Twenty-year-old Lauren Joseph is attempting a feat in one year that older, more established writers haven't completed in a lifetime. The College of Technology, Arts and Applied Science of T&T (Costaatt) Journalism student published one book last year, and is seeking to publish 20 books in 2012. Asked if she didn't think the goal is a bit unrealistic, Joseph says she has already completed the majority of her writing. "Most of it is done already and I have written on a host of topics. From social issues, love and parenting to homosexuality, life and T&T's national heroes," Joseph said. Joseph was recognised last year by the National Library and Information Systems (Nalis) as a first-time published author for her book Revelation Awakes Us. She says that book was about helping young people form a close relationship with God. 'The book is composed of Bible verses and poems and deals with the coming of Christ and why we must prepare for it," Joseph said.
She believes the 84-page book can help young people reflect on the last book of the bible as well as make changes in their lives. Revelation Awakes Us is available on Amazon.com Joseph started writing when she was 16-years-old.
"I had won an award for having the best performance in my class in Agricultural Science and my teacher gave me a book," said Joseph. She said at the time she wasn't a fan of reading and so the book just sat in her room for about six months. "One afternoon, I came home and started reading it, when I was finished I felt like I could have done a much better job than the author, so I picked up a pen and started writing a poem," Joseph said. "As I wrote I realised how freeing the activity felt, it became a way for me to let go a lot of emotional hurt." Joseph says she grew up without her mother in her life and as a result was subjected to abusive situations. "I feel that because of what I went through I could show people that I never gave up so they shouldn't either," Joseph said.
Joseph says she has never had the support of her family. She recalls telling her father that she would publish a book before she turned 19 and when she did, he did not pay much attention. "My family sees it as a hobby and not as a career. They are not as supportive as I would like but I still do what I can to try and make them proud. "I have a dream that I must be the greatest writer on earth and I must be able to inspire and help young people," said Joseph. Joseph is now seeking sponsorship to help her publish her books and is calling on corporate T&T to support her writing. "I know I can write but without the support a lot of people let their talent just go to the wayside and I don't want that to happen," she said.
