Q: First tell us something about yourself.
Hi, I live in London with my hubby and 2 boys. My background is in science, but I have always enjoyed writing. Those who know me well know my need for detail and how I seek people who know how to tell a good story! This is my first book, my passion project, so this world is very new to me.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
This is a deep question! My journey as a writer started over 6 years ago when my oldest son was diagnosed with a heart condition. He is healthy now. During his early years we spent a lot of time at a hospital in London (Great Ormond Street). To keep him occupied I made up little stories about the monuments and famous sights we would pass. I wanted to make it fun yet engaging for him. It was important for me to know he was learning but also curious. I love it when children ask questions because it really shows they are interested to learn more and that they are listening. Over the years the stories became a thing I did with both boys….’Our thing.’ The character always stayed the same but the teaching/ learning topic changed.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
I started to put the stories from my mind to paper around 4-5 years ago. Mainly because I wanted a keepsake of the imagination and fun I had in making these stories with my boys. During the Covid Lockdown, I decided to get the first book illustrated and eventually published. The book is now available on Amazon.
Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stomp-London-Shiva-Patel/dp/B0BQ9LM6KC
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
My book is about a magical dinosaur called Diggy, who has come back from extinction. He wants to travel to explore and make new adventures. He has a magical ‘stomp,’ if he stomps three times, he can be anywhere he wants to be! The book is centred around London because London is where my first story came to life and also a city I call home. Whilst writing my book, I built three ‘purposes.’ These are ‘Encourage Learning,’ Be Factual’ and ‘Build Curiosity.’ I refer to these at the end of every page and book I write, so I know I am creating content that is broadening knowledge, stimulating young minds and making reading fun. I have a page in my book dedicated to these three purposes, which I call ‘Diggy’s Purpose.’
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
The stories came to my mind because of my surroundings in London. I wanted my son to learn as we travelled through the city. To make it fun and relatable for him, I chose the main character to be a Dinosaur. My son is a Dinosaur fanatic! I knew having a Dino as the main character would guarantee him listening. Knowing how well this worked with my boys encouraged me to put a little bit of my creativity out in to the world for other little minds to read, absorb and enjoy. This is how Diggy the Dino was born.0
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
A huge Thank-O-Saurus to all my readers! So far on this short journey as an Author, you have shown me support, love and encouragement which has been overwhelming and humbling. To my little stompers, I hope you always love to read and I hope you build a core full of knowledge and curiosity!
