Success is not defined by age. This notion holds true for Nigel Willem Africa Canlapan, who at the age of 12 has not just one but two novels to his credit. Inspired by his parents and authors R.L. Stine and Roald Dahl, Canlapan started writing comics since the tender age of seven. He wrote his first book at the age of 9. “I grew up with a lot of books. So I think the authors of the books that I have read motivated me to write,” said Canlapan. He loves to read fiction because he thinks the authors use their imagination while writing them. Canlapan's both novels are interesting work of imagination. In his first book “Snowstorm:The Wolf”, readers are introduced to Snowstorm, a ferocious alpha male and humans who want to hunt down Snowstorm and his family. The book goes on to describe Snowstorms good character and exceptional hunting skills. The loss of Snowstorm's friend Caninecrusher, later in the story, depicts a softer side of him as well. Canlapan's second book “Snowstorm and the Bond” is a sequel to the first book where Snowstorm would do anything in his might to protect his pack and their territory. His second book was launched in the presence of Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago, who encouraged him to write and complete his studies. Canlapan has recently finished writing his second story “Craig Smith” and is halfway through its sequel. He has also written six rap songs which he plans to record with the help of his mother. Some writers have a particular time during the day — wee hours of the morning, early evening, in the stillness of the night — when they feel the most comfortable to write and that is when ideas come flooding to them. On the other hand, there are some who just need a few sheets of paper and pen and they start jotting down. Canlapan still a student is one of those who writes whenever he has free time as he has to focus on his studies too. Nevertheless, juggling studies with writing novels is indeed a commendable job. The young novelist from Philippines is currently studying in Grade 7 at Mulitnational International School in Riyadh. Canlapan's favorite subjects are P.E and Art. He aspires to become a writer or an international rapper in the future. His hobbies besides writing are reading books, surfing the Internet and playing on his PS3. Canlapan said his friends are very proud of him and so are his fellow Filipinos whom he met during the book launch in Riyadh recently. They were all inspired by him and he was equally excited to share his writing experiences writing with them. His message to all other children is to read, and read a lot because it increases vocabulary. He would like to thank all his fans for giving him all the support and love as success would not not have been possible without them.
