Not too long ago, I made a conscious decision to channel my time and energy into writing for children and young adults. In my view, this demographic often finds themselves inundated with a barrage of information, saturated with sci-fi fantasies and tales of larger-than-life superheroes portrayed as the world’s saviours, all cloaked in the enchantment of imaginary magic. I witnessed it during my young interaction with my grandson who requested me to help him draw one such strange imaginary character whose appearance was all fantastic. During my interaction with the teen agers-firstly it is hard to find ones who like to read books due to the lure of social media and if you find ones-they are overwhelmed by unrealistic fantastical literature. It lead me to contemplate if the youngsters were not being lead too far from realities. But the fantasies are, so adeptly marketed and enticingly presented, seem to captivate young minds to the point of obsession.
Amidst this whirlwind of fantastical narratives, I couldn’t help but ponder the neglect of stories grounded in the realities of life—tales that could serve as guides for navigating the complexities of the world. This contemplation sparked my journey of penning two small novels, each addressing pressing social issues, aimed at instilling compassion and fortitude in young hearts.
The first of these narratives, “God’s Neglected Child,” follows the courageous journey of a retired female domestic worker, portraying the harsh realities of abuse, alcoholism, and domestic violence with unflinching realism. This single childless widow, sharing the home with her husband’s nephew tries to make her living through a small tea and snack shop housed under the staircase of her little abode. Yet, amidst the hardships, it weaves a tale of resilience and redemption, through the support of a compassionate social worker. Thus igniting a spark within young readers to effect positive change in society.
The second story, “Repentance and Atonement,” delves into the life of a 16-year-old boy named Arun, who inadvertently takes the life of a five-year-old and is subsequently sent to a juvenile detention centre. As Arun grapples with guilt and shattered relationships, his unwavering commitment to his ideals becomes a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of determination even in the face of adversity.
Through these narratives, I aimed to caution youngsters against the perils of impulsive actions while also celebrating the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Although these books haven’t garnered substantial commercial success due to my limited resources for marketing, I took solace in knowing that they could still reach readers. I placed paperback copies in the waiting room of our dentist’s clinic, where patients could peruse them during their appointments.
Receiving feedback that the story of the juvenile offender felt strikingly real was a validating moment for me as an emerging author. It affirmed my ability to craft fiction that resonates closely with reality—a testament to the power of storytelling. Such moments, however small, remind me why I embarked on this journey of writing, making each day feel like a triumph!
Despite limited outreach, my dedication to writing and sharing stories with young readers remains unwavering. I continue to pursue my passion for writing and publishing on various platforms to connect with my audience. Moving forward, I invite you to join me on my website, https://vijaykumardhingra.com, where you can explore updates on my writing journey, upcoming projects, and deeper insights into the themes explored in my stories. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where I’ll be sharing news, articles, and discussions related to storytelling and social issues. Your support means everything to me, and I’m excited to embark on this journey together. Let’s stay in touch. Cheers!
Inspire Positivity 