KOTA KINABALU: Two local authors today presented their latest books to the Sabah State Library, contributing to the library’s collection of works by Sabah’s own writers.
One of the authors is Anna Vivienne, whose genre specialises in horror and mystery fiction. She shared that her recent publications explore the rich tapestry of traditional folklore and supernatural tales. With over 35 years of experience as a journalist, Anna has refined her storytelling skills, which she now channels into compelling novels and short stories that captivate readers with dark, suspenseful narratives.
Anna’s journey into fiction was deeply inspired by the vivid stories her grandmothers shared during childhood evenings around a kerosene lamp. These tales of ancient villages, warriors, headhunters, water spirits, and magical lands laid the foundations of her imagination and strengthened her dedication to preserving cultural heritage through storytelling.
To date, she has published seven books, beginning with Strange Magic and Supernatural Encounters, Hauntings and Ghostly Whispers, followed by Scary Tales and Uncanny Encounters, Haunted Hotels and Dark Doorways, and Scary Dark Highways. Her most recent titles are Redemption: Love and Betrayal and Warp: The Hauntings. All her stories are rooted in supernatural mysteries, drawing from the legends and beliefs of her cultural heritage.
Through her writing, Anna aims to reach a wider audience, especially young readers in the digital age. Her stories serve as a window into a past when spirits and ancient beliefs played a central role in daily life, helping to preserve and transmit cultural narratives to future generations.
Meanwhile, Kathirina Susanna Tati Sitaim handed over her book titled Kilauan Mutiara. A prolific author, Kathirina began her writing journey during her school days. She has since published over 20 books, including children’s stories, poetry anthologies, and short stories. Her debut work, Sogit, marked her entry into the literary world, while her most popular publication, Pugai Balabak, has a print run of approximately 1,500 copies.
Her work has been translated into other languages, including Tamil and Spanish. She has also curated and edited anthologies featuring contributions from various writers. Several of her current works are under review by publishers, with two expected to be released next year.
Sabah State Library Director George Yih expressed his organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting local writers, emphasising that contributions help enrich the library’s collection and foster a reading culture within the community.During the handover, he stated that contributions from local authors not only expand the library’s holdings but also play a vital role in documenting Sabah’s stories, culture, and traditions for future generations.
“By showcasing local works, we can encourage a love of reading across all age groups. These writings also help ensure that future generations better understand their roots,” he said.
George noted that local authors are required to submit three copies of their works, in accordance with the relevant legislation, and that the Library’s Collection Development Division will consider purchasing these titles for inclusion in the official collection.
He added that the Sabah State Library currently operates 25 branches across the state, along with over 70 village libraries, providing rural communities with access to works by local authors.
He expressed his gratitude to both authors for their willingness to share their creative works with readers throughout Sabah.-BNN
