While most English assignments end after just a few pages, Madison Consolidated High School student Maykayla Richards is working on something much bigger: a full-length novel. Richards discovered a passion for storytelling at a young age but noticed something missing from many of the books she was reading.
“I decided that since Greek mythology was heavily overdone, I would do something from my own culture,” she explained.
That realization led her to begin writing a story inspired by Filipino mythology.
At the center of the story is Jack, a 10-year-old protagonist who has remained the heart of the project since Richards first began developing the character years ago. Jack is not meant to be an untouchable hero. Instead, he is a boy shaped by abuse and loss. The story follows Jack as he uncovers a complex family legacy and battles mythological monsters. However, the real conflict is internal. Jack must decide who he truly is and whether he can build a future despite a painful past.
Richards says she feels a strong connection to the character she created, noting that Jack possesses courage and an “undying love for helping others”, qualities she hopes to carry in her own life.
The novel, currently titled Pillars Between Worlds, focuses on more than just action and fantasy. It also carries a deeper message for readers.
“Trauma will leave its mark, but it does not dictate who someone will ultimately become.”
Writing the book has been a major undertaking. Richards has spent countless hours writing and editing the story while balancing the responsibilities of being a student. Richards also mentioned writing a dark fantasy novel that she plans to encompass over 400 pages and 60 chapters.
Despite the challenges, Richards hopes her experience encourages other students who may want to pursue creative projects of their own.
“There is going to be criticism and hate in your life, no matter where you go. If you want to write, why not just take the criticism that you already know you will get? …Do it.”
With the novel nearing completion and additional stories already in development, Richards hopes her work shows that being a teenager does not mean someone cannot be a writer.
The book is expected to be available through major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.
