Inspired by a power that lives within, 17-year-old Claudia Stuart Calisto launched her first book, The Veyrith, at Exclusive Books on March 3 in Rosebank Mall.

“My book is about resilience and love, but also about the quiet strength it takes to keep going when you don’t fully understand what you’re carrying. It was inspired by power, the kind that lives inside you, waiting for the moment you’re brave enough to face it.”

Claudia noted that there were moments when she wanted to give up writing her book. “Writing a book is harder than it looks, especially when the story feels bigger than you, but every time I felt like stopping, I didn’t. Instead, I would listen to Alex Warren.”

Read more: Author launches her second book at book bash at Puntans Hill Sports Club

She added that Warren’s music feels like how her book sounds: Emotional, raw, and full of quiet strength.

The author hopes that when people read her book they don’t feel alone. “I hope they feel seen. I hope they realise that whatever war they’re facing, they are strong enough to survive it.”

The 17-year-old added that she also hopes readers remember that real friendship and real love is meant to stay with you through every storm.

Claudia concluded that her favourite author is Amber Smith.

“When I read her book, The Way I Used to Be, I felt truly seen for the first time. It made me realise how powerful stories can be. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a writer, so I could make other people feel that same sense of not being alone.”

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