Draft:Shyala Smith
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Shyala Smith is a Sri Lankan author[1][2][3] and screenwriter known for her children's books that explore themes of immigrant life and cultural identity.[4] Born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, she now resides in London, UK. Her works include The Language of Flowers[4] and Sai's Magic Silk.[5]
Early Life and education
[edit]Smith was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka.[6] She pursued higher education abroad, earning an MBA from the University of West London and an MA in Screenwriting from Raindance Film School.[7] Additionally, she is a Fulbright Professional Scholar from Loyola University Maryland, USA.
Career
[edit]Inspired by Western literature and characters such as Jo March from Little Women,[8] Smith says she always dreamed of becoming a novelist. However, she initially pursued a career in advertising.[9]
Her debut children's book, Sai's Magic Silk, illustrated by Jani Balakumar and published by Abrams Books, was released in 2023. The story follows Sai, who discovers magical worlds under his mother's saris,[10] and ultimately finds a companion to share his adventures.
In 2024, Smith released her second book, The Language of Flowers,[11] illustrated by Aaron Asis and published by Lantana Publishing. This book explores themes of grief[12] and the symbolic language of flowers[13] through the story of Juhi,[14][15] who learns to express her emotions after the loss of a beloved customer[16] at her father's flower shop.[17]
Personal life
[edit]Smith currently lives in London with her family.
References
[edit]- ^ Ismail, Adilah (2024-09-13). "Sri Lanka's new literary voices | How the contemporary generation of writers is winning awards and starting conversations on their post-war society". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ Fahim, Shaahima. "The Sri Lankan writers behind a contemporary 'literary renaissance'". The National. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ Wijesinghe, Dilushi (Funday Times, The Sunday Times, 16 February 2025.). "Stories, Creativity and Ful" (PDF). The Sunday Times. p. 2.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b Smith, Shyala (10 September 2024). Amazon.com. Lantana. ISBN 978-1915244864.
- ^ "Sai's Magic Silk". Abrams Books. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Shyala Smith – Galle Literary Festival". Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "About". Shyala Smith. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Debut Author Series - Shyala Smith". SAIL Fest UK. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ thebombayreview (2023-03-21). "Short Fiction | 'The Curry Cartel' by Shyala Smith | Issue 42, March 2023". The Bombay Review. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ Tate. "Story Space Read Aloud: Shyala Smith | Tate Britain". Tate. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "The Language of Flowers". The Letterpress Project. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS | Kirkus Reviews.
- ^ "The Language of Flowers". Goodreads. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ Newsfirst Sri Lanka (2025-02-14). Conversations From The Galle Literary Festival. Sashi Perera, Saraid de Silva and Shyala Smith. Retrieved 2025-05-24 – via YouTube.
- ^ susanh579 (2024-09-28). "The Language of Flowers by Shyala Smith, illustrated by Aaron Asis". Youth Services Book Review. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ jillrbennett (2024-09-21). "The Language of Flowers". Red Reading Hub - Jillrbennett's Reviews of Children's Books. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Kid Review: The Language of Flowers by Shyala Smith – YA Books Central". yabookscentral.com. Retrieved 2025-05-24.