Writing 12 books is a huge feat for any author. But what about for one only two years out of school? Long-time Bermagui resident Mitchell Hayward only started writing five years ago, but has already written novels about topics like Ancient Rome, the Crusades, Vlad the Impaler and a Western.  “I just need to edit and publish them,” the 19-year-old said.  “They’re all pretty much historical, but I’m thinking of branching out into erotica. “I’ve also got some that are just plain crazy… like epic books, action books. “I’ve probably got over 100 stories planned out, just not written yet.”  But first up Mr Hayward is launching his debut novel, titled Via Romana: The Conqueror, in his hometown this weekend. “Via Romana” means “the Roman way” in Latin, and the book is set during Ancient Rome.  It is about a soldier who deserts and spends some years as a gladiator before making his way back into the army to fight in wars, and contains military history, political intrigue, comedy, drama and erotica.   Also, not content with simply writing the 590-odd page book, Mr Hayward made illustrations for each of the chapters.  He has already started work on the four sequels for the novel.  “It was going to be three, but I couldn’t help myself,” he said. The book was published in April and is available to buy on Amazon, but Mr Hayward said as it was self-published it has been a struggle to get it noticed.  But this has not turned him off writing and said it is something he wants to continue throughout his life.  “I have no idea why I like it,” Mr Hayward said. “I imagine it makes me feel empowered, being able to create and take a life, so it’s a kind of God complex maybe but not just that. “I feel I can come up with anything I want. “When I come up with a new idea I feel there’s no limit to my imagination and it makes me feel like I can do anything.”  The ex-Narooma High School student said he received support from his teachers when he started writing and now he writes up to 10 pages on a good day.  One day he hopes to work in a creative role, possibly as a screenwriter.  The book launch for Via Romana: The Conqueror will be on Saturday from 10am-12noon in the Bermagui library. Mr Hayward will talk, sell signed books, there will be food and drink, and it is free to attend.