Q: First tell us something about yourself?
Hello, my name is Moashella Shortte. I am the proud mother of four amazing children; a lifelong learner; a forever educator; and the proud author of Mirror and contributing author to Healing the Little Woman Inside: Stories of Rebirth & Renewal.
Along with writing and promoting my books, I also devote my time to championing youthful wisdom and vying for quality environments and materials in all learning spaces.
Most recently I’ve developed an anti-racism workshop that’s specifically designed for educators in schools and early learning establishments.
At the core of all I do is a genuine desire to ensure that all children are made aware of their true worth and encouraged to love themselves just as they are.
Q: How and when your journey started as a writer?
I have been creating and sharing children’s stories since I was a little girl. Growing up on the tiny Caribbean island of Bequia S.V.G. where books were at a premium, I treasured each that came my way, and when there was none, I made up stories with inspiration coming from my beautiful home and the colorful characters that were my fellow islanders.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
When my daughter was only months old, I took a series of photos of her interacting with her Reflection in the mirror. I was overwhelmed with the joy she expressed for what she was experiencing; she had discovered herself and she was in love! I vowed in that moment to do everything in my power to help her to always look at herself in that way. A few days later my first to be published children’s book “MIRROR” was born.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
Mirror is about self-discovery, self-acceptance and self-love. I believe that it is important that children be given the opportunity, from a very early age, to develop ways of looking at themselves that promotes a positive self-image. For younger children, Mirror captures the beautiful, magical moment that is the discovery of self, self in all its splendid wonder. For the older child, it promotes the ever-elusive but all-important self-acceptance, the kind that leads to genuine self-esteem. And for parents, Mirror reflects the love for their child, a love that is pure and unconditional.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader? Is there any specific reason?
I wanted the first story I share with the world to be a children’s book because the only thing that can top my passion for books and storytelling is my love for working with children.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
Most of the inspiration for the writing I do for children comes from experiences that I have with my own children and the children that I have the honor of getting to know through my work now and my earlier years in the classroom.
Q: Do you want to give any message for your readers?
My wish for my readers is that they will remember to treat themselves with the sweetest of kindness always!
