Jersey-born Celeste Sharp wrote part of Shock Theory, a science fiction novel, while at Bournemouth University.
It will be published by Insomnia and is due for release next year. Celeste, who wrote six chapters of the graphic novel as part of her BA (Hons) Communication and Media course, said: ‘The original concept for the novel was inspired by a media society lecture which referenced The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein.
‘The book also contains a lot of inspiration from science fiction writer William Gibson, whom I studied during the course.
‘The most beneficial part of my course was learning how to approach publishers and write a synopsis and chapter outline.
‘It helped me pitch my novel confidently and with a professional attitude. When I approached Insomnia they told me I had one of the strongest pitches they have ever seen and I think I owed this to what I learnt during my degree.’
A year and a half in the writing, Shock Theory actually comprises two books, each containing nine chapters. The first section was written as part of Celeste’s dissertation and submitted alongside the rest of her coursework.
Celeste graduated with a 2:1 degree this month and also won the Atlantic Books prize for the best file in the writing, editing and publishing unit of her course, collecting £100 in recognition of her achievement.
She describes her book as a ‘science fiction novel set in a bleak dystopian future’.
Eva, the central character, is a young woman with extraordinary powers, able to manipulate nature and technology.
Eva lives in oppressive England, where a totalitarian city – Hubris – suspended in the sky, using shock and sedation to control its citizens.
The novel follows Eva and several other characters as they unravel the sinister nature of Hubris and decide to overthrow the cruel rein of Dr Shock and the New Order (NO) government.
Reflecting on her course, Celeste said: ‘I have had an amazing time at Bournemouth University and I really don’t want to leave.
‘My course definitely helped me decide what career I wanted to pursue and gave me the skills to achieve my goals.
‘I am thankful for the support I received from many members of staff – all of whom helped me get published.’
