Terah Shelton Harris

Terah Shelton Harris is a collection development librarian based in Alabama and a freelance writer. She has been published in Women’s Health, Natural Solutions, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Backpacker, Draft, and Women’s Adventure.

Twitter: @terahsharris

Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?

I’m drawn to anything written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Inception and Interstellar are, in my opinion, two of the best movies ever produced. What I love about both of these films is the originality of them. We’ve never heard of or watched anything like them, and I think that’s what stands out the most to me, what influences me to go deeper when I’m crafting a story. I strive with all of my books to write something new, fresh, bold, and original, something that’s not often found on the shelves. In fact, I had a difficult time finding comps for my book, ONE SUMMER IN SAVANNAH. Conception following a sexual assault is often not covered in fiction so it’s not something readers have ever read before. With Christopher Nolan movies, you can expect originality and that’s what influences my writing.

Favorite non-reading activity?

I love traveling. I’ve traveled to over 50 countries across six continents and have every intention of traveling to as many as I can in my lifetime. My husband likes to joke and say that I have jet fuel in my veins! I’m drawn to off-the-beaten-path travel. I’ve witnessed the first sunrise in the continental United States, located in Lubec, Maine. I’ve sailed on the slow boat to China. I’ve spent a week hiking and camping in the jungles of Laos. Safety matters, of course, but honestly, there isn’t any adventure I wouldn’t try or any country I wouldn’t visit. High on my bucket list is hiking to the Everest Base Camp. Venice, Italy and Paris, France are tied for the most visits and would arguably be my favorite destinations. Domestically, I love New York City. There’s no place like it.

Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?

I watched an interview between Quinta Brunson and Oprah a few weeks ago and they discussed Imposter Syndrome. Without hesitation, Quinta said that she doesn’t experience Imposter Syndrome. On her heels, Oprah also admitted that she has never experienced Imposter Syndrome. In fact, I think they said something like, “I don’t know her.” Well…I know her well. Probably too well. Probably enough for the both of them. My Imposter Syndrome stems from my drive to be perfect, to write the perfect sentence, paragraph, or page and when I fail to meet this unachievable goal, I start to doubt myself. The good news (if there’s such a thing) about my Imposter Syndrome is I’m aware of it, of triggers, and what keeps it at bay, and I’m able to make adjustments for it. It doesn’t slow me down as much anymore but it’s something that I will always live with (even with Quinta and Oprah don’t. LOL!).

Is there a work of art that you love. Why? Have you ever visited it in person?

As I previously mentioned I’m a frequent traveler and on most of my trips, I visit a museum or two. But most of the time, I've been underwhelmed (hello Mona Lisa). Chalk it up to the hype, but for me, seeing works of art has always been more of a bucket list goal than a moving experience. Until I visited the Accademia Gallery in Florence and saw Michelangelo’s David. Standing 17 feet tall, he sucked the oxygen out of the room with his towering presence. I was drawn to him which I imagine was Michelangelo's idea when he sculpted him. They say David is the perfect man. I won't debate the merits of that claim, but I was moved by the craftsmanship and details (check out his hands!). I may never be moved by a piece of art again, but I now understand how art can move you if you are open to the possibility. I would also like to give a notable mention to Jackson Pollock’s One: Number 31, 1950 located at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

What brings you great joy?

Life. I like to say that I’m a lover of life. I find joy in the simple things. The rain, the moon, and the stars. I love writing and reading. I love music but I also love silence. I love to laugh. I find joy and peace in learning things I don’t know. I love traveling but I also love to be at home. I find joy in conversation and discussion. I try to be as present in life as possible so as not to miss anything. I probably fail more at this than I succeed but the thought is there, and I do try. There’s joy in just about everything if we take the time to see it and enjoy it.