An Interview with Harsha Sheelam

Love 4 Books:
How long have you been writing?

Harsh Sheelam:
I used to write poems as a child. I had a couple of them until a few years ago. I began writing professionally in 2016, and then I debuted as an author in 2017.

L4B:
What made you want to write children’s books? Why set them in a fantasy world?

HS:
When I sat to write my first story in my debut book, ‘Beautiful Inside and Out’ I knew it had to be for children. I could only think of stories suitable of children. The genre came to me.

I’ve loved books that took me to another side of the world like Hogwarts, Wonderland, Neverland, to name a few. And, I suppose that drew me to having and creating one of my own, Crystalice, which can be found in the novel ‘Good Exists in all that Exists’.

L4B:
Your books have morals/life lessons attached to each story. If you could impart only one to your readers, what would it be?

HS:
I think body positivity is so relevant today as it was in the past. When I was a child, I was healthier than others my age. Of course not all kids tease you for being ‘fat’, but there are few that I’ve had around me. And, I’ve seen that happen among children and teenagers today. They do it out of childish ignorance, but could possibly scar someone for life.

L4B:
If you were not an author and could have any other job in the world, what would it be and why?

HS:
I’m studying for my Masters in Business Administration, so I’d probably do something in that, which I will in a couple of years while I continue to write books alongside. I like being liberal with my imagination and business marketing and brand management helps me with that.

L4B:
You have been involved in social justice. What cause/issue is the closest to your heart?

HS:
I’ve been trying to empower women who are succumbed to stereotypes, spread the message of accepting girl child and prohibiting violence against children. Apart from that, I try to help orphanages and old-age homes which don’t receive enough funds for survival.

L4B:
You grew up in India. What is something unique that you did that you think more people should do?

HS:
I’ve travelled a lot to the countryside of major towns and cities. And it’s a very surreal experience. One gets to see the true beauty which can’t be found elsewhere.

I love music, especially pop and rap. But, I play the Indian classical instrument, the Sitar. Very few people listen to such music in India, while Indian classical music shows run full-house in other countries. I think people should embrace the beauty they have within themselves and in their culture. It’s okay to be fancy, but it’s not okay if you forget you’re roots.

L4B:
If you had the power to time travel, when and where would you go?

HS:
I don’t remember my father’s older brother. I only heard of him and his love for me. I was only 2-years-old when we lost him to a car accident. So, I’d want to go back in time and meet him and never regret not knowing him.

L4B:
What’s one thing you wish you had known?

HS:
That I don’t live in a world free of negative pride and prejudice. Honestly, I only found this out four years ago.

L4B:
What’s next for you?

HS:
I have another children’s short stories book named ‘Poppydown Pals’ launching soon.

L4B:
Why switch from self-publishing to a publisher?

HS:
I’d like to have a bite of both worlds and find out which tastes better.

L4B:
What are some of the benefits to each? Difficulties?

HS:
The benefits of self-publishing are 100% royalties, sole discretion, and no waiting period. The only disadvantage is marketing.

The merits of traditional publishing are marketing, designing, distribution, and other things are taken under consideration by the publisher. The demerits are improper division of royalties, and long waiting periods.

To date Harsha has published three books: Beautiful Inside and Out, The House of Terry Atterberry, and Good Exists in all that Exists.

Harsha Sheelam, was born in Hyderabad, India. She is a graduate in business administration and professional writer. Social causes, politics, fashion, travel, have been a few subjects she covered in magazines, newspapers, and blogs. Today, she is devoted to the mission of empowering young girls and boys by focusing on the issues of today. She believes that children need to stand up for themselves and be unputdownable when they face any atrocities. She has the dedication to her craft with the main motive to make the children believe that they are beautiful inside and out.

Find out more about Harsha Sheelam by visiting her website.