September 18, 2008
Author Rashmita Patel has just published her second teenage novel - Web of Lies.
We ask her what makes her tick and why she likes writing books for teenagers.
What do you do other than write?
I work as a School Librarian. I have been working at Alumwell Business & Enterprise College for the last 14 years.
How did you first find the inspiration to write and what drove you to finish it?
I felt there was a gap in the market for Asian novels. Yes of course there are some authors who do write novels but very little for Asian teenagers. The novels I am writing are based on issues which happen in Asian society, like the first one Tina ‘n’ Nikil being based on arranged marriage and the second ‘Web of Lies’ being based on Asian teenage pregnancy.
I have worked in libraries for many years and I find most novels on the shelves are based on white characters. As we live in a multicultural society it’s time that there were more novels based on Asian teenagers. Many pupils are put off when they find they cannot relate to a novel because it’s got nothing to do about their culture or what is happening in their lifestyle. A bit of spice in a novel makes all the difference to Asian teenagers.
Reading is very important and it’s everyones job to see that teenagers read because if they do not then the chances are they are not going to read as an adult.
Why do you like writing about teenage issues?
I like writing about teenage Issues because I feel although there are novels based on teenage issues it’s all related to youngsters coming from a white background, obviously we need to balance this by also having Asian teenage novels as well because the issues alter accordingly. At the moment most Asian parents must think that teenage pregnancy is a problem in the white community, but this isn’t the case.
Many Asians are also in this category but the fact is that it isn’t heard of. So I have created a novel based on an Asian teenage girl getting pregnant to show that it’s happening in our community too and we need to tackle this problem because as you know UK has the highest teenage pregnancy rate.
Who are the influences / inspirations when it comes to writing?
As a child I loved books especially Roald Dahl who inspired me greatly as a child. My father was my greatest inspiration. He loved books and I think I just followed in his footsteps.
Who is this latest book aimed at?
This novel isn’t just aimed at Asian teenagers. It’s aimed at all teenagers whatever their colour. Just because the focus is on an Asian girl does not mean it’s for Asian teenagers. I wrote about Teenage Pregnancy because I am worried that so many girls are getting pregnant so early on. It’s an area that needs addressing and tackling.
Web of Lies is being published by Birmingham-based DTF Books.