Seventeen-year-old author Claudia Stuart Calisto has officially launched her debut novel, The Veyrith, marking a significant milestone in her journey as a young South African writer.

The launch, held on March 3, at Exclusive Books in Rosebank Mall, introduced readers to a fresh literary voice exploring themes of identity, resilience and belonging – ideas that resonate strongly across generations.

A fantasy story rooted in real emotion

The Veyrith is a lyrical fantasy novel set in a layered, almost sentient city, but at its core lies a deeply human story. Claudia describes the book as ‘fantasy, but hashtag reality’, highlighting the emotional truths woven into the narrative.

“It’s war, resilience, love,” she said. “What I want people to take from the book is to feel seen, not alone, and heard.”

While the novel provides a rich fictional world, the author herself stands at its heart, a thoughtful young voice navigating creativity and authorship while still in school.

From self-doubt to published author

Claudia’s writing journey began with uncertainty, as she initially doubted her own abilities.

“I inspired myself, because I didn’t even know I could write,” she said. “Teenagers and even adults write notes to remember things, and kids these days write their feelings down. So I put it all in dots and decided, let me try to write a book.”

Despite concerns about her English, she remained determined. With the help of her editor, Lia Marus, she transformed her ideas into a completed novel.

Writing The Veyrith took nine months, a process Claudia describes as both demanding and rewarding.

“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “Sometimes you write and think, ‘this grammar won’t work’, then you try to find a better word.”

She also deliberately chose to rely on her own thinking rather than artificial tools. “I couldn’t use AI, because I don’t want to be that type of writer,” she explained. “It took me time to come up with names and ideas, but I wanted it to come from me.”

Music became a key part of her creative process, particularly songs by American singer-songwriter and YouTuber Alex Warren.

“Every time I felt like taking a break, I listened to his music; his songs are exactly like my book, each chapter feels like a different song.”

A message for young people

Beyond the pages of her book, Claudia is passionate about encouraging others, especially young people, to express themselves.

“I want to bring people’s voice out, especially the ones that cannot,” she said. “If you go on social media, you see so many people struggle and that needs to be heard more.”

She has already begun building a presence as a motivational influencer, using her platform to uplift others and share messages of self-worth and resilience.

Additionally, Claudia credits her mother as her biggest source of strength and support.

Her journey has required sacrifice. Once active in hockey, swimming and soccer, she now prioritises rest amid a demanding schedule.

“Whenever I’m free, I sleep,” she said. “Since I started this journey, it’s very busy, so I take my sleep very seriously.”

Looking ahead

Although she has just launched her first book, Claudia is already thinking about the future. A second book is in progress, and she hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy after completing her matric.

For those hoping to follow in her footsteps, Claudia shared: “Don’t give up. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you don’t do it, even if it’s blood. Focus on yourself and do things that make you love yourself more.”