14 October 2009

Writer's message to teens: "Never give up"

Erina, New South Wales
Tammy Zyderveld/Brenton Stacey

The strength of a story about a boy and the challenge of adolescence has seen an Avondale College lecturer choose who would publish his first story for young adults.

Brad Watson received offers from three publishers to produce Finding David. One offered an initial print run of 10,000 copies. Mr Watson describes the experience as "unique" because imaginative Christian narratives "can be hard to find a market for."

The successful offer came from Signs Publishing Company. "When I first read Finding David, it really got me in," says Nathan Brown, Signs book editor.

He spoke during the launch with Year 10 students at Central Coast Adventist School on September 30 about how the story had moved him almost to tears. "I appreciate Brad's ability to tell a good story, as well as his passion to use a story like this to make a difference.

"Storytelling is such an effective way of connecting people with issues and ideas.We've been pleased to work with Brad on this project to produce something that's not only a good story but can also be used as a resource for schools, teen church groups and even mentoring groups like those described in the book.

"And not only is Brad a good storyteller, he is also involved in his local community in some of the ways he describes in his book, which gives the story an extra element of credibility."

Brad Watson with Year 10 Central Coast Adventist School students
at the launch of Finding David. (Credit: Ann Stafford)

Finding David follows the story of a character called David as he moves to a new school and meets a new group of friends. It deals with bullying, romance and a mysterious family tragedy, the details of which do not become clear until later. The issues addressed include relationships, resilience and faith.

"Finding David doesn't preach to kids about God but covertly and realistically walks the reader through what it's like to be a teen today," says Nina Atcheson, the curriculum officer for Adventist Schools Australia (ASA). ASA has provided $A2000 to produce resources for teachers.

Marilyn Hansen, associate executive director of Adventist Education for the North New South Wales Conference, describes Finding David as "not like other teen books" because "it provides a way out." She told the students at the launch how much she enjoyed reading the book.

Students at four high schools read the book and provided Mr Watson with feedback during the writing process.

"It taught me heaps . . . about trusting God, and practising self-discipline and respect," says Catrina, then a Year 9 students at Northpine Christian College. Her classmate, Caroline, writes, "I liked the way David turned back to God-it is something many teens wouldn't do."

A former student of Mr Watson's helped inspire him to write Finding David. "Teens such as Joel deal with some pretty tough stuff but they do the best with what they've got," says Mr Watson. He includes Joel's story in the afterword. "Joel is passionate and strong, and he looks out for his mates."

Mr Watson feels God is working through him to inspire and encourage teens. "My message to them is this," he says. "There's also hope. Never give up."

Finding David is available at all Adventist Book Centres.

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