Trick or Treat with Shakirah Bourne!

Hi, readers and writers, and thrill seekers, too! In for a spooky, heartfelt mystery with Carribean flare? You've tuned into the right place! We have Bajan author and filmmaker, Shakirah Bourne, with us today sharing her newest book, Beware the Heartman. Just when Jo's life seems to be on track, things take a dark turn. Her best friend disappears, and she has chilling encounters with a shadowy figure. She suspects it's the infamous Heartman, but no one believes her. Is this figure truly the Heartman, and is he behind her friend's disappearance? Want to know more about this fright-filled book PLUS want to know if Shakirah is offering a Trick or a Treat? Read on if you dare...

Q: Hi, Shakirah! Thanks so much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit for our Trick-or-Treat event! We’re SO excited you could join us and can’t wait to hear more about the spooky books you’ve authored. 

Before we get started, can you share a little bit about yourself, your path to becoming a children’s author, and…the fact that you’ve written and produced four movies? That’s incredible!

A: I find it hard to believe myself! As a kid I've always been interested in telling stories, whether it's making up scary tales to entertain my family, or writing my own short stories, but I never thought "author" could be a viable career. For a long time I viewed writing as a hobby, until I got my first job and no longer had time for writing and became totally miserable! I quit the job and decided to pursue any creative endeavor I could find, which led to more short stories, films, plays, musicals, animation, you name it. Eventually, a Caribbean writing competition for kids gave me the opportunity to write for young audiences and it's been one of the most enjoyable forms of writing so far. :)

Q: Your book, Beware the Heartman, follows Josephine (Jo) as she thinks her life is going according to plan until a series of disasters strike, including her best friend being kidnapped by The Heartman.

This sounds so cool!  Can you share more about your book and the inspiration behind it? 

A: Growing up in Barbados, we were told never to go outside after dark because the Heartman will get you. The Heartman is the most fearsome personas in Barbadian folklore, yet few stories have been written about him. So I am so excited for readers to follow Josephine on a new adventure where she has to deal with friendship breakups, natural changes in her body and learn more about herself and trusting her instincts and in other people.

Q: Josephine Against the Sea is a prequel to Beware the Heartman. For readers who’ve read the first (or want to read the series), how are the books different from each other? 

A:  In Josephine Against the Sea, readers meet a cricket-obsessed and overprotective Josephine who is afraid for her Dad to date after her mom died. When she finds out his new girlfriend, Mariss, isn't human, she has to not only persuade everyone about Mariss's true identity but deal with overcoming grief and accepting change in her life.

In Beware the Heartman, Josephine now has to deal with a new antagonist tormenting her loved ones––the Heartman! And while she's grown and learned from her previous adventure, learning to trust is a continuous journey, especially when she's faced with new obstacles that most tweens go through (periods, making new friends etc.)

And though it would be great for readers to have read both books, these two stories can be read independently from each other.

Both sound captivating- thanks so much for sharing!

Q:  Both books feature creatures from Caribbean mythology - how fascinating! How has living in Barbados provided inspiration for your books? What tips would you have for anyone who wants to dive in and focus on bringing culture and their surroundings into their stories? 

A: There is so much Caribbean mythology waiting to be adapted and showcased to a global audience. My earliest memories of folklore were tales from my grandmother about Anansi the spider, Ossie Moore jokes (you'll hear some jokes if you read my books!) and of course, stories about the Heartman. But as we have an oral tradition of storytelling, many of these stories aren't written down. I feel as if I'm making a contribution to the tradition of storytelling by putting my own spin on these characters and stories.

Society is always evolving, which allows authors to create fresh, new exciting stories and adventures that reflect the changes in the culture, important social issues and the landscape. I'd encourage authors to write bravely and authentically, and be unafraid to make changes to character traits and personalities.

Q: What other books of yours can we check out ASAP, and what can we keep our eyes out for?

A: There's Josephine Against the Sea, which will be especially appealing to anyone who likes sea lore, and a twist on mermaids. My second book, Nightmare Island, is a story about a 12-year old filmmaker who follows her family to a silent retreat on a mysterious island, only to discover it's full of douens––faceless kids with backward feet. It's spooky but still a lot of fun. I have more Caribbean folklore adventures to come, including a ghost story that's based on a true unsolved mystery. :)

That sounds SO good!

Q: What was something fascinating about your research for this book?

A: As I did more research on Caribbean mythology, I found that so many characters are rooted in African mythology. It was interesting to see various manifestations of similar characters throughout history, and it reinforces that though we're far apart and separated geographically, our shared history brings us closer together.

Bonus question: What’s your favorite Halloween Candy? OR What was your favorite costume as a kid? 

A: We don't celebrate Halloween in Barbados! You may find a few neighbourhoods with American expats planning something on their own, but in general, it's not a common holiday celebration. But our Independence is in November, and around that time we make a Bajan dish called conkies which is one of my favorites; it's a steamed pudding made from sweet potato, cornmeal and pumpkin which is delicious, especially when it has raisins! :)

YUM! Thanks for sharing and thanks again for joining us, Shakirah! It was such a terror-iffic treat having you with us!

Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?

A: A TREAT! I'd be happy to giveaway a copy of Beware the Heartman to a dedicated reader!

Wow, thanks for such a tremendous treat!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win this sweet treat 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank Shakirah for stopping by! Let her know why you're dying to read her book. Halloween & cool sea-themed GIFs are totally encouraged.

Winners for the Trick-or-Treat event will be drawn on or about 10/22!

*Books will be shipped in the US only.*

Note: Those who leave a comment on all posts will be eligible to win one (1) of ten (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Agent Mentee Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht.

About Shakirah Bourne

Shakirah Bourne is a Barbadian author of spooky Caribbean folklore tales, a filmmaker, and lover of mangoes. She once shot a movie scene in a cave with bats during an earthquake, but is too scared to watch horror movies. Her middle grade fantasy, JOSEPHINE AGAINST THE SEA received starred reviews in Kirkus and Booklist, was an Ignyte Award Finalist, and a School Library Journal Best Book of 2021. She's also the author of NIGHTMARE ISLAND and BEWARE THE HEARTMAN, published by Scholastic. For more publishing credits and portfolio, check out www.shakirahbourne.com

For more about Shakirah, you can find her on IG at @shakirahwrites.

To purchase Shakirah's books on Amazon, or to leave a review for them, click here.

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A special thanks to David Rodriguez Lorenzo for the amazing custom-signatures!