The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf |
| Author Malcolm Mejin determined to pursue his passion Posted: 04 Sep 2012 06:11 AM PDT He's been writing since he was six and there's nothing else he would rather do, says this determined young author. EVERYBODY loves a good secret. Whether it's a trivial matter such as a secret crush or something grand like an international conspiracy, people often get a kick out of discovering the unrevealed. With this in mind, author Malcolm Mejin decided to play on the themes of secrets and revelations in his debut novel, Cool Diary. "Secrets and revelations sound like good ingredients in a book to me. As human beings, we have a tendency to be very curious and I think revelations can actually teach us real-life lessons," says Kuching-born Mejin. The habit of keeping journals played a part in inspiring the 25-year-old to write Cool Diary, which is an epistolary novel. "I pretty much grew up writing journals. I actually have a huge box where all my diaries are safely kept. So I thought it would be a great idea to write a novel that feels as though you're reading about somebody's life story, just like a journal," reveals Mejin. In Cool Diary, Mejin weaves a story about Cool, a special student who leads a secret life in the human world. However, being extraordinary does not spare him from the ordinary problems that every teenager faces even as he grapples with an impending apocalypse. "On the outside, Cool looks just like any other normal person. The only thing that separates him from the others is his special abilities. He is sworn to secrecy, but there are times when he's on the brink of revealing who he really is," says Mejin. It was a conscious decision on Mejin's part to christen the book's titular character with a bizarre name. "When I first started writing the book, the main character's name was actually Mart, which is short for Martin. But eventually it all boiled down to the title of the book and I wanted the name to sound simple and catchy. "So I thought to myself, 'What would sound cool for a book title?' and then bam! The word 'cool' just rang inside my head," the Sarawakian shares. It took Mejin about three months to complete Cool Diary. While the book may be his debut novel, Mejin is not exactly an amateur in the publishing industry. The journalism graduate from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman has been writing story drafts since he was six and compiling them into books for himself. His short story, Women In Boots, was shortlisted in the MPH Search for Young Writers competition and appears in the 2005 collection, Rewind, Fast Forward: An Anthology. Apart from that, Meijin also created the children's book series, Zany Zombie, which began publication in 2010. "I have been writing my whole life and working on Cool Diary feels like a dream come true," Mejin offers. Running through the young author's list of published work, it's apparent that his readers fall within the children and young adult demographics. "Well, I guess the reason why I decide to write for young people is because I'm young myself. Besides, there are countless interesting stories and anecdotes during school and college life just waiting to be told," says Mejin who lists Charles Dickens, Suzanne Collins and R.L. Stine as some his favourite authors. Having experienced first hand the tough journey of getting a book published, Mejin believes more can be done to develop the local literary scene. "There's just not enough spotlight on the Malaysian literary scene. I think Western books are given more emphasis as there is a persistent sentiment that fiction novels from abroad are much better than the local ones. "But what people don't realise is that local books can be just as good as those written by Western authors. The time has come for our local authors to stand out," Mejinsays. That being said, the author is optimistic about the future of the publishing industry here. "I'm an idealist, so I'd say that the local literary scene is going to be amazing in the next 10 years. But for us to get there, we will need continuous support from literary institutions, the media and the public. Once the awareness is there, people will start to notice and gradually embrace local authors," he feels. But regardless of what state the local literary scene is in, Mejin is certain he will keep writing in the future. "I'm very unpredictable. But I think I'll probably be writing more novels in the future because writing is what I love to do. I can't think of anything else I'd rather do." |
| Posted: 04 Sep 2012 05:45 AM PDT Being able to buy boxes full of great books at low prices at a warehouse sale is pretty great, huh? Well, here's even better news: Star2 readers can get even lower prices for these special titles! IF your bookshelf's been looking woefully bare lately, fret not. The MPH Distributors Warehouse Sale is back to thrill book-lovers with the usual good bargains on a wide range of books, ranging from beloved classics to the latest in fiction, business books, self-help, travel, cookery, children's books and much more. Customers who purchase RM300 and above worth of books at the sale will stand a chance at the lucky dip, where 100 freebies will be given out daily on a first come, first served basis for the duration of the sale, from Saturday to Sept 17. And Star2 readers, listen up: you are entitled to further marked down prices for a selection of titles. Simply present the original page of the paper (no photocopies) upon payment and enjoy the special prices. This offer is valid, while stocks last, only during the MPH Distributors Warehouse Sale from Sept 8 to 17. It is not valid with other promotions and is not exchangeable for cash. One page is valid for up to five of the titles featured here. Look out for more discounted titles, exclusively for Star2 readers, this Friday. 