Young Author Gives Back to the Community
While most eleven-year-olds are playing road hockey or struggling over their long-division homework, Luay Eljamal was writing a book. Now 15, Eljamal definitely qualifies as one of Fort McMurray's youngest published authors. The Westwood high school student has finally seen his dreams come to fruition as his first novel, Jason Love and the Eternal Sphinx, is published and the first copies now available for sale.
Writing has always come naturally for Eljamal, who came to Fort McMurray from Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates, four years ago. His family was drawn here by the same potential for opportunity that has brought so many others to this far northern city. "We came for the opportunities, for Canada's fantastic education system and the economic opportunities in Fort McMurray," Eljamal explains. Eljamal attended Thickwood Heights Elementary School, where he penned the first novel in what he plans to be a series. Eljamal attends Westwood High School, which in known for its fine arts programs. "I have always loved drama and theatre," says Eljamal, who recently performed in Keyano Theatre's production of Grease.
A love of literature was instilled young. "My mother read books to me from as early as I can remember," the young author recalls. "I think this was my starting point. I've always loved the idea that words can take you to different places, to unexplored realms that you have never imagined. Reading and writing have been a stress-reliever, an escape from boredom, and outlet to express my ideas and feelings."
Eljamal's first novel is part mystery, part adventure and part coming-of-age story, in the tradition of Harry Potter. "It's about a young boy who realizes that he has been blessed with a strange gift, but doesn't know how to use it," explains Eljamal. The young protagonist, Jason Love, is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding his father's death. "His travels bring him to Egypt, where he discovers the mysterious Eternal Sphinx, which will grant him one wish, provided he performs a series of tasks." Determined to have his dream of bringing his father back to life granted, Love sets about fulfilling the Sphinx's demands. His adventures in Egypt and his journey of self-discovery make for an interesting read for Eljamal's target audience, which is kids aged ten to twelve.
Eljamal describes his writing style as having more depth than the typical children's novel. "I like to explore controversial issues and ideas in my writing," he says. "I raise questions, challenge personal opinions and bring my own experiences into my book." Eljamal believes that his novel offers layers of meaning that will appeal to adults as well as children. "I have inserted proverbs into the beginning of each chapter which gives the novel more depth. This will appeal to the adults who are reading the book with their child, as it gived more insight into Jason's character and adds depth to the book. It's more than just a story," explains Eljamal.
Eljamal believes children will be attracted to his work for its action-packed plot. "It's an adventure story, so there are many twists and turns," he says. "I think children will also enjoy the exotic locale - they learn a lot about Egyptian culture and history."
Eljamal has big plans for Jason Love. He is already planning the next book in the series. "Readers will learn more about Jason's past, and the family plot that existed before he was even born." Eljamal promises more twists and turns to keep the young reader interested. "There will be many more levels to the plot, more international locations and adventures."
Perhaps most noteworthy of Eljamal's accomplishment is not his youth, but his generosity of spirit and desire to give something back. Eljamal will be donating 100% of the profits from his novel to charity. He has chosen Oxfam, the international anti-poverty organization, as the recipient of the generous donation. "I like the fact that Oxfam focuses on poverty all over the world, not just the more publicized areas. Oxfam works to fight poverty internationally, on three different continents."
Eljamal explains the reasons behind his generosity. "I don't want to write for the money," he explains. "I just want to tell the story. For me, it's about the art of writing, not the business aspect of it."
What advice does Eljamal have for aspiring young writers? "It's never too early, and it's never to late to go for your dreams," he says. "I'm very thankful for the opportunities I've been given to see my dreams of publishing and acting become reality."
Eljamal will be selling copies of his book at Westwood High School this weekend. Interested readers can also pick up a copy of the novel on amazon.com. For more information on the book or the inspiring young author, check out Eljamal's website at www.luay.eljamal.com
- editorial@macmedia.ca
