In conversation with Shari Amarasuriya
“I like to be alone, in a calm and peaceful environment,” muses Shari Amarasuriya, referring to her ideal ambience for writing. Shari is the author of children’s book ‘The Sunday Fair’. Of the book, she says, “I created a story surround the characters that I had drawn with idea of making a book for my God daughter as a Christmas present. The "Sunday Fair" was what I ended up with.”
Shari was educated at Bishop's College Colombo and holds a BA Hons in Graphic Design from the University of Northumbria. Her creative flair and interest for art and English was apparent from a young age. It was a collaboration of her skills and her love for small children that inspired her to write The Sunday Fair.
She currently resides in Australia, where she is working on her next book.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Dreamer, creative, fun loving.
How did ‘The Sunday Fair’ come about?
It started out as usual... just general doodling! That evolved into what I thought to be pretty cool characters for a children's book.
What’s your most favourite time and place to write?
I definitely do my best work in the morning... I like to be alone, in a calm and peaceful environment. A place where I can hear my own thoughts.
The most challenging thing about being a children’s author?
The most challenging thing as a children's author is to be able to transfer your message simply but still captivating the child's interests and holding their attention... While you deliver your story through illustrations.
Your expectations for GLF 2016?
I hope to use the GLF as a platform to get my book recognised. I would like to use the opportunity in my workshops to inspire and encourage children not only to unleash their creativity but to also embrace it and celebrate it... keeping creativity alive for the future generations.
Future plans?
I am currently writing and illustrating my second book. Which I intend to get published. I hope that my books will eventually be recognised by children and parents not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world.
Shari Amarasuriya is one of the many authors participating in the Fairway Galle Literary Festival, happening right now (Jan 13- 17).
Interviewed by Jennifer Rodrigo
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