Young author publishes Living 15

Tell us more about Living 15

Living 15 reflects the youthful mind of a teenager — our fears, our hopes and our dreams, it articulates all these feelings and experiences we face as adolescents and helps us to relate to this significant phase of life. It highlights the demons haunting the current generation; challenges which no other generation has gone through. 

The poems in the book focus on various aspects of life from the point of view of someone who is still learning about themselves. There are poems which are depressing, that show the truth of the world as it is, while others show the magic.  Reading the book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of happiness, realisation, laughter and sadness. 

Why did you write the book?

I believe teenagers are one of the most powerful age groups in the world. We possess a unique power -  it’s called connection. Through friendships, social media and the human instinct to be communal, we can share ideas an incredible rate.

During the pandemic, many teenagers were irritated and frustrated about losing important years to quarantine.  I wrote Living 15 to show teenagers that you can do anything you want to, if you want it to happen with your whole heart. Teenagers are often misunderstood.  The book is also an attempt to show people who teenagers truly are.

What inspired you?

The biggest inspiration for writing this book was my ten-year-old sister. She still has time before she becomes a teenager.  The thought that she will have to face the same societal boundaries, pressure and stresses thrusted upon us today scares me. The motivation for the book was to help create a more comfortable and supportive environment for all children who will become teenagers in the future.

Why did you choose poetry rather than prose?

As a first time author, writing poetry seemed less daunting. I doubted my commitment at first but I fell in love with writing poetry once I actually started. As I progressed with the book, it felt less like work and the ideas started flowing, so much so that there were quite a few poems that never made it into print.

Which author inspires your writing most?

Rupi Kaur - she was an overnight sensation with her poetry in Milk and Honey.  My poetry style is quite like hers in the sense that both our styles have a short but fast paced flow. I enjoy writing shorter pieces compared to longer ones because as a reader in today’s world, I find I have the time to read long paragraphs of text and comprehend it instantly.  Short poetry has a certain burst of energy since it has so much emotion bundled up in just a few lines.

Do you think your time at the Academy has given you confidence to write?

Definitely, I am very grateful to the Academy for shaping my skills and helping realise this newfound love for writing.  It’s not just my teachers but my friends too, who supported me and gave me the little push needed to start working on my book, and perhaps more books in the future.

What would you like young adults to take away when they read the poetry?

The biggest take away from the book for young adults is that they aren't alone. I wrote the book to be a comfort read.  I want it to be like a friend they can relate to; a guide who helps them during hard times, and a sibling who celebrates the good with them – a book that feels like home.

What do you think young adults need the most but is not being provided at the moment?

A listening ear.  Many parents of teenagers believe that guiding their child would do good for them, but honestly, as young adults we aren’t being guided as much as we are being pushed.  It’s like a line is drawn and we have to walk along that - one steps out and we’re ruined. The best thing we could receive from our mentors and parents is just undivided, non-judgemental attention no matter what, and I believe with my whole heart that parents who listen to their kids, raise far better human beings than those who don’t.

How much did you own experiences inspire you?

While much of the book is based on fears and joys that all teenagers face, there are few special poems that I hold dear to my heart; words that reflect me as I am; my own struggles; my own joys and words I would want myself to follow. The book is, in a way, a note to myself.