Author Interview: Teach the Tots with Children's books by Author Harsha Sheelam
Welcome to Untamed Publishing's Author Interviews! As a company that caters to the self-published author, we want to highlight and support indie authors. There is a vast array of talent amongst us, and here's the opportunity to connect the readers to their next favorite author! This year we have an all new round of writers from all genres so let's saddle in and have an Untamable 2018!
This interview features, Author Harsha Sheelam. Discover social and coming of age lessons with your child with children's books by Harsha.
Hi Harsha! Let me first say it is an honor to have you interview with UP. Welcome to the UP HOT SEAT! Before we begin, please tell us a little about yourself.
I am Harsha, living in Hyderabad, India. I have one juvenile fiction novel and two short stories books for children to my credit. When I am not writing, I am studying business administration, playing the sitar in the portico, or doing embroidery by the fireplace. I am also a part of social programs for women empowerment. I’ve previously spoken about business and marketing in various podcasts and hope to get opportunities to continue to do so.
I love your multi-faceted involvement. With all that you do, please share what made you decide to become a published author?
Ever since I was a child I wanted to have my name on the book cover. It just amazed me how anyone could write a story so beautifully, with the support of their imagination. When I received the golden chance I did not think twice before signing my first contract.
What genres do you write or wish to write?
I’ve stuck to fiction for all my three books, and I don’t think I can pen a non-fiction. If I do, the story is yet to come to me. I enjoy writing for children. I think it’s a great responsibility to do so because they are in their early childhood years and that’s when their personality and character is molded. I am also planning to bring out a poetry book for adults.
Awesome! Let's continue with some fun facts about you as a writer. When it comes to writing, are you a morning or a night owl?
I am a night owl. I could find the peace only at night. If I do it in the morning, it is essential that I am home alone.
Tell us a unique writing habit that you have.
When I’m writing stories I need to first pen down in my little book the title, character and place names. I can never begin before that. I’m very particular about my titles and can never be satisfied if it isn’t catchy or makes a person click.
If you were to write a book about yourself what would you name it? Why?
I would name is “Warhorse in a Teacup”. I’ve had so many experiences in life, bullied, verbally attacked, almost died, failed, won, betrayed, got lost, and I still have new difficulties everyday which I have to overcome, just like the a soldier on the battlefield. But, on the outside, no one can tell that a plain Jane could have many stories to tell which are heart-warming and heart-wrenching.
Wow. Amazing. Tell your story because you never know who it may help. That brings me to my next question. What are some of your other aspirations for your writing career?
I just hope to spread the message through my books and be able to inspire as many children as possible. The numbers don’t play a big role here, and sometimes there are no numbers. I only want o continue to write for my passion and for those who love to read.
What makes your writing stand apart from other authors? Every author has their style, and I wouldn’t want to compare. But I always keep in the details while keeping it simple to read, have a lot of picturesque imagery to expand a child’s imagination, and all the contemporary morals that I focus on, such as, honesty, humanity, hard work, overcoming fear, not to be greedy, avoiding laziness, not undermining people, understanding no one is perfect, knowing true friends, and lots more.
Now let's discuss your project. Tell us about your current book project. The House of Terry Atterberry is my latest release for children. It is a collection of fifteen contemporary moral stories. Full of humor, wit, and insight; Terry’s tales champion hard work, perseverance, honesty, and compassion. The book has age-old and contemporary wisdom in a delicious form.
What is your upcoming project about? When will it be released?
I have two projects coming up. One is a short stories book for children and one is a poetry book for adults. For the fans of R.H Sin, Atticus, Rupi Kaur, and other poets who write 4-line couplets, and are loved by readers, this book named ‘Flowers with Love’ will be a great read.
Would you like to collaborate with others authors on a book project?
I would love to do that, it gives a chance to exchange ideas. Team work always leads to better success because there is not just one pair of hands typing in but many wise ones.
Ok now we let's find out more about you as a person. We'd loved to know your reading preference. Name your top 5 favorite books by indie authors. Why are they your favs?
I haven’t read books of many indie authors, so I can’t tell. But, I appreciate the work of David Anderson who is the author of ‘Charlie Sparrow and the Secret of Flight’.
Outside of writing, what are your favorite past times?
I love to do embroidery. I think that embraces my creativity, and is a great form of art. Music feeds the soul, so listening and playing the sitar is what I like to rely on.
Tell us one thing about you that is a little known fact.
Pain has pushed me to get better at what I do.
What is one lesson you’ve learned since becoming a published author?
I’ve learned that not everyone is going to be appreciative of what you do. There will be people who will put you down; it takes a strong mind to dodge a worthless bullet.
What is one myth about being a published author that you learned and would like to share?
There are many people who believe that a person as young as I can’t write books. I often get an exclamatory remark, “Oh! You’re so young to be an author.” There is no rule that only the old can write books, or people over 30.
Harsha, it was a pleasure to interview you. We look forward to your future works! Please connect with the author and check out her book, The House of Atterberry.
Harsha Sheelam
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Synopsis
The book is a collection of intelligent stories from the life of Terry Atterberry, who is the tiny protagonist, clad in blue clothes and polka dot socks paired with yellow shoes. The rosy- cheeked boy teaches children 15 real-life lessons in the book “The House of Terry Atterberry”. He lives along with his parents in a mushroom house. He is best friends with Bernie, Darby, Pratt, and Mini. Along with his friends, Terry learns new things at Borrow Dale School and in ‘The House of Terry Atterberry’.
The stories are based on age-old and contemporary themes. At the end of every chapter, the reader understands the lesson learned. These morals equip the children for a better adulthood. The riches that kids gain by reading these tales is love, care, honesty, humanity, hard work, overcoming fear, not to be greedy, avoiding laziness, not undermining people, understanding no one is perfect, knowing true friends, and lots more. The author pens instructive and inspiring fables from a fictional character’s life which will help children to develop character as well as have a fun time reading. The stories of Terry Atterberry are a rich mine of moral literacy which aids to anchor children in our culture, values, and ideals.
