Young Writer Spotlight: 15-year-old published author Novelle Dennis

Congratulations to Novelle Dennis, our young writer spotlight feature! Novelle is a 15-year-old self-published author from Georgia with so many impressive accomplishments. Her writing includes dark fantasy worlds and dystopian societies with queer protagonists. She is the author of three novels: Hellbound, Steel’s Affair, and Detriment Devine. Novelle is a unique writer who also experiments with abstract writing, covering themes such as love and mental health in smaller narrative pieces. Check out more about Novelle’s work and writing advice below!

Your series of short abstract works sounds so interesting! Do you mind telling us what themes or topics this series covers? Where can we find this collection?

I explore many different themes through abstract writing, including mental health, love, and life in general. I've recently been focusing on science fiction and medical humanities in my short-form works. I attend an arts high school with a focus on creative writing, and my instructor and peers have worked with me to guide the development of my author voice. Only a couple of these short stories are available right now on my website, but I plan on publishing/releasing my other stories soon!

You mentioned that metaphors are a big part of your work. Could you further explain how that defines your unique author voice?

I adore metaphors in writing. My author voice is defined by complex characters, symbolism, and language that leaves the meaning of my stories up to interpretation.

You have three full-length books published. That's amazing! How long did it take you to complete each book, and how do you know when your book is finally satisfactory enough to hit publish?

My novels took a year to write each. A year of writing every day, and drafting the same chapter over and over again until I was satisfied. My books are art, and art is not perfect. They go through a journey over time, transforming and taking new shape as I grow older and develop new ideas. My book is satisfactory enough for publication when I can read my own writing and not cringe (that much).

Do you market your books? If so, how do you get your work out there to people?

I do not currently market my books.

How does it feel to be a published author? Do you have any advice for young writers who are unsure about publishing a book?

I am proud of becoming an author all on my own, despite being rejected by over twenty literary agencies and publishing companies. However, it is scary knowing that lots of people who pick up my books won't like them. For writers who are unsure about publishing, I advise that you take a risk and see what happens! There are many different forms of publication, and not all of them require writing a full-length novel.

For young writers who are looking to publish, I advise three things.

• First, write a little bit every day. I know this piece of advice is said a lot, but that's because it's important. Improving your craft is crucial to becoming a published author. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make progress.
• Second, never give up. I tried to publish my first story when I was thirteen years old. For more than six months, I relentlessly worked to contact literary professionals who might be interested in representing my work. Although I was rejected again and again, I used these rejections as stepping stones to improve. My first rejection email is currently framed on my bookshelf so I can remember how far I've come and how far I still have left to go. Not everyone is going to accept you and your writing, so you have to keep working to find someone who will.
• Lastly, take risks. Apply to competitions like Write the World or YoungArts. Even if you are refused, you will learn and grow from these experiences. The same day I was notified that I would be featured, I received a rejection from a literary magazine I hoped to be published in. You win some, and you lose some, but you don't win any by not taking risks.

Where to Find Novelle’s Work

Novelle has a website featuring her writing, updates, and more. Check it out here and keep a lookout for Novelle’s future work; she is currently working on new pieces! In the meantime, check out her currently published work, such as Detriment Devine.

Detriment Devine: What would you do to be a Pretty?

In a world where everyone must choose a faction, Helene has been declared a Basic: a shunned shame to her family. She has allegedly rejected conforming to the Society, a crime punishable by death. In an act of mercy, The Parents send her to Miss Lucinda's School of Reinstruction, where she is taught to be a Pretty, the perfect picture of beauty, and the most common faction. She undergoes unbelievable training and torture, or has it become one and the same? A book of realism, horror, and love, Detriment Devine is one for the ages.

Do You Want to be Featured Like Novelle?

Write the World recently started the Young Writer Spotlight series, which frequently features young writers and their accomplishments. If you’re 13-19 years old and have any writing accomplishments you’d like to share, fill out this form for a chance to be featured on our blog and Instagram.

About the Author:

Cosmic Paradox is a university student studying game design, specializing in sound effects and game music. On Write the World, they were a young writer, served as a Community Ambassador, and is a 2025-2026 Intern. Their work has been recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and they are currently working on their first full-length surreal poetry collection. Their favorite genres to write in are sci-fi, horror, and psychological horror, revolving around themes that question the absurdity of reality and the universe. Follow them @paradoxoftrees on Instagram.