Diversity, why we fight the good fight

I'm incredibly proud of the Ash Mistry books, they were a story that had been brewing since I was pretty young and went to see The Jungle Book and saw a hero up on the screen that was brown, for once.
Heroes are heroes. Their qualities are universal. Loyalty, sacrifice and capacity for love is what defines them.

It also helps, when fighting demon hordes, to be pretty BADASS.

They've had a lot of support from the great and the good. Fans, there are a few. The mythmaster himself, RICK RIORDAN (I hope he doesn't mind the name dropping), loved SAVAGE FORTRESS and if it's good enough for him, well, I think there might be something in it for you to enjoy too.

Which brings me to a sad, but true, story. Which might explain why these books sometimes, sometimes, don't get into your hands. Because no-one tells you about them.

When Ash was first launched here in the UK, I went to a 'meet and greet' with a large selection of booksellers. Now these were invited to HarperCollins HQ, so were the chosen few.
I waltzed around the room, telling them how excited I was that Ash was coming out, how it delved into mythology, history and just EPIC heroicness.
Then I met a bookseller who nodded politely then said:

"I can't see the point stocking it. We've no Indians in our town."

Well, I doubt she had any hobbits either but I bet she sold a few copies of The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings in her shop.

It's a shame that it should be judged on that, rather than the contents of the book which deal with self-sacrifice, loyalty and the true, universal nature of heroism, which is fighting the good fight when all is stacked against you.

So, I'm incredibly proud of all the great writers, publishers, librarians and booksellers and READERS that do support the push to make books dealing in diversity JUST MORE OUT THERE. I'm not  sure we need more books on diversity, there are plenty out there already, maybe just a bit hard to find in some sad cases?

SPREAD THE WORD.

What's Next

Hello. It's been AGES since I've been on this blog but frankly, it's time I was back.

There's a LOT, and I do mean a LOT, of changes coming up.

Firstly, the trip to New York was rather great, thanks for asking. You'll be finding out HOW GREAT very, very soon.

Secondly, there are some new writing projects on the horizon, hence the ARTS COUNCIL logo up there.

As you know, there's been a lot of talk about diversity, or the lack of, in children's publishing. If you know anything about my books you'll know that I've been bringing you diverse heroes from Day One, Page One.

In case you needed reminding:

The Devil's Kiss series
Billi SanGreal. Half-English half-Pakistani kickass heroine with Muslim Mother, Christian Father and Jewish Godmother.

The Ash Mistry series
Ash Mistry. British-born Indian demon slayer and divine superweapon of the goddess of death and destruction, Kali.

If you feel you are lacking in badass reading material, check out those two series.

This will continue, but in new and VERY special ways. The Arts Council are funding my next two projects. The first is with the rather wonderful Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary Agency. Now you must know Sarah. Basically she is the most rocking literary agent out there. By a long way. The plan is some polishes on the first project over the summer and then out into the big wide publishing world soon after.

The second project is super-early days but will have a Eastern angle to it. It will rock. It will be BADASS. I would deliver nothing less.

So, stay tuned. Prepare for a tidal wave of badassness.

Sarwat 'Dr. Badass' Chadda

Ash Mistry Website

Dear Chums,
There comes a time to move on and put the past behind. SO THIS BLOG IS OFFICIALLY DEAD!
All the action is now at www.ashmistry.com.
See you there!
Sarwat

Hello from Ash Mistry (aged 13.5)

Ash Mistry, age 13 (but almost 14!)
Appearance
Well, that’s a bit difficult. Until the summer hols I would say I was slightly above average in weight, slightly below average in physical coordination, courage and in general acts of extreme and suicidal heroism.
THEN after the summer hols (which you will be able to read about VERY SOON) and following a strict diet of violence, absolute terror and basically being hunted by demons I’ve acquired, what can be only described as ‘gaunt and frightening to look upon’ aspect. My colour has gone from a healthy and hearty brown to ‘gore-splattered.’
A bit about myself
I’m at West Dulwich High School and (unofficial) leader of the Nerd Herd. I’m a non-sporty, bookish ‘stay indoors even when the sun is shining’ kind of guy. You’ve probably stolen my lunch money at some point.
My favourite things (and not so much)
The greatest moment of my life has to be when I was the first person in our school to find the secret machine-gun armoury in the latest Assassin’s Creed game. Oh, yeah, I did also save the world from the greatest evil the universe has ever known. If you’re alive right now, that’s because of me. You can thank me later.
Sort of makes up for me being voted ‘least likely to survive a zombie apocalypse’ three years running.
My fav Dr. Who is, and forever will be, David Tennant. Now you know everything important about me.
Quote
“Is now a bad time to mention I’m risk intolerant?”

art by Mr. Murphy (great, isn't it)