Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanyu Ntanda
Hi Sanyu, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story begins in a seventh-grade English classroom. Our teacher asked us to write a book as part of a class project. As a middle school tween, I hated writing, but I loved storytelling. I wrote a story about a young boy in an African village who, in attempt to connect with his father, embarks on a journey that tests his courage and determination. At that time, I was incredibly creative and uninhibited. I thoroughly enjoyed the assignment and kept the finished book on my childhood bedroom bookshelf, where it sat for decades before resurfacing. Fast forward to 2024: when my parents downsized their home, my mother found the book. She brought it to a family reunion, encouraged me to publish it, and here we are. That’s the story of how I became a children’s book author.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The learning curve to becoming a children’s book author is incredibly steep. The process is very involved as books need to be crafted, edited, illustrated, formatted, promoted and distributed. There are several different publishing options (self-publishing, traditional publishing, hybrid) and formatting options (e-book, audio book, paperback, hardback etc.). For a new author, there are lots of decisions to make and it can be really overwhelming. But the good news is that all the information needed is available on the internet. We live in an age where information is abundant. There are so many resources to tap into such as children’s book author communities, podcasts, blogs and what I like to call YouTube University.
I feel fortunate that all my past experiences have contributed to my current project. I rely on the skills I’ve gathered in my toolbox —networking, organization, creativity and technology — to reach this point in my journey.
Furthermore, the children’s book publishing industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. It’s more inclusive now. This shift towards inclusivity has opened doors for authors with stories focused on characters from diverse racial, cultural, and social backgrounds.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Houston-based children’s book author who writes stories for young readers (ages 3 to 9) that explore universal themes in a unique setting – an African village. My aim is to inspire children to have meaningful conversations about cardinal virtues such as courage and patience.
I’m currently self-publishing my debut children’s book, Jama and the Search for Courage. The story follows a 9-year-old boy who reminds us that courage isn’t about being fearless —it’s about facing fear. I hope this book encourages readers to have conversations about bravery and courage which is essential because there’s no growth in our comfort zones.
Storytelling is a powerful way to share human experiences, spark imagination, and transport readers to new worlds. Everyone has a story, and I consider myself an African storyteller by way of children’s picture books.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The greatest joy in life is being my true, authentic self. Back in that seventh-grade classroom, I felt completely free—I didn’t care about anyone’s thoughts, opinions, or expectations. I wrote with pure joy, in a space where creativity flowed without restraint. As I grew older, though, societal expectations, pressures, and responsibilities weighed me down. As that sense of freedom faded, my creativity was stifled. Now, I’m reconnecting with that little girl who lived completely free and full of creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.authorsanyu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsanyu/
Image Credits
Agaba Studios and Jah Mitchell Photography
