Lockport Teen Publishes First Novel

LOCKPORT, IL — Lockport teenager Josiah Posey was only 15 when he started writing his first book, "The Theatrical Tragedy," which was published in September.

Posey said the Christian novel is about Doctor Akel Rose, a genius who feels like he's already learning everything.

"After discovering a dusty old Bible in his driveway, the doctor's fascination with the world is rekindled. And when otherworldly spirits contact the doctor, his passion for power is ignited, and his thirst for knowledge becomes unquenchable," Posey told Patch.

The 17-year-old and Lockport Township High School student said the book focuses on the fight between right and wrong, and consequences of choices.

Posey said his ideas for writing just come to him, and he can picture a scene in his head before putting it down on the page.

"Also, when I get in a flow, it's like I'm writing a story that's already written and just filling in the words," he said.

"Creatively, I'm very, very visual. Sometimes, I see a scene play out in my head. It's like seeing a picture or watching a movie; it's hard to explain, but it's super cool," Posey added.

The teenager started writing the book two years ago, and received three contracts for his novel when he was 16. Now, at 17, "The Theatrical Tragedy" was published by Koehler Books.

Posey said that he didn't have experience writing books before this, although he has written songs since he was a child.

"I had never written a short story besides schoolwork, and this novel was my first book and my first effort at writing a story. It's cool to say that the first story I wrote was successful," he said.

In the future, Posey doesn't plan to stop writing. He would like to write a Christian television show next, as well as a Christian musical and short film.

The book is available for purchase on Barnes and Noble's website.