Not many pre-teens today could claim that they have something in common with 18th century English poet Alexander Pope who wrote his first major piece, Ode to Solitude, aged just 12. However, 12-year-old Dubai College student Himakshi Shastri makes the cut; she recently penned her debut children's book, Prized Words. Passionate about reading and writing, the Grade 8 student who has taken part in and won writing competitions like The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Challenge and the Kids World Fun Short Story Contest now has a book to her credit which she will showcase at the upcoming Emirates Airline Festival of Literature with a storytelling spot on March 9, from 4:15-4:45pm at Events Centre, InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. She will also be speaking at the opening ceremony of the festival. We caught up with Himakshi to talk about her passion for writing and plans for the future.
Your book Prized Words is about encouraging the use of manners in children. How important according to you are manners in everyday life?
Whilst interacting with young children growing up in today's fast moving digital and increasingly materialistic world, I was perplexed to find that the art of being polite was eroding away.
Sometimes, it is as though we forget the power our words have on others; words can inspire but they can also destroy, and so choosing our words wisely is something all of us should take into consideration. The impact of a simple 'please' and 'thank you' is enough to sweeten both your world and the world of those around you.
How do you feel about speaking at the opening ceremony of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature?
I am super excited about it! The theme of the event is 'United By Words,' a topic which I am truly passionate about! Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble. Getting a chance to speak about the beauty of literature and my journey of writing Prized Words is truly special to me!
You also have a storytelling spot at the festival. Do you like reading aloud?
I definitely love reading to an audience, but this time, I feel like storytelling my own book would be a truly special and unique experience! I definitely am practising my story-telling skills for the day - my main tip to myself and anyone interested in storytelling is enjoy the process! A room without books is like a body without a soul and so whilst reading, take some time to cherish the true meaning of the book, relishing every word you are saying.
Who are your favourite writers?
I have several favourite authors, however, if I had to choose one, it would definitely be David Walliams! He has the greatest sense of humour.
What was the last book you read and how did you feel about it?
The last book I read was called After Tomorrow by Gillian Cross and I would recommend it to all my peers. Belonging to the young adult/dystopian fiction genre, the book expresses the moral that everything in this world is precious and we should show our full gratitude for whatever we have. In the story, there are two child protagonists, Taco and Matt. When we think of a child's life, we picture it to be super exciting - full of adventure, thrill, and stories waiting to unravel. But Taco and Matt's situation is utterly monstrous. After the raids broke out in England, the brothers had to leave their home, school and family behind, facing some extreme events for children as young as them. It definitely is a deep book with a truly beautiful meaning.
Do you ever think about what you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up, I aspire to be a businesswoman! I am passionate about writing and will take my love for literature into the future! The magic of words can never be lost and I will continue writing and publishing my own stories even when I grow up!
'Start being kind and using your manners'
Himakshi's book Prized Words tells the story of Mrs. Green who bakes the tastiest cupcakes in Desertville; she is left impressed with the manners of the humble Mrs Panda who requests her for one of her cupcakes despite not having anything to pay for it with.
We asked the writer if the world would be a better place if more people were like Mrs Panda - sincere and polite, and her response was, "The world would definitely be a better place if we would realise the impact of being sincere and polite to our peers! Whether it is online or even politically, hatred and negativity between people and countries is constantly being spread and although I am only twelve years old, I want it to stop!
"Our world is a beautiful place and being rude and disrespectful to one another is doing nothing but taking away from its beauty! Start being kind and using your manners amongst your peers - if we all believe we don't compete with each other, but complete each other, the world would be a better place."
Prized Words is available to buy from several online platforms like Xlibris, Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles and Booktopia.
enid@khaleejtimes.com
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