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’.