, for Shonline Russ the saying best describes her. The 15-year-old, Form Two student at Morale CJSS is working on the finishing touches of her novel. The 50 page novel is called Desperate Ambition.

She describes Desperate Ambition as an extremely high wish even when the situation looks impossible. The book addresses a wide range of social issues affecting the youth ranging from teenage pregnancy, HIV\AIDS, corruption, bribery and other social ills.  The young writer describes herself as an agent of change, risk taker and a role model. 

Russ says hunger and desire to solve educational problems drove her to write the novel, she says in line with the 2016 pillar of an informed and educated nation, she found it fit to play a meaningful role to educate her peers through a book.  

She emphasised that with the rise in social ills especially among teenagers, the book will enlighten them to make sound decisions. The young writer lauds her uncle and former primary school teacher who was also her debate mentor who encouraged her to pursue her dreams without fear.

 At school she is working on setting up an English writers association where she will team up with other writers who plan to embark on writing an English revision book for JC learners.

Russ says writing a book does not affect her studies as currently she is the best accounting student in all the Form Two students. On her spare time, she brainstorms ideas and other creative stories to enhance her writing skills. Currently she is struggling to find a publisher for her book, but remains positive that before end of the year the book will be out. 

She plans to write more books which place the country in international radar. Her close pal and schoolmate Carol Ramarula describes Shonline as a hard worker, a role model who many teenagers can learn from. Furthermore, she believes the book will be informative and helpful to her peers. 

The young writer’s mother, Ester Russ says at first she was reluctant to allow her daughter to write the book as she feared that it might affect her studies. She describes her as focused and well-mannered child who is performing well in her studies. Ends