Delila Katanga - Bachelor of Communication, 2nd year

Brief: Author of the novel titled UnCalled

Share your achievement/success story in detail. I am a 19 year old radio presenter at NUSTFM and a freelancing Director of Ceremonies. I can now officially call myself a published author and I am getting ready to release my debut print novel titled UnCalled. UnCalled is a young adult read and a fun fiction novel that shows insight on student life and finding the balance between all that orbits around young individuals, such as financial strain, mental health and romantic relations. The official launch is set for September 14,2019 and I urge everyone to grab a copy as I believe it is a must read for teenagers, young adults and adults.

Tell us more about your journey leading up to this moment. I have always been talkative growing up, so in some way, I knew my life journey would drive me to something that requires me to talk my way out of everything, and when I landed my first television presenting job on Frenzy special at the age of 12 I was certain my life was set. I was always bad at story writing, but had so many tales to tell. In my high school years I crossed paths with a classmate that was willing to teach me how to write. Most of my friends were writers themselves so I would allow them to critic my work. I became more and more serious about it, my love for writing flourished and I fed off the energy of both good and bad reviews. Following much nagging from friends, family and mystery readers, I took a giant leap to publishing. I started writing UnCalled last year, I wanted to write something that is close to home and that allows Namibian literature to flourish.

What does this achievement mean to you and how will you use it to motivate others? They say if your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. I am terrified of having my work exposed to a greater audience, national and international, but that is how I know I am doing something right. It makes me gleeful knowing that I am living my dream. I believe that is the best motivation I can give. Instead of telling people to take risks and chase their dreams I plan on living out my dreams, I want to radiate happiness from my success, a radiance that others around me desire to feed off of and be motivated to achieve greater as well.

What are your plans for the future? My intent for the future is to never live comfortable. To always go out of my element and try new things. I want to be a best selling author, not just in Namibia, but across the boarders. I want to explore other skills and talents and open up a publishing house to allow the same opportunity that was given to me. I want to grow myself and offer Master Classes to individuals that have a passion for writing and above all, I want to plough back into impoverished communities and create a culture of reading and mentoring people into success.

Share with us your success quote! "Growing up is overrated, just be an author" -Neil Gaiman

For years I have wanted to do so many things, but I cripple myself by saying 'I am too young' or 'when I grow up...' . Time lost cannot be retrieved and I now realise the power in being young and empowered. This quote has been the agent that propelled me do more.