KOTA KINABALU: Six years of rolling on the mat, practising the Brazilian art of Jiu Jitsu, has inspired a part-time travel writer to pen her first book.
In her book, Nova Renata, 34, shares her interactions, martial art moves and strategies to improve people’s lives, their careers and relationships.
Nova, a New Straits Times contributor, said she hoped readers could relate to her message about life in the 94-page book, titled “Roll with It”.
“They may not be able to relate to everything in the book, but hopefully, they will take home a message or two about life based on Jiu Jitsu principles,” she said, adding that she started writing the book in the middle of last year.
The book was published in August.
Nova said she was doubtful whether her writing would be good enough to attract people to read her book.
She initially wanted to wait a few more years before writing a book.
“I thought I’d probably be more wise (in the future) and my opinions would carry more weight. But when the opportunity came, I just had to take it,” she said, adding she was approached by a publisher to work on the book.
As a fan of renowned writers like Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk, Nova said writing had been her passion as it allowed her to express herself, and also find satisfaction and contentment in her work.
“I try not to see writing as a race or a competition.
“I am happy enough to have published a book and I will have the rest of my life to attempt writing a bestseller,” she said, adding that she hoped to write a book every year, be more prolific as a freelancer and actively engage in motivational talks.
Her book is available at MPH bookstores and on the publisher’s website.