Olivier in a fantasy league of her own

CHERINE Olivier’s creative flare has resulted in her having already written and published her first novel at the age of 22.

The Richards Bay writer, who attended Grantham Park Primary school and John Ross College, released her fictional fantasy novel, Shadow Love through British publishers Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie.

The story is about a headstrong sixteen-year-old girl called Raven, who thinks she is growing up in a reasonably normal family, but is shocked to discover she is a vampire princess destined to rule a country she didn’t even know existed.

Olivier said she had been working on the character since she was 12.

‘No matter how many other stories I worked on, I was always called back to her and the world she lived in.

‘Raven is unique in many ways and I wanted her to be someone girls could look up to.

‘Her attitude isn’t always the best, but she is strong, independent and comfortable about who she is, something we could all learn to be.’

With a strong passion for words, whether it’s writing her own stories or reading the stories of others, Olivier said that music is another passion, though she could never quite get the hang of playing an instrument.

‘I’ve kept a lot of the same interests growing up. I’ve always loved to read and I doubt that will ever change.

‘I loved swimming, music and gaming with my brother.

‘I also enjoyed climbing trees and spending time outdoors,’ she said.

Drawing inspiration from some of her favourite authors such as Cassandra Clare, Lauren Kate, JK Rowling and

Sarah J Maas, who she labels as her four heroines when it comes to fantasy, Olivier admitted that she never thought she would write and have her novel published at 22.

‘Honestly, no one expects to get their dream fulfilled this young. I never expected for a moment that I would get to share my character at such a young age and am grateful to be able to follow my dream.

‘The whole process was nerve-wracking and scary, but very exciting.

‘I’ve always dreamed of being able to share Raven and now I can, it’s an amazing experience but I’ll be honest, it’s terrifying,’ she said.

Olivier revealed that she plans on completing the Blood Secrets Series which will share the rest of Raven’s story with the world.

‘I’d love to travel the world at some point, starting with some parts of our country that I’ve never seen and move on to places such as London.

‘I also aim to one day own my own animal sanctuary and to help charities as much as I can. A little goodness in the world can go a long way,’ she said.

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