Q&A
Tell us something interesting about yourself:
I love playing my 30' Paiste gong, its deep mysterious vibrations take me away to underworlds and mystical realms and when I'm playing, I just get lost in the sounds.
Current job title:
Purpose Coach and Children's Book Author.
How would you describe your identity?
I'm Malaysian/Filipino. She/her.
Tell us your favourite medium for reading:
Books.
Tell us your favourite location for reading:
In a comfy hammock or couch - no music or just very light ambient music in the natural light on a sunny afternoon, with a hot tea next to me.
Book title:
Kaya's Heart Song.
What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book?
I was inspired to write by things I love, really being in nature, elephants, adventure...magic! I knew I wanted to tell a story that gave children a sense of meaning, joy and empowerment and I found mindfulness to inspire this. I was inspired by my late Father, who loved reading and writing.
Favourite character or moment from the book – and why?
When Kaya hears her heart song and the elephants come to life! It's my favourite moment because it appeared very spontaneously as I was writing the story and it brought me such joy and excitement to express it. It was such a fun moment and it really felt like something special that I hoped readers would love as well.
What themes or messages does your book raise?
It's a book about mindfulness and following your inner truth and intuition. And that there is magic present in the everyday, you just need to know how to look for it.
How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words?
Free-spirited, expressive and playful.
Favourite illustration – and why?
The very last page because during the illustration process when I saw it - it brought me to tears - it's inspired by an actual picture of mine that Nerina has seen on Instagram of a very special time for me in Bali. And I absolutely love that she included it in the book.
Connect
IG: @hdiwatharan
