Malebese Ngwana, 14, of Louis Trichardt loves reading books. She writes: “I love fairy tales and real life stories. Reading makes me feel like I am in the stories. I also love cooking and my favourite dish is meat-ball soup.” She likes to help other teenagers who are fi nding life diffi cult. She does this work with a group of her friends “because we know what other teens are going through with their peers at school and at home”. Her beliefs include “following your dream, and being thankful for what you have…”.

We often receive letters from aspiring writers and poets who want to have their work published. When you are still in your early teens, like Kopano Masemola, of Temba, with more years of schooling ahead of you, we suggest you start by asking the person who teachers English (or the language in which your book has been written) if they would read your book (or books in Kopano’s case). They can then either discuss it with you or write down their honest opinion of the story. You could also ask your school principal or the librarian at your nearest library. Be proud of your work, but don’t be discouraged if people criticise it. This is the only way to learn. The most important thing is to read, read and read some more, especially the writings of famous authors; and keep on writing. Good luck!