Trust Yourself

Shani Night Author Interview

The Whispers of Destiny follows a 12-year-old girl who discovers she can hear spirits leading her on a journey involving time travel; her mission is to unlock the power within her younger self. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Every lesson embedded in the book stems from that idea—trust yourself, follow your intuition because it truly guides you, love yourself unconditionally, make choices that align with who you truly are, and always remember that positive self-talk matters. Throughout the book, there are gentle reminders that we all have a purpose.

In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?

Absolutely! Emma is a reflection of me, and many of her experiences echo my own. Like Emma, I’ve always had to rely on my intuition—though I realized its power later in life. Learning to trust myself and align with who I truly am has been life-changing. There are moments in the book, particularly in Chapters 11 and 19, that are directly inspired by my own experiences. This story is as much an adventure as it is a guide for young readers. It is my story, and it’s deeply personal.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

In Whispers of Destiny, the journey is one of truth—one that whispers to the soul and stirs the heart. At its core, this story is about trusting oneself because within each of us lies a knowing you can’t shake—a voice too often drowned by doubt or fear. That voice is always there, waiting for us to trust it. Our intuition is the spirit’s quiet compass, not steering us away from struggle, but guiding us toward the lessons we are meant to learn.

I wanted to explore the power of positive self-talk—the quiet incantations we tell ourselves that shape our reality. Words—whether whispered to ourselves or spoken into the world—hold the power to build and heal. Speak to yourself as you would to the universe—with reverence, with love, with belief.

This book is also a journey through time and self-discovery, a reflection on the past not as something to regret, but as something to understand. Healing is an act of honoring both who we have been and who we are becoming. We are not bound by the mistakes of yesterday, nor must we fear the uncertainty of tomorrow. Within us lives an untapped strength—a quiet but undeniable force waiting to be embraced.

Through Emma’s journey, I hope young readers recognize their own power—to shape their destiny, rise beyond fear, and step boldly into the light of who they are meant to be.

Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?

I’ve already begun writing the second book, allowing the story to unfold organically and letting Emma and Lucy’s growth feel both natural and extraordinary. Natural, because they’re two young girls growing and learning, and extraordinary because of their gift and unique lineage. What I can say for certain is that the next book is about strength and transformation—about rising through struggle and discovering the power that was within them all along. I’ve even written a poem for the next book, capturing the essence of resilience, growth, and strength. But Emma’s journey is far from over. We’ve yet to see what she’s truly capable of when she fully embraces her power and puts her mind to it.

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In a world where the past, present, and future intertwine, 12-year-old Emma discovers she is the key to preserving a legacy of strength, self-love, and hope. Guided by a spirit that whispers truths only she can hear, Emma is thrust into a journey unlike any other—traveling back in time to visit her younger self. Her mission? To unlock the power within her and ensure a brighter future for herself and those she loves.
As Emma faces trials that test her courage, heart, and intuition, she learns to trust not only the spirit that guides her but also the strength of her mind, body, and soul. Along the way, she uncovers secrets from her family’s past, deepens her bond with her mother, and discovers the ripple effects of the choices we make.
But as Emma’s journey unfolds, the stakes rise higher. The timeline she seeks to protect is fragile, and the choices she faces could alter everything. With the spirit as her guide and her heart as her compass, Emma must navigate the fine line between destiny and free will.

Posted on February 21, 2025, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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