Ex-Amanzimtoti resident Carmen-Shea Hepburn has self-published her first novel.
Carmen-Shea was born in Toti and attended Amanzimtoti Primary School, before her family relocated to Scotland when she was 10-years-old.
Amanzimtoti: The Ridge is set in Amanzimtoti.
The story follows Wayne du Preez as he starts his matric year.
Completing his final year of high school won’t be his only problem, however, when a boy from his childhood makes a surprise re-appearance in small town Toti, throwing Wayne’s picket-fence dreams with girlfriend Jess into a tailspin. He is forced to deal with a part of himself he’s been denying ever since he shared his first kiss with Kyle way back when.
“I’ve always been writing, ever since I picked up a pencil,” said the 29-year-old, who is visiting Toti with her family.
“I posted my short stories under a pseudonym online since the age of 13, but Amanzimtoti: The Ridge is the first story under my own name.
I wanted the story based in Amanzimtoti, as no-one writes about Toti and The Ridge (the vicinity around Adams Road) is where I grew up.
I prefer to write about issues such as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) or physical manipulation.
Amanzimtoti: The Ridge is a story I wish I had to read when I was growing up.
The feedback I have received from around the world has been touching and it’s a trend I would like to follow.”
Carmen-Shea has already put pen to paper for her next novel, which she predicts will be completed early next year.
Amanzimtoti: The Ridge is currently only available as an e-book, with a print edition in the works for the near future.
“I decided to go the route of self-publishing, as it gave me a lot more control with regards to the cover and editing,” said Carmen-Shea.
“Travelling in New Zealand and Australia was my inspiration to write. I currently have two casual jobs but I would love to write full-time.”
To keep updated on her new novel, visit Carmen-Shea’s website, or her Facebook page
Amanzimtoti: The Ridge is available on Amazon.com.
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