Strubenvale author launches first book
The book places an importance of mental health.
What started as a desire to pen down words for a song resulted in the birth of an internationally recognised book.
Jenice van Jaarsveld (33) is the proud author of The Barquentine Merry.
The Strubenvale-raised writer says she delved into writing at the age of 27.
“I wanted to craft a song about a girl on a beach who witnessed a stranded ship. This initial inspiration blossomed into a passion, eventually evolving into the creation of the novel.”
The mother of two, who is already penning the second instalment of the series, says she wants her readers to comprehend the importance of protecting one’s mental well-being.
“The captivating tale of Alexa who fiercely preserved her individuality amidst the trials and tribulations of life.
Despite the fact that she had lost everything and everyone in her natural world.
“I have faith that your time aboard The Barquentine Merry will allow you to see the beauty of our natural world as well as the vital role that love and happiness play in our lives.
“I implore you to cherish your mental well-being, it is the anchor that guides us through life’s tempestuous seas,” reads a part of the synopsis.
Jenice says a myriad of emotions accompanied the news of her book receiving international accreditation.
“It was joy, pride and a pinch of disbelief.
“It’s a culmination of hard work, dedication, and the realisation that your work has resonated with a global audience.”
Like any other author, Jenice has her own way of preparing herself and her writing space for writing her masterpieces.
“I start with prayer aligned with a comfortable writing space. I love gazing into the distance when preparing my mind to write along with a quiet environment and subtle music to calm my spirit.”
The author who studied project management and has a love for problem-solving says she no longer subscribes to the notion of writer’s block.
“I permit myself to jot down anything that comes to mind, even if it’s unrelated to my current writing. I discovered that much of what may initially seem like “nonsense” can evolve into valuable ideas for a more substantial piece.”
Jenice has now developed a new passion for designing alongside her love for writing.
“I hope that you will fall in love with Alexa’s tale as I have along the gripping journey, woven with mysteries and secrets, shattered hearts, trust betrayed, and lives taken, all aboard a ship sailing the mysterious Bermuda Triangle.”
Jenice held her book signing at Hideout Café on Sunday as part of her book tour.
