I thought fiction writing was for adults. But this was before I met Ioanna and her astounding world of pure imagination and wit. At eight years old, she wrote a story that radiates an amazing combination of creativity and confidence that anyone with a taste for literature would enjoy. The author lays out a gripping odyssey of a two-tailed lizard Luis, who, impassioned to become an astronaut, follows a hurricane all the way to Havana. Anyone eager to immerse themselves in this world of refined fantasy can read The Adventures of Luis: the Two-Tailed Lizard on Amazon.
Ioanna Nelson lives in Tbilisi, Georgia. She is a student at the British International School of Tbilisi. She wants to study veterinary medicine and be a writer when she grows up. She loves animals, nature, and the color purple.
In an interview with GEORGIA TODAY, the young author talks about her inspiration to write, her favorite author, and her wishes for the future.
What inspired you to write the book?
My inspiration came from visiting my grandmother’s garden in Coconut Grove, Florida. A two-tailed lizard lived in her garden for more than 3 years, and my grandmother and I started making up stories about the lizard and named him Luis. We also saw other lizards and added them to our made-up stories which we were writing notes about. My grandma told me we should write a book about it one day and then, when Covid came and we both had much more time, we decided to write the book together.
What do you hope the readers take away from your story?
To never give up on their dreams, no matter what other people think about them.
I suppose you like to read books by other authors, too. Have you got a favorite book?
One book I love is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by my favorite British author Roald Dahl. I also love his Fantastic Mr. Fox and Matilda. I like the fantasy and magic in these books.
Is there a piece that you’re currently working on?
I’m not currently working on any new book, I’m very busy with online schooling. But after Christmas, I’d like to start writing the second part of my book.
What are your wishes for the future?
To be able to travel again and see my grandma in Florida.
