Blog Archives
A Frequently Misunderstood Sea Creature
Pontus and Electra: To the Depths of the Sea follows two lonely great white sharks who find purpose and connection in each other. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It started with a single shark fact: Great white sharks are often solitary creatures, though there are exceptions (sharks are occasionally found travelling in pairs). I wanted to explore the idea of loneliness through the lens of a frequently misunderstood sea creature. Initially, I had no clue what the book was going to be about other than that. But as I progressed with the concept, I began to incorporate themes of adoration and resilience, eventually settling upon a heartwarming and tragic tale of two sharks. The more I researched the issues plaguing sharks, the more the underlying messages began to shape the story—but originally, it started from a singular fact I happened to come across online.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Ultimately, the most important and relevant theme in Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea is the environment, and the senseless havoc wreaked upon it. When I began writing the book, I knew little about shark finning. It was only when I did my research on the most prominent issues affecting the species that I discovered the practice—and realized this book was so much more important and so much more necessary than a silly book about two sharks. It became imperative that I shine a light on this matter, painting it in a way that allows the reader to sympathize with the beautiful creatures and approach the topic first and foremost with empathy.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
Yes and no! Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea is my second novel in verse, and my third collection of poetry overall. It is both a reflection of my prose writing and a newfound style I needed to lean into in order to write this book. Writing Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea as a full-length novel in prose felt as though it would not work for me, as the poetic manner allows for a more dream-like and whimsical experience for the reader (it also allows me to experiment more with my methods of storytelling). In a way, I made the poetry flow like the ocean.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
For the last year and a half (alongside other projects), I have been working on Good Kids, Bad Choices, a long and timely novel combining the high school experience with modern-day American politics (and a sprinkle of my personal experiences as well), exploring themes of bullying, injustice, power dynamics, and rebellion in the school setting. So far, I’ve been releasing two chapters a week on my Patreon, but when it is finished, I plan to self-publish. It is still unclear whether it’ll be my next release or if I’ll publish a book from my backlog in between, but either way, readers can expect it to be released in 2026 (or late 2025).
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Welcome to the lonely life of Pontus. Until the most pivotal moment of his life (other than the day a thick darkness consumed the waters), he believes he is the only great white shark in his underwater world.
Welcome to the lonely life of Electra. Until the most unexpected moment of her life (other than the day a monster snatched her mother from the waters), she believes she will never find comfort in another again.
Together, Pontus and Electra find meaning in their lives through unconditional love and the hope and joy of company in an expansive ocean. But plagued by humanity’s horrors and a drizzle of existential dread, their bonds are tested, and the innocence of a romance under the sea will never be so simple again.
As unconventional as it is captivating, Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea is both a romance and a tragedy told in poetry. It is a testament to the terrors of our habitats and a story of true love outside human norms. As an award-winning teen author’s third work of poetry, it stands out as a book every person who cares about the environment should experience at least once.
Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea
In Pontus and Electra: To the Depths of the Sea, Shanti Hershenson weaves a lyrical, aching tale of two lonely great white sharks—Pontus and Electra—who find purpose and connection in each other. Told in a poetic, vignette-like structure, the book alternates perspectives, blending environmental commentary with raw emotion and surprising tenderness. Against the backdrop of warming oceans, human threats, and grief, Pontus and Electra navigate fear, loss, companionship, and ultimately love, diving deeper into the sea and each other.
I didn’t expect to get emotional reading about sharks, but here I am, completely gutted and grateful. Hershenson writes with a dreamy style that’s both tender and brutal. Lines float like seafoam and then crash like waves. I loved the way she captures the loneliness of the ocean, of being “one-of-a-kind,” of searching the blue void for someone who understands. And when Pontus meets Electra? I held my breath. Their relationship builds slowly, clumsily, beautifully. It’s not just a romance, it’s survival, forgiveness, and healing.
There’s no traditional plot arc, and the prose leans on repetition and abstraction. But for me, it worked. It made the ocean feel mythic, the sharks feel ancient and sentient. The environmental message about pollution, overfishing, oil spills, and the cruelty of finning hits hard, but it never feels preachy. It’s heartbreaking because it’s told through creatures just trying to live. The parts about Electra losing her mother were absolutely wrenching.
Pontus and Electra is a love story, yes, but also a quiet plea to look deeper, to care more, to recognize the wild hearts beneath the waves. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy poetic storytelling, character-driven narratives, or marine life in fiction. Teens and adults alike could connect with it. It’s especially perfect for fans of lyrical prose and gentle speculative stories.
