Mumbai: Mentorship programme for novel writing in school leads to 44 teens penning works which have been published

Hussaina Divasli 15 a Std X student at MSB school has always had the goal of becoming an architect But a mentorship programme for novel writing in school led her to fall in love with words At an event where their books were launched on Saturday Hussaina and 43 other budding authors aged 13 to 18 years shared their journey of transforming their thoughts into storiesThe books of these 44 teenagers students of the Dawoodi Bohra communityrsquos MSB Educational Institutes from India and abroad take the readers to faraway places to meet new characters and experience thrills chills and laughterlsquoPassion for writingrsquoThe book writing programme is part of the lsquoYoung Authorsrsquo initiative by the MSB school headquartered in Mumbai The objective was to enhance the literary skills of young students who have a passion for writing Young Authors was originally organised by MSB Chennai twice before on a very small scale This year students from MSB schools in India and from their branches in countries like Kenya and Tanzania took partAlso Read Mumbai How many times will they break our campus wall ask studentsldquoThe idea is to offer young students national and international recognition to transform budding writers into established authors The primary goal here was to enhance their literary skills However after the completion of the 18month programme the outcome was much more than what we expectedrdquo said Rashida Mustafa a teacher at MSB Chennai and mentor forYoung AuthorsThe programme offered students insights into the art of writing fiction and nonfiction supported by workshops to enhance their skillsThe MSB department teamed up with renowned author Neil DrsquoSilva and childrenrsquos book author Lubaina Tyebji to mentor the students through their 18month journeylsquoJust some guidancersquoDrsquoSilva said ldquoI spoke to them about the structure of stories how characters are built etc These teenagers needed some handholding and guidance From the start of the programme to now when their books are launched I see they are much more confident Many want to continue writing I made them autograph their books for merdquoThe books will be available on Amazonin Money from their sale will go to the authorsThe budding authorsHussaina Divasli 15 resident of MazgaonBook title The Ardent LassieThe story of a hijabclad athlete who aspires others to excel in sports in the national and international arenasldquoThis has been a mesmerising experience I could actually complete my book and I got such a good response from the visitors I wanted to pursue a career in architecture and interior design But now I wish to continue writing Writing will always be part of my liferdquo said HussainaIbrahim Madraswala 18 resident of ChennaiBook title Skeletons of Savannah SoSIt is the story of five friends who take time off their hectic lives to explore wildlife at Masai MaraIbrahim said ldquoFrom time to time I was reluctant about many things But I completed my book successfully My parents are very proud Now my mind is bursting with ideas and I canrsquot wait to write another bookrdquoInsiya Ezzi 16 resident of TanzaniaBook title The Royal Mystery The mysteries of the Moon LampThe book revolves around a boyrsquos quest to obtain the titular lamp which is believed to have powers to heal the sickldquoFrom childhood my mother used to tell us mystical stories which inspired me to write this story Also I have always been curious about moon lamps I have had moments of selfdoubt where I used to ask myself lsquoWill I be able to do itrsquo I am so happy I was able to overcome all that and finish my bookrdquo said Insiya