ne Brooklyn eight-grade student has turned her hobby into an early profession, granting her the title of published author.
13-year-old Angela Content says reading is one of her favorite activities — so much so that she decided to write her own stories that have now turned into two self-published books.
Angela’s mother, Marie Content, told
CBS New York that she had no idea her daughter was serious about becoming an author until she approached her one day and was surprised to hear the news.
“At first she said, ‘Mommy, I’m going to write a book. I’m writing my own book,’ I said, ‘OK.’ She said, ‘I’m going to publish it.’ I said, ‘OK,’” Marie Content told CBS.
“And then finally one day she said: ‘Mommy, my book is going to publish. I already transmitted everything — it’s going to take 24 hours, they’re going to review it. I said, ‘OK,’” Marie Content said. “And then the next day, I heard it’s on Amazon. I’m like, ‘Oh my God!’”
Angela has written two books: one is a sci-fi fantasy titled
“Awake and Alive,” and the other is a romance novel titled
“Shattered.” Each book reportedly took her three month to write, with her latest novel reaching just over 200 pages. She also writes the stories by hand — and explains that doing so helps create a constant flow of creativity.
“Whatever pops in my head, I just continue writing it,” Angela said. “It just flows on paper. On the computer, I just kind of get stuck.”
After finishing both of her novels, Angela used the website CreateSpace to self-publish both of her books. They are now available on several websites, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Her mother says her daughter’s passion for reading was helped by the limited TV and Internet access she was allowed growing up — and encourages other parents to instill similar discipline.
“I wish all the parents can do the same — keep the electronic stuff away from the kids and talk to them more; hear what they have to say,” Marie content said.
Angela is currently working on writing two more books that she hopes to publish this summer. But while she enjoys writing, she says her ultimate professional goal is to become a financial planner.
As for her advice to other kids, Angela said: “Continue to follow your dreams. You’re going to feel great once you actually accomplish what you set your mind to.”
