Today marks one year since Shani T. Night published two children's books, illustrated by Reggie Howard, which marked the start of her journey as an author. Keep reading to see the Q & A with Shani!
"It's not odd to follow your dreams. It is odd not to." - Shani T. Night
On July 28, 2020, Shani T. Night published her first two books with Infinite Generations. Her books, The Art Boy Who Won't Share and I Am Simply Me & I Love Pie, started the popular "Shani and Friends Series".
For all of us who worked with Shani, we are celebrating a dream come true. For Shani, this anniversary marks the true meaning of celebrating life and accomplishing a dream that she always had. One night, everything changed for Shani when her illustrator, Reggie Howard, said he would illustrate her books.
"I wanted to write for a long time and I always wanted to inspire. Really, I was just waiting for my illustrator, so when Reggie said yes, that's how The Art Boy Who Won't Share came to be. As time goes on, I'm appreciative of these first two books more and more."
In one year, Shani has written 11 books, six of which are in the Shani and Friends Series. Since launching her author career, Shani's books can now be found on Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Apple Books, Amazon, Kobo, and other platforms.
"That's really what these books are, a celebration of life and the beautiful experiences that life can offer. It just so happens that a lot of those experiences are also learning experiences."
Her first books, The Art Boy Who Won't Share and I Am Simply Me & I Love Pie, will be available as e-books for the first time.
Mini Q & A with Shani T. Night
Q: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
A: I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed this process. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much. I thought I would just create one book and that would be it. Also, I didn't think I could be this creative. The other surprise is that other people really enjoyed my books as well. I'm always pleasantly surprised when people tell me that they like my stories.
Q: Will you write books in other genres?
A: I think I will write other genres later on. I have a few ideas for books but for right now, this is my passion. Sharing wonderful stories that encourage reading and learning for life. I want to encourage kids to pick up a book and read something that they are passionate about.
Q: How long does it take you to write a book
A: It depends on inspiration, timing, and dedication. If I can just sit and write a book with no distractions, then I would say a few weeks. That's because they're children's books and they're based on experiences and inspiration. I literally, take myself back to my younger self and imagine what I would want to read. It puts me in a mode of discovering my inner child again.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: I really want to share my books with those who are less fortunate. I want to find a way to provide stories to kids who are in need. I want to continue to communicate a positive message. I want to see kids walking around with books that inspire them and that lead them to go out and explore. To be able to read a book and then look at the things around them differently and explore!
Q: Which one of your books is your favorite?
A: I can't choose just one as my favorite, they all are. All of my books uniquely signify a space in time or a moment of pure joy. It was pure happiness writing these books. I can remember writing the first two books. I can remember writing my third and fourth books. I can remember where I got the spark from for all of them, such great memories. Just thinking back on those initial moments shared with my family, I can remember being so happy.
Q: Advice to young readers?
A: Never give up on your dreams. Just a small change in life can send you on your way to completing a dream that you've always had. Everything perfectly aligned for me to be able to publish. Writing has opened up a new world for me. I have a new outlet and a new community to be a part of.
"It was just a dream sitting on a shelf. I would say 'One day I'll get a book published', the power of thought, dreams, and words are amazing".
Thank you for reading this post, and celebrating a dream come true. Stay up to date on new books and updates by following us on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Shani shares updates on her books and shares inspirational quotes on her Instagram (@shanitnight).
"Be fearless and life will be limitless. You'll inspire someone along the way." - Shani T. Night
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