What’s your background?

My name is Muhamad Shahril Bin Samri (also known as Shahril Samri). I am a full-time preschool teacher who teaches both English and Malay languages. One of my greatest achievements as a teacher was being awarded the MOE Outstanding Preschool Mother Tongue Language Teacher in 2021.

During my free time, I am a pantun (Malay poetry) enthusiast, storyteller, or event emcee. I founded Pantunism, a social group whose interest is igniting and spreading the love of pantun. The highlight of my pantun journey was to present a pantun during a Louis Vuitton dinner as well as crafting pantun for our ministers.

How did you get started publishing your very first book?

My first book titled ‘Lepiong dan Cepiong Mencari Makan’ was published in 2021. I had the opportunity to do so when Madam Maria Mahat, co-founder of Ungu Pen, was seeking new manuscripts for a joint-publishing venture between Ungu Pen (Singapore) and Oyez!Books (Malaysia). My manuscript was selected and the above-mentioned book was published and officially launched during the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in 2022.

What’s the title of your first book and why you wrote or had to write it? Where are you at now? How many books have you written thus far? Any future books in the horizon?

“Lepiong and Cepiong Mencari Makan” was inspired when I was taking a stroll in the park. I came across a part of the park where there were many pipes and it made interesting ‘Piong’ sounds. I am also a person who loves to eat and I treasure the memories I had eating meals with my family. The idea of the book was simple: bringing readers (children) to places where they can eat together with their loved ones through some rhyming words.

As of now, I only have written one book but I am planning to write a sequel and a new series (if permitted). I want to have a more personal touch and creativity when it comes to my next book. Different in some ways but that’s the risk I am willing to take.

Did you go through the self-publishing route or with a trade publisher? What were the challenges? What are some of the highs?

I have no prior experience of self-publishing a book before Lepiong and Cepiong Mencari Makan. I am thankful to have Ungu Pen being my first book publisher and with their expertise, the process was a smooth one. The only challenge I faced was the never-ending worry that my book would not be able to sell more than 10 copies. That was unfounded! I’m glad that many have come to support my books be they friends or strangers, and I am glad to have the opportunities to share about my book at other events.

What are some of the things you had to do to ensure your books get noticed, sold or distributed?

I frequently showed up at Ungu Pen book fairs or at book festivals. My presence, I hope, helps to create awareness that local authors care and want to be closer to their readers. Promoting my book while presenting it to the buyers personally gives that special added touch.

Would you do it again? Why? 

I will definitely do it again as this is a fun process. My small contribution will also help to make the local book scene more colourful and I hope that fewer people will say that there are no local Malay books and resources!

Some advice for aspiring authors? What pitfalls to look out for? What tips to ensure some things work out better?

To all aspiring authors out there, just go for your goals. Ignore every negative thought, be it from the people around you or even yourself. When you write, you have to be sincere. Be brave to be different. Enjoy writing it as the readers will enjoy reading it too later. Try your best, don’t give up. Even when it is not selling well, it’s also an indication that you have to make your presence known. Don’t give up. Let people criticize because it’s easier to say when one has not done it. You just do it.

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