A JOURNEY FROM IMAGINATION TO REALITY
Yixin Zhang is a Year 10 (Grade 9) student at Bangkok Patana School. Here she tells the story of writing her first novel.
Finding a passion for reading
The idea of embarking on this journey began during a time when I was uncertain about my future and the career paths available to me. I lacked direction and wasn’t particularly passionate about writing, nor did I engage in it much. However, everything changed in Year 9 (Grade 8) when I was introduced to classic literature by Ms. Tyrell. That ignited a passion and transformed my perspective on reading and writing. This newfound critical approach allowed me to progress quickly, refine my writing skills and think more deeply about how I might create something meaningful too.
Stories that lingered
The idea of publishing a novel began in the quiet corners of my mind, where stories would turn themselves into tapestries of characters, settings and plots. These ideas lingered, eager to be set free, but the demands of student life kept them confined. Classes, assignments, and exams left little room for creative indulgence. However, the desire to bring my imagination to life never wavered.
The discipline of writing
Balancing academics and writing was no easy feat. Then I read Stephen King explaining how he wrote, setting himself a goal of 2,000 words each day. I made a promise to myself that I would follow his methods. Late nights turned into early mornings as I poured all my experiences into each chapter. There were moments of doubt, times when the words refused to flow, and days when my other responsibilities were so stressful that they threatened to take away my motivation for anything. But I pushed through everyday, opening my computer to type for hours without breaks, because short breaks lead to long ones. Writing became my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the pressures of the outside world and lose myself in the universe I was creating.
I sought out resources, connected with mentors, and embraced every opportunity to learn about the publishing world. The more I delved into it, the more I realised that the path of an author is one of resilience and tenacity.
Book cover
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey was designing the cover of my novel. I wanted it to reflect the essence of my story, and what better way than to create it myself? Armed with a paintbrush and a vision, I set out to bring my cover to life. It turned out exactly as I imagined in my head: black background with simplicity and a cake.
A story as a physical thing
Holding the first printed copy of my novel was a moment of joy. The weight of the book in my hands was a tangible reminder of the work that had gone into its creation. It was no longer just a figment of my imagination; it was a reality—a dream realised. Teachers have told me that I have accomplished more than the average student – something I never saw in myself because I felt that everyone else always shone with talent while I watched from the backseats. Now, my proudest work is available to be bought on Amazon.
Lessons learned
Looking back, my journey as a student author taught me invaluable lessons. It reinforced the importance of perseverance, the power of imagination, and the beauty of turning dreams into reality.
I now know that while imagination is important, the discipline needed to bring imagination to life is more important. The journey may be tough and the path may be blurry from afar and you are uncertain, but the rewards are beyond measure.
Support and encouragement
And I owe a lot to others. Without the support and encouragement of many people at school, my journey wouldn’t have been possible:
Ms Hellens: Her unwavering support and encouragement were invaluable. She was always there for me, even during difficult times unrelated to writing. Her care, and constant check-ins ensured I stayed on track and felt supported throughout my journey.
Mr Conroy: His counselling sessions were crucial in helping me express my thoughts and navigate the challenges. His efforts in coordinating with other teachers ensured I received the resources and support I needed.
Turbo: A student who played a major key role in the physical production of my book. His dedication to helping others made the entire publishing process smoother. His kindness and perseverance were instrumental in making the physical copies of my book a reality!
Everyone: Initially, I was scared to share my work, fearing their reactions. However, their positive feedback and encouragement were overwhelming and their support boosted my confidence and inspired me to continue my journey.
The story itself
And the book itself? I really let my imagination go! It’s a Greek tragedy. A tale of cat and mouse, of fools, evildoers, and strokes of fate as seen through through the eyes of a young lady in 19th century Greece, exploring self-doubt, identity, and perception. I aimed to make this story timeless and elegant, because in every great tale, there lies a universal truth.
Yixin Zhang, is a Year 10 student at Bangkok Patana School and writes as Beverly Marquise. Her first novel, Marionettes, is available from Amazon,
Feature Image: by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash
Support Images: Kindly provided by Yixin & Getty Images For Unsplash+Â
