Though school going, Devanshi Gupta’s thoughts and perceptions are mature and quite beyond her age. That is what one gathers while talking to the VIII standard student of New Delhi’s St. Xaviers Senior Secondary School who has penned two novels — Mysterious Mrs. Jain (Prabhat Books) in 2013 at age 11, followed by The Secret of Volcanic Island (Ocean Books P. Ltd.) the next year.
“I am very fond of reading and have read lots of thrillers, mystery and adventure books. In fact, these persuaded and motivated me to write both the books,” explains Devanshi the reason behind writing stories in the genre. Incorporating twists and turns, in the first book, sisters Tanya and Sanya uncover the truth about a cunning elderly woman neighbour who claims to be their mother’s friend.
The second book narrates the adventures of Shweta who visits a deserted island with her parents and cousin during her vacations.
Her main protagonists are children of present times who are very much into computers, i-pads, i-pods and modern gadgets but at the same time are inquisitive, eager to explore and make forays into the unknown.
Devanshi, like any other school-going child, has enough on her platter to keep her occupied. Besides studies, she actively participates in games and extra-curricular activities. When does she find time to write? “One has to and I am able to. Anyway, nobody studies and plays for 24 hours,” she says.
What about distractions (though these are attractions for children) which beckon other kids? Agreeing that she too is fond of playing computer, mobile, video games, etc., Devanshi points out, “It is not necessary to devote oneself completely to these. You can space all these activities to make yourself free and devote it to reading and writing the way I do it.”
The young author is all praise for her parents and teachers who have always supported and encouraged her to write. “The first time I wrote short stories incorporating morals and showed to my father and mother, they liked and appreciated them, inspiring me to continue. Besides, the praise heaped by my teachers on my writing style has been a motivating factor.”
An ardent admirer of Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, Percy Jackson and Molly Moon series, Devanshi is busy writing an underwater adventure story. She says she will continue writing books in the mystery and adventure genre.
“I want to write about those topics which I would like to read myself.” Keen on continuing writing, she says, “Initially, I want to take up teaching in a school as I know one cannot make enough money by just writing. I will become a full-time writer once I earn enough through it.”
