Shaiju Mathew, the author of the bestseller Knocked up, relives his childhood by writing stories for kids. His latest book, Alfie the Elf, is right for the festive season.
“I started writing when I was 12, I used to write poems and short stories,” says Shaiju. “We had newspaper in education (NIE) in school, which motivated me to write. I also contributed for the Chicken Soup books. Writing has always been an integral part of my life.”
Naming his nephew as his inspiration, Shaiju says, “Right now there are not many authors who write for children. There should be books that take children to an imaginary world.”
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On writing a Christmas themed book, the author says, “Christmas is celebrated across the world and yet there are hardly any Christmas books in the market. Gifts, wishes and Santa Claus are the most popular tropes of the season.
“It is written in a simple language, so that youngsters can read it and enjoy.” Through the book the author also aims to help underprivileged children.
Commenting the book took him just nine days to write, Shaiju says, “It was easy as the story was already in my mind. The book tells the story of Alfie, who wishes to grow tall and thus begins his magical journey to find Santa when his wish is not fulfilled on Christmas Day. He meets many people during the course of his quest.”
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Shaiju, who also writes screenplays counts Ruskin Bond, R.K. Narayan, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens as inspirations.
Shaiju stresses the importance of reading saying, “When we were children we used to read a lot and that helps one visualize and become creative. This habit should be developed at the right age, like a building foundation for future creativity and imagination.”
About the message readers could take from the book the young audience can take from the book, Shaiju says, “One should never stop dreaming. This is the motto of my life and through my books I give this message. Another thing I always tell my audience is that passion and patience always work because if you are passionate and you have the patience to pursue that passion then one day it will definitely take you places.”
Shaiju explores different genres in his books. “ Knocked Up was a romantic comedy, Alfie is a children’s book, and my upcoming book, Pocket Full of Sunshine is a period romance. I am writing another book based on mythology.”
Advice for aspiring writers includes “publishers are not the first or last thing in your writing career. Always believe in your content, if you feel you have a good story go ahead and self-publish.”