BEING on the autism spectrum means that she feels and processes emotions differently than most, and that is why she has taken those experiences and brought them together in her debut novel, published on her birthday.
Describing the publishing of her book on April 19 as a birthday gift to herself, Nelson Mandela Bay’s Josie Wild, who turns 22 today, said that becoming an author has always been her dream.
As a student in Creative Writing at UNISA, she plans to make this her full-time career once she graduates.
Although Wild has previously performed original spoken word poetry at the How It’s Done event in the Bay, The Dainty Spirit is her first published book.
She also has a few short stories and poetry in submission for publication in online literary magazines.
Wild explained that The Dainty Spirit is a highly experimental piece of literary fiction that took her approximately four months to write.
It follows the journey of a young woman with a damaged psyche entering an alternate reality. She is posed with a strange quest to retrieve an ancient staff, but first she must battle her insecurities along the way.
“I have been making up stories in my head since I was a child as I have a very vivid imagination. Spending most of my time in my own head, I was the strange child on the playground!
“I started writing creatively in high school and I have not stopped since. It was after a teacher told me that I had a gift for writing that I decided to make it my goal to write and publish books,” said Wild.
She explained that she is incredibly inspired by nature and Africa’s natural splendour. Therefore, being in nature provides her with the inspiration to write descriptively, which she says is her forte. It also encourages her to pay close attention to the smallest details.
“I am also inspired by the human psyche, often making it a theme in my writing. To me, my writing is not only an outlet for creative expression, but also a stream of conscious thoughts.
“You must fully immerse yourself in the story you have created, so much so that the words begin to flow as you think about it. You then capture it on paper. Writing is also a great tool for healing from trauma, allowing you to express your feelings in a healthy way.”
Wild added that balancing everyday life and writing is something she has not yet mastered, but believes that you must have the discipline to make time for your craft among your other responsibilities.
“That is the biggest challenge for me. I believe that writer’s block is an illusion. Everyone can find inspiration within themselves and create something from it. I would also describe the highlight of being a writer as your ability to connect with your readers through the work that you put out.
“There is no better feeling in the world than someone saying that they could relate to your writing, or that it evoked great emotion within them. Moments like that make it all worth it.”
Her advice to aspiring writers is to not fall into the “impostor syndrome” trap. This is when you feel anxious and doubt your abilities.
“Your story is meant to be in the world. Believe in yourself and your capabilities, and be proud of your talent. There are readers that will love your work.”
The book is available on Amazon.com in Kindle e-book for R55 and in paperback form for R143.
“I am looking into selling it through Takealot as well as stocking it in independent stores around the country,” said Wild.
