Author pens children’s book

LOCAL author, Michael Marnewick, has ventured into the realm of the youth with his latest book, Steve Tackles Life.

Marnewick, who previously published two books on sport, says his latest work took about eight months to put together. “I wrote about twenty per cent of it in the first seven months and the last ninety per cent in the eighth month. I had been through a breakup and used the writing to help heal. When the words start to flow, it’s time to make hay while the sun shines, and some days I managed to write 4000 words!” he said.

“I love writing, it’s my passion! I also love my children to the moon and back and felt I could write a book which children would enjoy. As my two previous books were about sport, this was definitely something different!” he said.

Steve Tackles Life is aimed at children aged seven to 14 years and tackles subjects such as single parenting, bullying and trauma, inter-personal relationships, sports, dreams and accomplishments and hopes dashed. The book is about a 10-year-old boy, Steve, and his childhood tribulations. “There are a lot of messages in this book, and as a dad, I am into that! I encourage readers to study and learn, but it’s also an enjoyable read for children,” he said.

This book will be the first in a series of other books to come, as Marnewick has plans for more, setting himself a goal of one book a year.

“My aim was that this would be a boy’s book but through focus groups and research with children regarding the characters, relevance and language, the results surprised me, as the girls in the group really enjoyed the book too! Their feedback was very helpful,” he said.

He also recently read some of the book to learners at St Henry’s Marist College who gave him the nod of approval.

“I come from a family of voracious readers. My grandmother was the city librarian and we all loved reading. I am trying to encourage my girls to read too!” he said.

For more information on the book, contact Michael on 084 606 1631 or michael@sharksrugby.co.za.