Fantasy fiction: Move over, JK Rowling

LAHORE: Eleven-year old Aimen Rehman’s fantasy novel has sold more than 1,000 copies in the first week of its publication. Rehman, a sixth grader, started writing The Dangerous Pet a year ago. She polished off the novel a month ago and Book Home published it. The novelist’s father, Waheed Rehman, said that his daughter always had writing talent and they encouraged her. The novel is about a pet dog who transforms into Dracula at night. Critic and writer Dr Aslam Ansari wrote the blurb on the back of the novel. The author cites JK Rowling as an inspiration and wants to emulate her success. The novel is already a part of her school library.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2012.