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LSBU alumna releases debut novel

It began innocently as an assignment for the BA Writing for Media Arts course. Whilst studying at LSBU, Elsa Joseph began writing her debut novel Best Kept Secret for one of her modules. As can sometimes happen with great ideas, they start small but grow into something bigger and better. "Initially, the story began as a script, but after I graduated I decided to turn the story into a novel," explains Elsa.

Best Kept Secret, Elsa Joseph. Now available at Waterstones.com and Amazon.com
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Elsa was inspired by the success of J. K. Rowling who overcame depression and divorce to become the UK's best-selling writer, gaining worldwide attention and winning multiple awards. Elsa remains ambitious and is keen to follow in the footsteps of the Harry Potter author: "My secret ambition is for my novels to be turned into major motion pictures."

The creative process is a tricky one to master; good ideas arrive in a flash but can also go just as quick. Elsa has worked hard to make the most out of artistic brainwaves: "I keep a little black book and jot down ideas everyday for possible future stories. However, I want to keep on writing and develop my craft further."

Not only is she ambitious about the future, Elsa wants her burgeoning career as a Novelist to motivate young people to realise their potential and work towards achieving their goals: "I want to inspire and empower young men and woman to achieve their dreams. I've always wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I want young people to know that through hard work and determination, you can achieve anything."

She is grateful for to LSBU for the support and encouragement she received throughout her course and the writing of her novel. So much so that she decided to continue her studies: "At the moment I am in my second year of my MA in Cultural Studies at London South Bank University. The only thing I am writing at the moment is my dissertation!"

Best Kept Secret recounts the tumultuous love life of protagonist Natasha Dawson, a successful Fashion Photographer about to marry the handsome and passionate Luke Stevens. Or so she thought. Despite her best attempts to forget about an old flame, she cannot help but wonder where her ex-boyfriend has disappeared to. Some part of her feels she's about to marry the man of someone else's dreams. He also has a terrible secret, and Natasha may have to risk everything if she wants to uncover it.

Best Kept Secret is now available at Waterstones.com and Amazon.com.