Shristi Ashmaya, 12, was among the authors who launched new works at the Durban International Book Fair over the weekend.
Twelve-year-old Shristi Ashmaya launched her debut book at Durban International Book Fair which took place at The Globe, Suncoast from Wednesday August 9 to Sunday August 13.
Shristi’s novel, Agent to Hero, is an action-packed thriller which, she says, “will take young readers through a journey into their own world, the underworld, the overworld and planets beyond, flowing with mystery, imagination, creating thrills and perhaps sometimes butterflies in their tummies”.
She discovered her passion for writing when she was six, she said.
“Six years ago, with pages stapled together to make a book I would commence writing short stories about nature,” said Shristi.
“During the lockdown with Covid-19 and lots of spare time, my writing and love for writing increased tremendously. I increased my subject matter from nature to the wonderful world of fiction.
“Creative arts and nature are my passion. When I dance more especially ballet, play the piano, dabble in paints or just mere pencil sketches, I find inspiration and lose myself in creativity.
“I love spending time with my granddad on his farm. It’s a picturesque scene with the geese and ducks gliding in the pool, the chicken clucking, the goats munching on the green field and the fresh air provided by the beautiful gardens. It is my ‘get away’ place,” Shristi said.
Durban International Book Fair co-founder Anivesh Singh said the five-day event, renowned for celebrating literature and promoting emerging talent, was the perfect platform for the young author to share her work with a wider audience.
“This prestigious event gathers renowned authors, publishers, literary agents, and avid readers from around the country, offering an exceptional opportunity for Shristi to make a mark on the literary scene,” he said.
The Durban International Book Fair is an annual event that celebrates literature, promotes literacy, and showcases emerging and established authors from around the world. The fair provides a platform for literary discussions, book launches, signings, and other engaging activities that bring together authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts.
The fair, hosted by the Durban Book Fair NPO, has launched more than 480 new books over four years despite the Covid-19 interruption, and this year’s theme was “The book & beyond”.