By: Pramod Chinthaka Peiris
November 19, London (LNW): Maxim Pathirana, a Year 10 student at Wilson’s School in Surrey, has emerged as one of the youngest published authors in the UK with his fantasy novel, The One They Have to Fear, now available in major bookstores.
His story is not only a testament to his talent but also a compelling example of how perseverance and passion can triumph over challenges, regardless of age.
Maxim, the son of renowned Sri Lankan BBC journalist Saroj Pathirana, discovered his love for storytelling early in life. Inspired by literary icons such as J.K. Rowling and Derek Landy, his interest in the fantasy genre blossomed through childhood.
At just eight years old, Maxim began writing short stories in Russian and experimenting with playful poems he described as “nonsense,” sharing his creations on a personal blog.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic provided Maxim with the unexpected opportunity to channel his creativity into something greater. With encouragement from his family, he began working on his debut novel during the lockdown.
Balancing his schoolwork with hours of writing each day, Maxim poured his imagination into his manuscript, completing the book before leaving primary school.
His novel, a tale imbued with swirling magic, mystery, and atmospheric tension, reflects Maxim’s fascination with crafting vivid, otherworldly landscapes.
The intricate narrative of The One They Have to Fear captivated his family, prompting him to pursue the daunting process of publication.
Navigating the publishing world was no easy feat for the young author. He faced the challenges of refining his plot, lengthy editorial revisions, and rigorous discussions with publishers.
Despite these hurdles, Maxim remained steadfast. His resilience and determination bore fruit when Pegasus Publishers agreed to bring his vision to life. On 26 September, his dream became a reality as his book officially launched.
Reflecting on his journey, Maxim offered thoughtful advice to aspiring writers:
“Just be yourself; your ideas can be as nonsensical as you like as long as they are personal to you. I think aspiring writers should try not to fall into the traps of clichés or rely too much on typical conventions. Instead, they should write from the heart, staying true to their own style.”
Maxim’s success serves as an inspiration to dreamers everywhere. His story underscores that age is no barrier to achievement; with enough dedication and a willingness to embrace challenges, even the loftiest aspirations can be realised.
For fantasy enthusiasts, The One They Have to Fear is now available at Waterstones, WHSmith, Amazon, and other retailers.
Maxim’s journey from a budding writer to a published author offers a powerful reminder: creativity has no boundaries, and passion can turn even the most whimsical dreams into a celebrated reality.
