{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F0a60055b-554d-49d1-a217-0aa99a3b99e0","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"How Teen Author Shanti Hershenson Published 15+ Books Before 17 | Writing, Discipline & Gen Z Voices","description":"In this episode of Mind Over Matter, we dive into the literary world of 16-year-old author Shanti Hershenson, a Gen Z powerhouse who has written and published over a dozen books by the age of 16. From writing her first novella in 6th grade to handling trolls after going viral on TikTok, Shanti shares how she navigates the publishing world, maintains daily writing rituals, and crafts characters with depth and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors, young creatives, and anyone seeking real inspiration rooted in discipline, resilience, and a love for storytelling.\nDiscover how Shanti balances teen life with serious publishing goals, what writing every day has taught her, and how she handles doubt from adults and critics alike. She breaks down the realities of publishing as a young author and offers grounded advice for those just getting started.\n\nAbout the Guest:Shanti Hershenson is a 16-year-old author who has published more than 15 books. With a strong voice, a powerful creative discipline, and a mission to tell socially impactful stories, she is emerging as a force in young adult fiction and independent publishing. Her books touch on themes like environmental justice, emotional resilience, and teen identity.\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nShanti began creating stories as a young child and published her first book at age 12 using Kindle Direct Publishing.\n\n\nShe developed the habit of writing 1,000 words daily, which she credits for building her craft and momentum.\n\n\nDuring the pandemic lockdown, she wrote an 800-page novel, which she split into a trilogy\u2014marking her true start as an author.\n\n\nShe faced online doubt and disbelief, especially after going viral on TikTok, but learned to focus on genuine readers and supporters rather than critics.\n\n\nShanti uses daily writing rituals, boundaries (like no social time before writing), and tech discipline (like locking her phone) to stay focused and energized.\n\n\nAs a Gen Z writer, she brings a fresh voice to literature, weaving in social commentary and environmental themes that connect with today\u2019s readers.\n\n\nHer advice to aspiring writers: just start. Write anything. Let the story unfold word by word.\n\n\nShe emphasizes that stories need conflict\u2014\u201cmake your characters suffer\u201d\u2014because conflict drives engagement and transformation in storytelling.\n\n\n\nConnect with the Guest:Follow and explore more of Shanti\u2019s work:\n\n\nWebsite: shantihershenson.com\n\n\nTikTok: @shantiwhowrites\n\n\nInstagram: @shantihershenson\n\n\nBooks: Available on Amazon under \u201cShanti Hershenson\u201d\n\nWant to be a guest on Mind Over Matter? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatchDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\nCHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:\n\n\nTune in to all our 19 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik\n\n\nSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/\n\n\nJoin Community: https://nas.io/healthymind\n\n\n\nOUR SERVICES\n\n\nBusiness Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/\n\n\nIndividual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/\n\n\nShare Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory\n\n\n\nSTAY TUNED AND FOLLOW USYouTube \u2013 https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram \u2013 https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads \u2013 https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podMedium \u2013 https://medium.com/@contentbyavikFacebook \u2013 https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn \u2013 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcasterPinterest \u2013 https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/\n\nSHARE YOUR REVIEW\n\n\nShare your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/\n\n\nShare a video testimonial - https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/\n\n\n\n#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #teenauthor #shantihershenson #genzwriter #publishing #selfpublishing #writingeveryday #authenticstories #","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/f5e0dd22-67b6-47ee-9cda-03355850cb4a/zdjkyi5qcgc.jpg"}