Eight-year-old Crushes Age Stereotype about Authorship

Interview

I used to believe that fiction writing was the realm of adults. But this was before I met Ioanna and was introduced to her astounding world of pure imagination and wit. At eight years old, she wrote a story that radiates an amazing combination of creativity, faculties, and confidence that are characteristic of more renowned, consummate authors. Ioanna carefully weaves a plotline that makes her story a real page-turner that anyone with a liking for literature would enjoy and appreciate indulging in. Essentially, the author lays out a gripping odyssey of a two-tailed lizard who, impassioned to become an astronaut, follows a hurricane only to find himself in Havana, a city in Cuba- not Mars! Anyone eager to indulge in this world of refined fantasy can read The Adventures of Luis, the Two-Tailed Lizard on Amazon.

Ioanna Nelson lives in Tbilisi, Georgia. She is a student at the British International School of Tbilisi, and wants to study veterinary medicine and be a writer when she grows up. She loves animals, nature, and the color purple.

In an interview with GEORGIA TODAY, the young author talks about her inspiration to write, her favorite author, and her wishes for the future.

What inspired you to write the book?

My inspiration came from visiting my grandmother’s garden in Coconut Grove, Florida. In reality a two-tailed lizard did live in her garden for more than 3 years, and my grandmother and I started making up stories about the lizard and named him Luis. We also saw other lizards and added them to our made up stories which we were writing notes about. My grandma told me we should write a book about it one day and then, when Covid came and we both had much more time, we decided to write the book together. We also had the great help of Susana Mueller, who is a professional editor.

What do you hope the readers take away from your story?

To never give up on your dreams, no matter what other people think about them.

I suppose you like to read books by other authors, too. Have you got a favorite book? What writers have inspired you?

One book I love is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by my favorite British author Roald Dahl. I also love his Fantastic Mr.Fox and Matilda. I love the fantasy and magic in these books.

Is there a piece that you’re currently working on?

I’m not currently working on any new book, as I am very busy again with online schooling; but after Christmas, I’d like to think about the second part of my book.

What are your wishes for the future?

To be able to travel again and see my grandma in Florida. Also, to be able to invite friends to my house again.

By Elene Dzebisashvili