Aradhana Naidu
Image: Supplied
Debut author Aradhana Naidu aims to empower and inspire readers through her novel, Devotion in the Dust of Bone, which focuses on various aspects of relationships, including overcoming trials and tribulations.
Naidu, 28, of Umdloti, said her writing journey started in October last year.
The 210-page drama novel, which blends fiction and non-fiction, was completed in January.
“I felt I had a creative story to tell and share, and writing was the best way to do it. However, it did not start as a book, but rather as journaling and writing to express myself. While writing I felt it had the flow of a story, so I decided at the end I would see if it could be published.”
Naidu, a design lecturer, said the novel revolved around the relationship between two people, focusing on the trials and tribulations of their lives.
“It is a very specific ‘me’ type of story, but it can be relatable to others. It shows how love can be tested in different forms. It has a bit of every emotion that people experience such as trauma, love, intensity and drama.
“It is also based on a bit of truth, but I dramatised it to give it a bit of flair and visual aesthetic. Furthermore, while it is written from a female perspective, anyone can read it,” she said.
Naidu said she had received positive feedback from the public.
“The intention was for it to be my creative outlet, but then when I heard feedback from people, such as they were left feeling empowered, or they could relate, and it was an inspiration to them, it was a wonderful feeling.
“The book has developed its own identity of empowerment and inspiration. I also hope through the book that readers will look at their own definition of love and their purpose in a relationship.”
Naidu said she intended to write more books.
“I could do a sequel to the novel, or possibly go in a new direction with an illustrative book or a book of short stories. The scope is wide due to my diverse creative background. But I am definitely looking forward to writing more books in the near future.”
The novel launched at the uMhlanga Book Fair at the Umhlanga Apart-Hotel on March 22.
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