Meet Author: Shirley Anstis

Interview by Sinai Fleary

Introduce yourself to the Jus’ Jah Magazine readers.

My name is Shirley Anstis and I am a mental health counsellor. I also offer writing therapy workshops which are fun and creative.

Tell us a little bit about your upbringing.

I was born in London and my parents were part of the Windrush generation. They returned to the Caribbean when I was very young.

I returned to the UK to study at college. I had a great experience attending school in the Caribbean. My parents were very involved in their community.

My dad was an English teacher and that influenced me to get into writing. I have studied a lot and that gave me lots of writing practice.

My career as a counsellor keeps me curious and I get many book ideas.

You went to school in Grenada, what was that experience like?

In Grenada, I was part of a small community and I would always meet the same people who went to my school. I would see them at church and at the market. So there was a cohesive aspect to my time in Grenada.

I attended high school in The Bahamas and my sisters and I were the only Grenadian children at the school.

The main difference I noticed was in The Bahamas it was very Americanised at the time. But also, there was a lot more affluence there.

What inspired you to finally write the books you have?

My dad always wanted to write a book but sadly he died before he did. So that motivated me to get on with writing.

I wrote a self-awareness book, which is about discovering who you are today.

It is called An A-Z for Your Life. I wrote that book in 2009.

I also wrote a book about Grenadian nicknames. I spoke to over 70 people in Grenada about their nicknames and what they mean to them.

What are some of the nicknames you have discovered through writing this book?

Some of the names are quite hurtful

and some are quite funny, nicknames such as Flex and Rope. But it all highlights the Caribbean culture.

How has the Caribbean changed in your opinion, since you went to school there?

Life there is more complex now, especially with social media and technology in general.

You are a selfpublished author, would you encourage other authors to go through that process?

It was very hard and requires a lot of persistence. I’d encourage you to find a good editor and designer too.

What was the driving force to get this book about the Black British Members of Parliament done?

I worked as a career’s adviser for some time and what I found was alot of Black students didn’t know of many role models outside of sport and music.

I wanted to create more resources for young people to see more possibilities for their future including politics.

changed post George Floyd?

I think it has been trying to catch up with demand. There are a lot of anti-racist books and some Black British History books. I haven’t tried to get an agent but that might change in the future.

As a counsellor, what advice would you give to our community coming out of lockdown?

You have to remember you have choices. Be cautious and practice

self-care and don’t feel pressured to do things you’re not comfortable with. Be aware that there is a lot of uncertainty and accept that you can’t change everything. Be flexible and realistic.

What tips can you give us to look after

our mental health? Stop scrolling online; social media is not reality. Focus on yourself and where you want to be.

Learn to let go of comparison and what people think and that will work wonders!

Where can people contact you online?

Twitter & Instagram: @shirleyanstis Web: www.envisioncounselling.co.uk LinkedIn: Shirley Anstis Web: www.livingbeingdoing.com

All books are available on Amazon!