An interview with Atharv Shinde - BISA's published author!

Atharv Shinde is 10 years old and a member of Year 5. He has has done what many would consider impossible for a child his age - he is a published author!

Titled ‘The Behemoths, End of Warbringer’, the book centres on Randy, a 14 year old boy who becomes a superhero.  When asked what made him want to write the novel, Atharv said that writing has always been his hobby as he can explore his imagination through it. In ‘The Behemoths’, he does this by exploring a new city. The story is set in San Francisco and, although Atharv has never been there, he does a great job of imagining new places and describing them.

‘Drenched, I continued to skate down the road - I could see the red door of our house partially open.’

Another point of inspiration for the book came from Atharv contemplating having super powers himself, saying  “Especially when I’m feeling lazy, I wish I had Telekinesis!”. Atharv said that part of his motivation to complete the novel came from wanting to be the youngest author in India. He proved his dedication when he came to his parents with five chapters of the book already written. From then on his parents were fully on board, supporting him through the six months it took to write the book and the next three months of publishing and self editing.

All this may make one think that Atharv is a fully grown adult placed in a child's body. But be reassured that he is much like any another child, full of wonder.

When asked what advice he would offer to others his age, Arthav says, “Pen down your thoughts”, a statement which will serve him well as he plans to write his sequel, based on Randy's future son. We can't wait to read it.

- Interview by Charis Pulei