Schoolgirl, Maya Poghosyan, publishes first book at 12 years old

Anyone who has attempted to write a book is aware of the commitment and dedication it takes to get it to the point of publication and Maya Poghosyan has successfully completed this journey at the tender age of 12.

The book "The Flying Island" is a fantasy novella that tells the story of Erica, a girl living in an orphanage who rediscovers her origins and begins an exciting adventure with her friends to fulfill an astonishing prophecy. To do this they have to confront powerful and ancient mythical creatures who guard many secrets and hold the keys to their success.

Colorful, intriguing and fast paced the story follows the diverse group as they face frightening challenges and risk their own lives to save the lot of others.

“Maya has always loved writing and started sketching and storytelling in kindergarten’” says her mother, Hranush Kerobyan.

When asked about the origins of the story Maya admits that it was a bit of a creative experiment and an exploratory endeavor. Her writing journey began with a fourth grade ‘passion project’ and she did several drafts over the summer break from 6th to 7th Grade until she was content with the story line.

“I am thrilled that Maya’s story has been published, “said Principal Sheri Sweeney of Fallon Middle School in Dublin “these are the moments in a life of education that are so rewarding and that are worth celebrating. It is a wonderful achievement and I am very proud of her.”

Her English teachers, Ms Alise Venezia (6th Grade) and Ms Sarah Nice (7th Grade) are equally delighted. Ms Venezia said she had been aware that Maya was in the process of writing the book and was thrilled to see that she had completed it. She also presented Maya with a gift to mark her success. Ms Nice demonstrated her support by purchasing a copy of the book from Amazon and encouraged anyone who reads it to please add reviews.

“I write whenever an idea comes to mind and it's usually experiences that inspire me to use different elements in a story. Places like Napa Valley, Yosemite and Cancun have influenced the descriptions of locations in “The Flying Island,” says Maya.

When asked about the fight scenes in the story Maya acknowledged that her martial arts training influenced the descriptions. Her instructor, Master Seyd Saidi of Kuk Sool Won of Dublin was pleased to hear that her training had been incorporated into the story. “Techniques for self-defense are important in both real and fantasy worlds,” he quipped, “I could not be more proud of Maya and she has set a great example”. Maya explained that she wanted some seriousness to be added to make the story more realistic and the struggles of the characters more real and hazardous.

The school librarian, Ms Liana deWit-Smith was excited to see another publication by a Fallon Middle School student. There were two students prior to Maya who published books namely “The Timekeepers of Ancra” by Hannah Edge and “Dragon Age” by Cesar T. Dragula, both of whom are currently seniors at Dublin High School. Ms deWit-Smith hopes to see many more student works in the library’s collection.

Maya loved constructing the fantasy world in which the adventure is set and drew maps to orientate herself. Books that have inspired her include the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Maya had many conversations about the story with her younger brother Andre and said he was a very patient listener and hence she dedicated the book to him.

Her characters are fictitious but one of her heroines, Evelyn, has been modeled on a close friend. Maya constructed Erica, Liam, Connor and Evelyn, the four central characters in the story, around the four elements of air, fire, water and earth (rock).

Maya's fellow students at Fallon Middle School have been very encouraging and supportive and there were shouts and screams of delight at the news that her book was published and available for purchase on Amazon.

Maya said “It was very exciting to see my book in print and the artist who did the cover image, John Gaertner, interpreted my original sketches and descriptions beautifully and added wonderful details.”

Maya also has a penchant for poetry but as yet is not ready to submit any for publication.

When asked whether she intends to write any more books, Maya shyly acknowledged that she is planning a sequel to “The Flying Island” to expand on some of the plot lines and delve deeper into the characters.