15-Year-Old Sri Lankan-British Student Publishes his First Novel

 Maxim Pathirana, Auther of “The One They Have to Fear" 

Born in London, Maxim discovered his passion for writing at a young age. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, he began writing a novel inspired by his love for the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series. Titled “The One They Have to Fear," Maxim completed the book while still in primary school.

He was particularly inspired by J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ collection and Derek Landy’s ‘Skulduggery Pleasant,’ acquiring a taste for the fantasy genre. 

He began authoring short stories in Russian, as well as what he would describe as “nonsense” poems, at the tender age of eight. 

He would then upload these short collections onto his blog. 

Now a secondary school student, Maxim continues his literary journey with encouragement from his teachers. He has already started working on the second book in the series.

For many young people, pursuing dreams of being an author may seem years away, which may seem sensible considering that a new author writing their first book has an average age of 36. 

However, Maxim Pathirana, aged fifteen, debases the notion that age is a factor limiting one’s ability to write.

“The One They Have to Fear"

After writing and completing his debut book, “The One They Have to Fear," upon receiving great praise and encouragement from his family, Maxim decided to approach publishing houses. 

His road to success, however, was not always smooth. 

He found difficulties developing and improving the story's plot and having to face the long, tiring discussions with publishers, editing, and other administration processes. 

However, his unwavering spirit did not falter. 

Instead, these challenges created an increased sense of determination and perseverance within him, encouraging him to face obstacles and overcome them rather than flee from them. 

Having agreed a deal with the renowned Pegasus Publishers, his novel was published and launched on the twenty-sixth of September. 

Maxim was happy and eager to share his advice for aspiring writers. 

Just be yourself; your ideas can be as nonsensical as you like as long as they're personal to you. 

“I think that aspiring writers should try to not fall into the traps of clichés and use typical conventions of writing, and they should try to just be themselves and write what they believe from the heart or mind, in their own style.” 

Maxim Pathirana is proof that, with enough hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible, no matter how “nonsensical” your dream is. 

For aspiring writers and young people in general, Maxim’s success should be an inspiring wakeup call to pursue your dream, irrespective of its magnitude. 

‘The One They Have to Fear’ is available to order on Amazon and in Waterstones, WHS Smith, and bookshops worldwide.