I had the privilege to interview Sahana Epari.
She is the 13 year old author of Pure at Heart.
This is what she shared with me:
What is your favorite thing about writing?
I would say my favorite thing about writing would be the fact that I decide what goes on and what happens. It's so much different than reading because, well, as much as I love reading, there isn't anything you can do to change it. Writing is a great way to express yourself, and sometimes things have to go the way that people don't like it, but its me you is the judge of that.
Do you have to concentrate and visualize the story or do ideas just randomly come to you when you're out and about?
The thing about me--I don't plan. In fact, it's not just only for my novels, it's also for anything else I do. I don't write down whats going to be down in the book, I just write and write and see where I go. Yes, I do think about what I could potentially do in my head, but it never comes out down on paper or my computer.
Do you write down ideas or do you put everything on your computer?
All on the computer :) This is mainly because I use the computer literally every day of my life, and I really don't know what I'd do without it. If I write something down, there's a high percentage it would be lost.
What or who inspires you?
There is a few things that inspired me to be an author, one of which is myself. Since when I was young, I've always loved to read. Mid-way through a novel, I would close the book, close my eyes, and imagine what could, or should happen. Of course, that usually ends up to me being extremely disappointed, but that's when I knew. I love imagining things, and that's really what writing is about. Imagination.
Do you think your age puts you at an advantage or disadvantage in your writing? Or do you think it doesn't have an impact?
Well, there is a valid argument to both sides. It does keep me in a disadvantage because a lot of authors or reviewers won't take me seriously, because of my age. In addition, applying to traditional publishing companies would be almost impossible because they usually take serious writers, who are considered an adult. And advantage to me being thirteen, would probably be the fact that more people are impressed because I accomplished something that not many people could do, let alone at such a young age. So, yes, it is an advantage in a personal way.
Do you prefer to go to the theater or wait for the DVD?
Mostly theater. If I'm really psyched for a movie to come out (like the Hunger Games), I would go straight with my friends on the opening day. If it's a movie that I think sounds really interesting, then I would go if I had the time, but not on the first day.
What is your favorite day of the week?
Friday's. It makes me feel like the week's over finally, even though a new one is starting.
If you could pick any destination, where would you go?
I really would like to go somewhere in Europe because I've never been there. France, Belgium, and Germany are on the top of my list.
What food can't you live without?
Chicken curry :)
What types of books do you like to read?
I love urban fantasy, supernatural, and paranormal novels. I can also handle realistic fiction, but I absolutely cannot stand historical fiction. I totally agree!
What type of music do you listen to?
Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift are some of my favorites. I like them too! :D
What is your favorite animal?
Dog, like my dog Sammy. He makes me smile everyday and took up my dedication in Pure at Heart.
Favorite T. V. show? celebrity?
My favorite T.V. show is Pretty Little Liars. I've also read the books. I can't say I have a favorite celebrity.
How do you prefer to communicate ( in person, texting, email, or phone)?
I don't call much, but I text my friends, and email sometimes.
Sahana, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!
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Book Description:
Lies. Betrayal. Secrets. They are worse than you think they are.The feeling of something you thought you had but you never did. Your whole train of thought changes direction. Suddenly everything you have lived for becomes a life you never had.
I thought I knew everything.
My name is Evaline Pangborne, and I am a werewolf.
When Eva and the Shadow Clan find out a ground-breaking secret of their life, they seek the only way out of the pain and suffering--an escape route. An escape route they got, but along with that came even more secrets, questions, and betrayal.
The people Eva trusted most, is now someone to despise and hate, and the people Eva never wanted to trust, get closer and closer to her. Living itself seems like a big joke to her. What's the big secret? And why is everyone keeping it from her?
You can find out more about Sahana from her Website or Goodreads.
You can purchase Pure at Heart from Amazon or Barnes and Noble !
My Thoughts:
I liked Pure at Heart. It was not the best nor the worst book that I've ever read but was very enjoyable. It amazed me that Sahana is only 13 and has already written a good story.
There were some typos and an occasional word missing here and there. It wasn't hard to navigate around them though. At times the wording was evidence of Sahana's age (not that that's a bad thing).
The plot was quite good! It consisted of oodles and oodles of mystery and intrigue, action, and a hint of romance, The twists and turns just kept on coming. It was a real page turner.
I really had a hard time liking Eva the main character. The fact that Eva was the Alpha, was stated multiple times through out the book, yet her supposed pack didn't defer to her at all. I really wasn't feeling her as Alpha.
I really hope that Sahana will fill in some of the blanks in the next book. Why is being a white coated wolf so important? What is the importance of Eva's MIA Father? What is Felix's hatred about? What is going on with Eva fainting and being confused? How did Cyril think that him leaving protected her? Oh there are so many questions that I have. I really don't want to wait to read the next book! Write faster Sahana. lol!
Sahana gave me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. :-) Thank you !
I thought Pure at Heart was a terrific first book! Sahana writes so well at thirteen years of age that I can just imagine how much better she will be as she continues to grow in her writing!
I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!
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