By: Paula .O.M Otukile
Who are you?
My name is Atong Kuol Malual. I’m a 22-year-old medical student at Upper Nile University who also happens to be the author of the book titled 13 Reasons Why Youth Are Stranded Today. Writing is a passion of mine. I’m passionate about reading and wanting to make an impact someday.
- Where are you from?
I’m proudly from South Sudan.
- What’s your book category?
It’s a self-guide. What Turning Results is all about it focuses on practical solutions and highlights 13 major issues that many youth face today.
- Why did you write?
I wrote to reach the people that felt stuck. I knew that our emotions and thoughts are all connected, so I wrote to let people know that it’s okay, and it’s not only them that are going through it. I wanted to touch their voice and help them tap out of that stranded point they’re in—without feeling like it’s impossible. I want to serve as a guide to them.
- What inspired you?
Honestly, I didn’t want the youth to lose their potential. My heart was just broken seeing how easily they get frustrated and turn to things that are very draining. They vent with negativity, and I wanted them to see positivity in the middle of all that negativity.
Also, I wanted to reach out to my family because the sacrifices they made to see me in a better space than they are—that actually inspired me to continue from there and keep the legacy going. And then, you know, I didn’t want the struggles of our martyrs and veterans to go in vain. I wanted to reach them too, so that we pick up from where they left and make our country a better place. They already gave us that space to thrive, to live free, without discrimination, hate, or torture.
- Who is your illustrator?
My illustrator was literally the environment that I was in and the experiences that I’d gone through. So I literally drew and designed images from my book from that context. It’s what drove it.
- Do you have fans?
To be honest, it really showed that I had fans on my book launch when there was a massive turn-up. Yeah, I do have my family, my friends, and then a few that I’m able to impact. It’s not about impacting a lot of people’s lives.
- How are sales?
Not bad, honestly. The first day I published, I was able to sell 100 copies within the first week. I just kept going.
- What are your future plans?
To reach more people and become a better author.
- How is the book industry?
I’m new to it and I’m juggling it alongside medicine. But I’m learning as I go.
- Any awards yet?
Not really.
- Who is your role model?
My role model is my auntie who is a pediatrician doctor. She encourages me to want to work harder and become a better medical doctor.
- When did you begin writing?
I began writing during COVID. I was just at it casually, and then my very first article was on Facebook. Surprisingly, I posted it on my page, and I was able to reach people, and I said, why can’t I do this more often?
- Where did you publish?
I published my articles with Dawn Newspaper, and my book was published with Africa’s World Book in Australia.
- What can you say to the upcoming author?
Do not fear. Your words could actually make an impact on a lot of people’s lives. If you have that ability, reach for it and write more.
Similar Posts by Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER June 17, 2025
- The Visionary Journey Of Ihuaku Patricia Nweke
- Safeguarding Heritage: Tharaka Nithi’s Bold Steps To Preserve Culture And Empower Communities
- PS Appeals To Kiambu Residents, The Disabled To Go For New Jobs
- When Big Brother Becomes Everyone’s Business: The Illusion Of Oversight In The Age Of Perpetual Surveillance.
