Author examines scourge of sexual abuse

Kerisha Went is the author of Breakthrough: Defying All Odds, a debut book that tells a fictional story about sexual abuse. The book, which was published in October 2020 by local publishing company Shelev Publishing, has received five stars on the international publishing website, Amazon.

Speaking to the media recently, Went said the inspiration for her book came from realising there was a rise in the number of sexual abuse cases in Barbados.

“The inspiration behind my book was the rise in sexual abuse cases among women and children in Barbados and the rest of the world by extension.

Abuse tends to be whispered but during the COVID-19 lockdown there was constant news coverage about sexual abuse and human trafficking. I got emotional when I read stories about sexual exploitation, so I decided to use what I am good at to help bring more awareness to what most people are afraid to talk about,” she said.

The 32-year-old said she had some stumbling blocks along the way with writing the story. However, the book took only four months to complete.

“I wrote points to expand on for each chapter and I also did a lot of research. There were days I had writer’s block or had to put down the laptop because what I was writing made me emotional.

I have a friend who is an excellent social worker and who provided great insight and adequate information as it relates to survivors of sexual abuse. Another awesome friend of mine read the manuscript and did editing before I sent it to the publisher. My mum and my friends were incredibly supportive,” she said.

Went said the characters in her book are fictional and she has been receiving a lot of support from individuals who purchased the book.

Breakthrough has been inspirational and educational to all those who would have read the book. Most persons reached out to me personally and congratulated me on writing on a heart-aching topic that helped them to be more aware of what is happening around us.

One parent said her daughter does not like to read but she could not put down the book. I have not received any negative feedback, which is great. The positive feedback is motivation for me to keep writing,” she said.

Went revealed she has six more books in the works to be released as soon as possible. She added that she was passionate about sharing her gift with the world.

“I decided I wanted to be an author from the age of 15 at the Springer Memorial School.  I was taught to use dialogue in my essays which made the stories a lot more intriguing. This prompted me to write short stories which then led to books. I have six other books in the works which I am hoping to release in the not-too-distant future,” she said.

She also shared some advice for young persons who want to become authors. “The advice I have for any young aspiring author is to put your pen to paper, or your fingers to the laptop and start writing and keep writing.

I guarantee you that from the moment you begin to write is where your journey begins. You will never know what you can accomplish if you do not take that first step. Do not be pressured by fear or any negative thoughts,” she said.

Currently, her book is available on Amazon or obtainable from her directly.

(Write Right PR Services)