041BOOKS columnist LAUREN HEWITT chats to Cape Town-based Shameez Patel Papathanasiou author of the Selene Trilogy which will launch its final instalment next month
Shameez was born and raised in South Africa. She lives there with her husband, child and two cats named Turbo and Charger.
She considers herself a professional binge-watcher and fangirl. She fell in love with fiction at a young age. Her parents fondly recall receiving her first handwritten story before the age of ten, titled The Treasures of Zombie Island, which surprisingly featured no zombies at all. She has been writing ever since. The final book in her fantasy debut series, The First King, will be published in July 2024.
Tell me a bit about your road to publication in South Africa
There are so many roads to publication! Let’s focus on the fantasy series:
I submitted the first book, THE LAST FEATHER, to agents and indie publishers based in the USA. Within a few days, I had an offer from Flame Tree Press and based on the email I’d received from the editor, I know it was the right deal. I withdrew all my outstanding applications. Best decision ever.
Are any scenes in the books based on real-life events?
It would be a lie to say no, but off the top of my head, I can’t think of exact moment. There are little bits of me and my life woven into my writing which, I hope, makes it feel authentic enough without it being a complete self-insert.
If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?
This question is a tough one. I’ve heard of people suggesting Jamie Campbell Bower for Lochlan and Matthew Daddario for Lucas.
What is your favourite childhood book?
I can’t be sure, but I think it might have been Matilda or The BFG.
Tell me about your writing routine
What routine? Haha! There is no routine. I write when I can and it usually ends up being at night after the house has gone to sleep.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
By starting another!
How do you select the names of your characters?
My main female characters are often flora-inspired. But other than that, I toss around names until it feels right.
What inspired the idea for your book?
I’ve always enjoyed fiction, especially fantasy, that delves into political systems and power dynamics. And as I always say: I write what I want to read.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
I think SA Chakraborty would be lovely to spend time with. That being said, my list of favourites is long and ever-changing.
Would you be friends with any of the characters from your book in real life?
I think I’d fall in love with Lucas and whether Cassia and I become friends would depend on whether or not she thinks I’m good enough for him. But Lucas aside, I think Cassia and I would have a rough start but develop a really deep trust.
Do you have a message for your readers?
Thank you for coming on this journey with me. The Selene trilogy has been such a pleasure to write and the only thing more enjoyable was knowing there were people out there reading it and loving these characters as much as I do. I appreciate you all.
She can be found on
Purchase her books here
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