Sophomore Jordan Smith employs creative side to write sci-fi novel

By Quinn Severo
Staff Writer

Costa sophomore Jordan Smith uses his talents to create an escape from reality.

He has been writing his science-fiction novel, “The Battle for Janna,” for over three and a half years. It’s about brothers who must find a way to defeat an alien race, using superhuman powers.

“My father has inspired me to write this story,” Smith said. “It just came to us as a topic one day, and ever since then, my parents have been actively encouraging me to make this creation actually come to life.”

For Smith, writing serves as a passion and a potential career. He says it has changed him into more of a creative person in many emotional ways.

“I am writing this book not only as a hobby, but as an outlet for my creativity,” Smith said.

The first of a planned eight-book series, Smith feels that the book should be an easy read, and he hopes it will attract numerous science-fiction lovers of all ages.

“I hope this book will appeal to those who are age 13 and up,” Smith said. “I have already had my peers review it.”

Smith says that school is an obstacle when writing his novel. To compensate, he works on the novel over school breaks.

“I have completed and revised it multiple times,” Smith said. “This book has showed me how writing is one of the only arts where I have complete control.”

According to Smith, his freshman English teacher, Cameron Chow, contributed the most to Smith’s novel by giving him tips to be a powerful writer. These tips were implemented into his book.

Smith’s current English teacher, Ann Brown, has also had an impact on the workings of his novel. He says Brown taught him writing skills to use to revise the novel.

“Mrs. Brown helped me master my skills this year so much,” Smith said. “That is why I am constantly revising my work because I’m always trying to make it better.”

Smith recommends his novel to those who love fiction filled with plenty unworldly events.

“I do my best to express my creative thoughts to him,” his father, Brian Smith, said. “It helps him think about his ideas a little more in depth. Now he loves to be creative in any way that he can.”