Today we’d like to introduce you to Shan Harris.
Shan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started writing when I was in the 4th grade. I kept a diary. It was more like a journal, though. My entries were completely different from the ones I saw in movies, my friends and many others. I knew then I wasn’t like anyone else when it came to writing. I always did more than expected of me. When it came to writing papers for school, I was more than excited. It was weird to the other kids but I liked it. My first well-known paper was when I entered a writing contest. I attended North Highlands Elementary School in Shreveport, Louisiana (where I am originally from). When my paper made the top five winners I was surprised I made it that far. That pushed me to go further with my writing, Then came middle school when we had to sometimes write one or two-page essays. I was the only one who would finish and be willing to get another writing prompt. My essays were always more than what the teacher expected, though she would be angry with me for writing too much.
I really found a passion for writing my senior year in high school. I would find myself on lunch with loads of paper sometimes and just write. Not knowing or caring what I am writing about because I knew no one else would want to read them. I would write about my feelings, thoughts, dreams, goals, etc.. I recently just started taking it more serious and became a blogger. Publishing writings on there and having some view them and read the entire thing makes me happy. It makes me happy to know that some people could relate but it also hurts that people just pass through it. I was always told that reading is fundamental. It really is and I feel more people should read. Especially in this day of time. Whenever I ask people to read my blog, I get hit with the “I don’t like to read” response. I’m starting to not let it bother me so much, In fact, I’m taking that and running with it. The reason I’m doing that is because once I make it to be a well-known writer, people will start reading then.
I always look at the negative side of things as a push to me becoming better. I feel like the negative people in life are critiquing others to become better at what they are doing in life. I never try to be down anymore because it doesn’t feel good, Most of my writings are form pain. Growing up as a child who watched her single mother struggle, marked me for life, No one wants to see their mom cry when she has to do EVERYTHING by herself with seven children to take care of. It was hard for a while, but once we got on our feet, it was game over! We made sure to never go back to the dark place ever again. That’s the main reason I’m focused on my writing now. I know that one day I could go somewhere with it. It might be a cliche to others but to me… It’s something different. Not only am I telling a story, I also want the readers to feel that story that I’m telling.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. It has been a battle each step that I take. I wasn’t sure why but not I feel like I do now. I feel as like, everyone that wants to stride to do better and for everyone that is trying to do better, an obstacle is going to hit you from every which way it can. That is when life starts to test you. You can’t let life when. You have to continue to push forward and remember to pray for more strength/endurance along the way. No road is going to be smooth nor easy. There will ALWAYS be a challenge before you could reach the top.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a blogger/writer. I’m not well-known as of right now but in the long run, I will be. People will remember me for being the writer who can relate to everyday life. I could say that I specialize in relating with people on a more personal level than others do. I am most proud of the fact that people feel comfortable around me when they first meet me. I am an all-around person. No drama is needed. All that is needed is a good time, laughs and a couple of good jokes.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, I could see my blog as a very well-known specific piece of content. Meaning could see everyone reposting, quoting and even reading EVERYTHING that I post. I could see it being a new trend that people would eventually start doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: shanharriss.blogspot.com shanharriss.blogspot.com shanthewriter.blogspot.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shanharriss
Image Credit:
Photographer: Monterious Sheppard
Instagram: @mdcreativevisuals
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