Interview with Tiago De Silva, author of Reading Seraphina

What can you tell us about your new release, Reading Seraphina?

It’s a work of historical fiction that introduces a strong, captivating young heroine in the form of Seraphina. She has an unusual past that confronts her in the present day both suddenly and intensely. She has a lot to deal with, and fortunately finds some allies along the way.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I was in a serious rut in my life back in 2015. A staff member saw this and gave me the idea of doing a side project that would bring me some joy. We went through things that I love, and I came up with Disney movies and history. He proposed the idea of writing a screenplay for a Disney movie based around historical events. It lit me up. I did a little work on the outline then but it wasn’t until February 2017 that I really got started. I decided on a book instead of a screenplay, and was surprised by how much I loved the process of writing it. I now want to write many more books, including at least two more on Seraphina. Plus, I do want to get this into Disney so we can make some magic with it.

Name a book that you feel has impacted your life significantly. Why was it so impactful?

Half The Sky. I had no idea about the plight of women throughout a lot of the developing world. I’m fairly well informed about such things, but that book opened my eyes, and my heart. The eradication of slavery is, as a result, a cause hugely close to my heart.

What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?

I’m not sure if this counts, but the Star Wars universe. I wouldn’t just visit either, I’d stay…and get myself an orange lightsaber.

What’s a typical day like for you?

Up early, practice yoga and meditate. I take myself through other mindfulness exercises, then the rest of the day has usually been planned the day before – some reading, maybe some singing, time to relax and of course, eat some delicious food.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Meditate, or if I could have the hour at sunset, I’d just sit there watching the beautiful colors and shapes for an extra hour.

What scene in Reading Seraphina was your favorite to write?

The one where Seraphina and Quintus go out in the boat. I’m a total romantic, and that’s where the two really start falling for each other.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Simply to be the best version of myself that I can be, every day. This isn’t the idea that has been put out there of being happy and positive all the time, but rather to seek real growth and evolution. That involves confronting inner demons and things about myself that I’ve previously not been aware of or been willing to admit. It is hard work some days, but thoroughly worth it. I believe it has a direct correlation to how great my life can be, and how much I can contribute to others. Those are the two things I am most interested in.

Tiago De Silva is the author of the new book Reading Seraphina. 

Connect with Tiago:
 Author Page