Maxim Pathirana, a 15-year-old student from London, has become one of the youngest published authors in the United Kingdom, with the release of his debut fantasy novel, The One They Have to Fear. This milestone achievement not only showcases his exceptional writing talent but also underscores the power of perseverance, dedication, and passion for storytelling, regardless of age.
Maxim’s interest in writing began long before his teenage years. Born in 2009 in London to Sri Lankan-British parents, Maxim’s love for storytelling was nurtured from an early age. Authors like J.K. Rowling and Derek Landy, whose works such as the Harry Potter and Skulduggery Pleasant series, left a lasting influence on him as a young child. From the age of eight, Maxim began to experiment with creative writing, penning short stories and whimsical poems in Russian. He shared his early works on a personal blog, which became a platform for his creative growth and a way to connect with others who shared his passion for writing.
The global COVID-19 pandemic, while bringing many challenges, unexpectedly provided Maxim with the opportunity to dedicate himself fully to his writing. With the country in lockdown and children confined to their homes, Maxim found solace in the world of his imagination. Encouraged by his family, who recognized his potential, he began working on his first novel, The One They Have to Fear. What started as a personal project during a time of uncertainty quickly grew into something much larger.
Maxim balanced his schoolwork with hours of writing, vigilantly pouring his creativity into a manuscript. Despite the challenges of juggling school and writing, he completed the novel before leaving primary school, an impressive feat for any writer, let alone one so young. His ability to maintain such focus and discipline during a tumultuous time speaks to his dedication to his craft.
The One They Have to Fear is a fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. The story follows Florindil Menace, an orphan who embarks on a journey to find a place where she truly belongs. Dark forces confront Florindil, alone and vulnerable, threatening not only her world but also her very existence. As evil looms closer, Florindil must find the strength to confront the sinister enemy and prevent an all-consuming darkness from taking over.
The novel is a testament to Maxim’s ability to craft intricate, imaginative worlds filled with vivid landscapes and gripping storylines. Maxim draws inspiration from his love for Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, infusing his writing with timeless themes of good versus evil, courage in the face of adversity, and the power of self-discovery. His ability to capture these themes in a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking is truly a remarkable achievement.
The process of publication was not without its challenges for the young author, as after completing his manuscript, the young author faced the daunting task of revising his work and pitching it to publishers. The process of refining his plot, undergoing multiple rounds of editorial revisions, and negotiating with publishers required patience and resilience. However, Maxim’s determination paid off when Pegasus Publishers agreed to bring The One They Have to Fear to life.
On September 26th, Maxim officially launched the book, marking a significant milestone in his literary career. He continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring writers everywhere, showing that age is no barrier to success.
Reflecting on his journey, Maxim offers valuable advice to aspiring writers: “Just be yourself; your ideas can be as nonsensical as you like as long as they are personal to you. I think aspiring writers should try not to fall into the traps of clichés or rely too much on typical conventions. Instead, they should write from the heart, staying true to their own style.” This advice highlights the importance of authenticity in writing, encouraging future authors to embrace their unique voices and take creative risks. Maxim’s unwavering commitment to pursuing his dreams, whether it was writing in his free time as a young child or overcoming the challenges of publishing a novel, serves as a testament to his determination.
As a secondary school student, the writing process behind the second installment of the One They Have to Fear series is already underway. Maxim’s teachers have been increasingly supportive of his literary ambitions, and his future as a writer looks incredibly promising. With his debut novel already available in bookstores and online retailers, Maxim’s journey as a writer is just beginning. For fans of fantasy and young adult literature, The One They Have to Fear offers a captivating introduction to an emerging voice in the genre.
Maxim’s journey from a young writer to a published author is an inspiring story of creativity, passion, and hard work, and it proves that no dream is too big and no age is too young to achieve greatness.