77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz (WP: RM15 / SP: RM10) – Welcome to Pendleton, a 1880s tycoon's dream home that hides a history of madness, suicide, murder and worse. Now, whatever drove the past occupants to their unspeakable fates is at work again. Assorted Dale Carnegie titles, 3-in-1 bundles (WP: RM39 / SP: RM34) – Dale Carnegie's words of wisdom have been translated into success by scores of graduates for nearly a century. Six perennial bestsellers are now available in two separate value buy bundles. Assorted Jodi Picoult 2-in-1 bundles (WP: RM35 / SP: RM30) – New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult has penned over 20 novels touching on elements of love, family and relationships. Her selected novels can be picked up in affordable 2-in-1 bundles. Assorted John Gray 2-in-1 bundles (WP: RM30 / SP: RM25) – Relationship expert John Gray helps men and women understand, respect and appreciate their differences in both personal and professional relationships. Combining communication techniques with healthy nutritional choices for brain and body chemistry, his books have sold over 50 million copies in 50 different languages. The books are available in assorted 2-in-1 bundles. Big Nate Five-Book Set (WP: RM65 / SP: RM60) – Nate is bigger than ever in this value-for-money box set containing Big Nate Goes For Broke, Big Nate On A Roll, Big Nate Strikes Again, Big Nate The Boy With The Biggest Head and Big Nate Boredom Buster. Readers can create their own comics, test their Big Nate knowledge and laugh at wacky facts. Big Nate Boredom Buster #2: Fun Blaster (WP: RM15 / SP: RM12) – The perfect companion to the Big Nate books, this is packed with word puzzles, drawing games, brain-bending quizzes and lots of laughs! Built To Last by Jim Collins & Jerry Porras (WP: RM34 / SP: RM28) – By comparing companies during specific eras in history, this book investigates the question, why are some companies able to achieve and sustain success through multiple generations of leaders, across decades and even centuries? Collins Cobuild English Grammar (WP: RM25 / SP: RM20) – A modern, global and learner-focused English grammar reference. Updated to take into account significant changes in grammar over recent years, this guide is based on the evidence of the four billion-word Collins corpus. Collins First English Words (WP: RM12 / SP: RM8) – Packed full of fun and useful everyday words, this beautifully-illustrated dictionary is perfect for kindergarten-aged English learners. With 36 themes each containing songs, games and engaging scenarios, young readers are introduced to 300 English words they need to learn by Ben, Daisy and Keekee the monkey. How To Talk So People Listen by Sonya Hamlin (WP: RM31 / SP: RM26) – This revised and updated edition features Sonya Hamlin, one of America's leading communication experts, showing us how to successfully capture people's attention so that they listen, understand and are persuaded by our message – particularly in the plugged-in and fast-paced atmosphere of today's workplace. Good To Great by Jim Collins (WP: RM48 / SP: RM40) – How can a good company become a great company? Based on a five-year research project, this book shows that greatness is a matter of choice and discipline, discussing concepts like Level 5 Leadership, First Who, and the Flywheel. Penang Heritage Food by Ong Jin Teong (WP: RM27 / SP: RM22) – Ong Jin Teong shares the recipes for classic and forgotten dishes of Penang, while revealing the rich influences that created the state's unique culinary heritage. The Hobbit (Part 1 and 2) Slipcase (warehouse sale price: RM23 / Star2 price: RM18) – The unforgettable story of Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit, who embarks on a strange and magical adventure. This classic by J.R.R. Tolkien is now available as a two-part gift slipcase set. The Ten Day MBA by Steven Silbiger (WP: RM33 / SP: RM28) – Thousands have mastered the skills taught at America's top 10 business schools with this book at a fraction of the time and cost an MBA typically takes. This revised fourth edition contains the most up-to-date information for understanding today's global business world. The Warlock by Michael Scott (WP: RM18 / SP: RM13) – In this fifth instalment of The Secrets Of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, the twins of prophecy have been divided. Sophie is on her own with the weakening Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, and must depend on Niten to help her find an immortal to teach her Earth Magic. – Sharmilla Ganesan The MPH Distributors Warehouse Sale will be held from 8am to 6pm, from this Saturday to Sept 17, at The Crest, 3 Two Square, Block F, Ground Floor, No. 2, Jalan 19/1, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. For inquiries, call 03-7958 1688. "Like" the sale at facebook.com/MPHDistributors for the latest updates and a chance to win free books until this Friday. |
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