Pages: 139 | ASIN : B0F6VX7GDB
Aliens as a Metaphor
Little Green Man follows a seventeen-year-old girl living in a small town who, with the help of the new boy at school, tries to find out if there are aliens living in their town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
While I’ve written about aliens before, I wanted to write something that shined a different light on the concept. I incorporated the high school experience to create a young adult book that readers could find both exciting and relatable. I played around a lot with the dynamic of Birdie and Sol early on, as well as the rest of the characters present in the story. Overall, my primary inspiration for writing a book so centered around high school was the fact that, at the time of writing this book, I was about a month from starting high school. While I was sixteen when the novel was published, I was fourteen when I wrote it!
I enjoyed the character of Birdie. Is there anything about Birdie that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Birdie was, in many ways, a manifestation of myself at the time. Although she was several years older than I was at the time of writing this book, there are a lot of things about her that were derived from myself: Her awkwardness when it comes to talking to boys, her tendency to obsess over what fascinates her, and even her love for beautiful views – just to name a few.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was essential to, inevitably, explore aliens – not only as little green men but also as creatures that may be very similar to humans. I strived to capture experiences that would be relatable to the audience of the book, using the concept of aliens as a metaphor for being left out and excluded from society.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
A sequel (and perhaps more) is in the works for Little Green Man. While I cannot say much about where the story goes, I explore the alien species that the first book focuses on, as well as the relationship between Earth and this species. Birdie and Sol are also reunited – for better or for worse.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
“I’m not going to parties or practicing underage drinking. I’m not sneaking out to see my secret boyfriend. I’m literally searching for aliens.”
Meet seventeen-year-old Birdie Buckley. She’s an alien enthusiast from a small town in Colorado called Mount Pifork, a miserable place where everyone knows everyone, anything that deviates from the norm is looked down upon and, to top it off, there may or may not be aliens lurking. At least, that’s what Birdie thinks.
Ever since she was young, she has been searching for proof that humans are not alone in the universe—and so far, that research has not taken her very far. Until, one night she captures her boldest piece of evidence yet. This sends her on a spiraling journey that opens up a million harrowing questions, because she may not be the only one aware of the anomaly.
Joining forces with Sol, the mysterious new boy at her high school and the one person who shares her interests, Birdie looks deeper into bizarre occurrences, her community’s hidden history, and even a strange observatory on the outskirts of town that she swears was never there before. The more she investigates, the more her findings begin to make sense and the more the truth becomes clear—and that truth may be her dream come true, or her biggest fall from grace.
Perfect for fans of E.T. and the X-Files, Little Green Man takes readers on an eccentric investigation that challenges the definition of alien and explores the overshadowed side of the high school experience.
The First Page
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, introducing the characters, was the best part.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website | Book Review
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells
Inspired by a Stuffed Animal
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, and introducing the characters, was the best part.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Are you ready to explore the ocean? Join Zeke, a young hermit crab from the sunny coast of Southern California, on his quest to return home after being swept away during a storm. Along the way, he will meet new friends and discover a bravery inside himself that he never knew was there—and maybe you will too.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the story of Zeke, a shy young hermit crab living in the tidepools along the sunny coast of Southern California. Zeke, who prefers the safety of his shell over the adventure of the world outside, is swept away by a storm and finds himself far from home. Through this unexpected journey, Zeke not only finds his way back but also learns the value of friendship, courage, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
One of the first things that struck me about this book was the vivid imagery Hershenson uses to bring the coastal setting to life. The descriptions of the beach, the tidepools, and the ocean are not only beautifully written but also help young readers immerse themselves in Zeke’s world. The author’s ability to create a sense of place is impressive, and it’s easy to visualize the colorful underwater scenes and the diverse creatures that Zeke encounters on his journey. The character development in this book is also notable. Zeke starts as a timid, reclusive hermit crab, but as the story progresses, he evolves into a brave and sociable character who learns to trust others and embrace new experiences. Hershenson does an excellent job of portraying Zeke’s internal struggles, particularly his fear of the unknown and his hesitation to interact with others. These themes are universal and relatable, making Zeke’s journey not just a physical adventure but also an emotional one. The moment when Zeke finally sings for his new friends is particularly touching, symbolizing his growth and newfound confidence. I also appreciated the underlying message of the story, which encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and make new friends. The book handles these themes with a gentle touch, making them accessible to young readers without being didactic. The friendships Zeke forms with Jay, Maisy, and Harry are heartwarming and show that even the most unlikely companions can become the best of friends.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a delightful read that I would highly recommend to young children, particularly those who might be shy or hesitant to try new things. The book’s combination of engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and a positive message makes it a great choice for parents and educators looking to instill confidence and social skills in children. Shanti Hershenson has created a charming and memorable story that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D9N1JWSQ
Reliving Trauma
Helipads in Heaven follows a successful author who is given the opportunity to become a test subject for time travel and travel back in time to her childhood. What inspired the setup of your story?
