It was sometime in the afternoon on a Friday at Oxley State Primary School in the city of Brisbane, Australia when Cisco Onahelu caught up to twelve-year-old Sassy Louella in the halls of G block as she was skipping to the bus. Sassy, on her way to play softball at a nearby suburb with the year 6 and year 7 girls of her school, al-ways skipped to the bus on Fridays for softball, such was her enthusiasm for the excursion which saw them play against nearby schools in the district. “Sassy wait up.” “Oh, hey Cisco. What do you want?” “Come to the senior dance with me?” Cisco was overheated and out of breath from a lunchtime spent playing rugby on the school’s oval, plus he had run to catch up with Sassy before she boarded her bus. His confidence shook as he asked Sassy the question; he was avoiding eye contact, and he clasped his palms together as he awaited her response. “Cool.” Sassy beamed at him and in wondrous shock at the question, said “I’ll go to the dance with you, Cisco.” Cisco, who was in year 6 and had migrated with his family from Tonga earlier that year, was thrilled and put his right hand up to high-five Sassy. “Thank you, Sassy!” “I have to go. My bus is here.” They parted ways and Sassy ventured to the school gate and was about to board the bus before she felt a hand on her right shoulder turn her around. “Some good news today, Miss Louella.” It was Mr Davies, her Principal. “Turns out you’re getting straight A’s this semester.”
Today we talk about Keep it. Yeah! I know, a book by Sarah Jayne Dennis published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Sarah Jayne Dennis, to get to know her better, what of her personal experience inspired the writing of her book Keep it. Yeah! I know, as well as how she felt about her publishing experience.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What of your personal experience inspired the writing of your book?
Like my leading character Sassy, I first knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I was young, fifteen years old. When I went to University, I was so preoccupied with doing well. Sometimes, I would be too shy to speak up in class, but when I graduated, I took on a whole new confidence because I had a job that I loved. Sassy is full of ambition like me, and I was extremely proud to represent being young and female in law in Queensland.
- What is the message you would like to convey?
With writing Keep it. Yeah! I know., I hope it reaches any young person struggling with self-esteem issues or sexism. The message is you are your deepest fear; that you are loved beyond measure and you are as great as you imagine.
- How was your first publishing experience?
I have felt elated since I got the email saying my book got signed by Europe Books. I remember a story that the late Dr Wayne W Dyer, Author, told about being signed. He hopped in his car from New York and door-knocked every book store in sight, appearing at book signings where sometimes there were only two people in line. He had dreams of making his book reach the New York Times best sellers list. He did. I intend to emulate his method when I travel to the United States in April.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
I have every intention that Keep it. Yeah! I Know is a trilogy, and I am working on its’ successor this year.
Europe Books thanks the author, Sarah Jayne Dennis, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Keep it. Yeah! I know. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book enable you to reflect, motivate you, and inspire you to move forward and find the inner strength to keep going even in the darkest or most challenging times.
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!