STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Growing up, kids have aspirations to maybe be an astronaut, a fireman, or a singer.
Well, 28/22's Sydney Kostus sat down with one child in the Poconos who had already crossed off author on his list, making his dream a reality.
Reading is something Jared Payne loves to do, but this book is one of his favorites.
‘Jamal Vs His Good Side’ was published back in March. The author? The 11-year-old himself.
“It’s about a young kid. He experiences rage, and he goes through a mutation overnight,” explained author Jared M. Payne.
Jared says he always loved reading fiction and started writing after seeing his dad publish his first book.
“He just inspired me to do so. He said, ‘Just start writing,’ and I did, and the ideas just came in,” said Jared M. Payne.
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Following his footsteps in becoming an author, the pair worked together with an illustrator on the design of the book that portrays a superhero with mosquito-like powers.
It was successfully published in a one-year period.
“He’s very detailed and imaginative, so yeah, I could see him becoming a good author,” said Jared's father, James Payne.
Jared says he loves expressing creativity through writing and encourages anyone at any age to try it.
“It’s not really hard to do, it’s just a fact that you have ideas and you just keep writing until you feel the end is coming,” explained Jared M. Payne.
He says motivation from his dad and his family’s support means everything to him.
“You put your mind to something, you can do it. Don’t think you can’t do it, you just got to be dedicated, take your time, and just put it together. Before you know it, your thoughts become reality,” said James Payne.
28/22's Sydney Kostus asked Jared if there is going to be a part two of his book; he said it's already underway, but he did not give too many details.
“There’s a new villain, and it’s a God. That’s all I’m saying!” shared Jared M. Payne.
After the book was released, Jared hosted a book signing and used the earnings to purchase a brand new bike.
You can buy your own copy of ‘Jamal Vs His Good Side’ online.