Helipads in Heaven was heavily inspired by myself and my own experiences. As such, the story came from a question I would often ask myself: “If you could travel back in time and see your younger self again, what would you say and what would she think about you?” From there, I began to develop a short story based on this question, which soon became the groundwork for Helipads in Heaven.
When traveling back in time, Goose discovers that she has forgotten some memories of trauma from her childhood and must weigh the cost of helping her 10-year-old self and jeopardizing her future life. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
All of the driving ideals behind the development of Goose/Dillon were based on myself. I knew I wanted to create a character that was heavily inspired by who I was at ten years old, from her short, curly hair to the bomber jacket she would wear even when the weather was too warm. With that being said, Goose is, in many ways, not like myself. She’s much bolder than I was at ten years old, and she’s much braver. In many ways, I made both Goose and Dillon (Goose twenty years in the future, going by her real name) better versions of myself, but of course, they still had flaws and vast room for development throughout the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
When writing Helipads in Heaven, I knew that, at the surface, I needed to explore themes of bullying and trauma and, more specifically, how this affects both characters and people on a larger scale. For example, Dillon is thirty years old and reliving trauma she experienced when she was ten. On a deeper level, I wanted to explore childhood dreams. Every child is asked what they want to be when they grow up, but how many of them keep that dream all the way to adulthood? There are so many children with huge dreams, such as Goose, who are told they can’t achieve them, and this, in turn, negatively impacts them. I was a child who was told that my dreams were too big, and while I ended up proving those who said this to me wrong, I knew it was something that was important to cover in this story.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is called Neverfar, the third book in the Neverdying series. It will be released on June 30, 2024!
Author Links: Goodreads | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
World-renowned author Dillon Hershkop has everything she wants in life, but getting there hasn’t been easy. Now thirty years old, she has achieved almost everything she dreamed of as a young girl: A dazzling career, a devoted fan base, and a picture-perfect family—but despite all of this, she is also painstakingly bored.
That is why, when Dillon receives the opportunity to become the test subject for a time-traveling experiment hosted by JPL’s brand new Center for Experimental Science, she seizes the opportunity to explore La Cañada—and the places she grew up around—without any immediate reservations. In exchange, she can write a brand new memoir both about time travel and the nearly forgotten experiences that shaped her into the talented woman she is today. That is, if she returns. Dillon is soon thrown head-first as an adult spectator into the complicated world of her ten-year-old self—fondly nicknamed Goose—from her love of helicopters, writing, and all things Elton John, to her unreceptive fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Vincent, her sourly judgemental classmates, and the missed opportunities of a fourth-grade writer with a smothered voice.
As she observes the childhood she does not entirely remember, she begins to realize that there are reasons for the holes in her memories—things she must not remember, because if she does, it may become impossible to stand back and watch the oil of her bottled-up trauma be poured into a fire from a distance. And if she goes against the direct orders of the laboratory, the effects of tampering with a nearly unknown science may permanently disrupt the fabrics of time, space, and Dillon’s existence.
From the teenage author of You Won’t Know Her Name, Helipads in Heaven is a deep and heartwarming adventure of time travel, childhood ambitions, and at the core, a love letter to unique children and those who dare to dream.
Helipads in Heaven
Helipads in Heaven introduces us to “Goose” or Dillon, an idiosyncratic writer who unexpectedly wins a contest granting her the opportunity to travel back in time. As a highly acclaimed author with a complex history, Goose confronts her past and explores its impact on her present through an engaging and reflective adventure that balances levity with emotional depth.
Shanti Hershenson demonstrates notable skill, crafting a concise yet fully realized narrative that deftly establishes characters, events, and their significance without feeling rushed or disjointed. The protagonist, Goose, along with her husband David and Dr. Moreno, the scientist facilitating her time travel, are compellingly drawn and contribute to a richly woven plot replete with twists, thrilling escapades, and moments of genuine emotion.
The short time spent with the characters intensifies the emotional connection, leaving some readers possibly yearning for more. This element of transience enhances the book’s impact, emphasizing the theme that the trials we endure fundamentally shape our identities.
Helipads in Heaven is not only an enjoyable read but also invites reflection on how personal adversities influence who we become. Hershenson’s work is commendable, and her potential future contributions to literature are highly anticipated. Readers looking for a thoughtfully paced and introspective journey will find much to appreciate in this novel.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0C97X49B6
LITERARY TITAN 