A PASSION for writing has led to the publication of a second book by Rosewood State High School student Jess Colgan.
The book, ‘Fractured Rose’, is the young writer’s second novel.
It carries the message to anyone who is struggling to be themselves, “to just be you”.
It is based in a post-apocalyptic world, where a princess named Faira, must negotiate and adapt to the perils that come with turning 18.
Her mother, the Queen, expects Faira to live up to unrealistic expectations of her life and her impending marriage. Meanwhile, Faira is trying to decipher what kind of leader she aspires to be in the future.
Faira also must uncover the mystery that comes in the form of the infamous Pandora, the most beautiful girl in the world whom Faira can’t help but love.
Jess said the story began from an experience that she had one day while she was looking out a window at her home.
“The clouds were dark and it began to storm. As the rain was falling, I sat and gazed out of a window, and brought my attention to a rose bush that was blowing from the intensity of the wind from the storm,” she said.
“I sat and thought, through the heavy rain and the gusts of wind, the rose bush remained undamaged, strong and resistant to the impact of the storm.
“A metaphor for Faira, the main character who although experienced many trials and tribulations still stood strong, she fought for her beliefs and was never broken, just like the rose.”
The book took six months to complete, and Jess self-published it with a vision to inspire others.
“Writing has always been my passion and I really enjoy reading other writers’ work as well,” she said.
“I enjoy creating different worlds within my work, and I base my vision on ideas and characters that other people can easily relate too.
“Now that this book is complete, I aim to take some time off to concentrate on my studies at school, and also on a course that I am completing in creative writing at the University of Southern Queensland.”
