Author Interview – Sisay Ketama – The Heart Of A True Hero

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, author Sisay Ketama shares the inspiration behind The Heart Of A True Hero, which follows a curious boy who learns about courage, loyalty, forgiveness, and emotional intelligence, inspiring young readers to unlock their inner hero.

 

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Sisay Ketama about his life and career, what inspired him to write his new book, The Heart Of A True Hero, and his creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am Sisay Ketama, an accountant by profession with a deep passion for guiding the younger generation. As a parent with two sons and lovely wife and a member of the Pharezfest community-based organization in London, UK, I’ve dedicated myself to initiatives that promote the emotional and social well-being of young people.

My goal is to inspire young minds to channel their energy into positive, meaningful directions, creating stronger community and my book, “The Heart of a True Hero,” is an extension of that mission.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I’ve always had the desire to make a meaningful contribution to the next generation, but the idea of writing a book came to me a few years ago. I realized that there was a gap in how emotional intelligence is taught to young people, and I wanted to create a resource that could bridge that gap.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I began the process a little over two years ago when I saw how much the children I was mentoring in my community benefited from learning about values like empathy, resilience, and kindness. Every Friday evening, from 7 pm to 8 pm, we hold a weekly session—a kind of Bible study—where we’ve been exploring emotional intelligence for the past three, four years. Initially, I considered creating a YouTube channel as a platform for these discussions, but in the end, writing this book felt like the best way to bring the message to a wider audience.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

It took me approximately two years from the initial concept to the release of “The Heart of a True Hero.’’

What made you want to write The Heart Of A True Hero?

My inspiration came from my own experience as a parent and mentor. I believe that emotional intelligence is as important as academic skills, yet it’s often overlooked. This book was born out of my desire to provide a tool that families, schools, and communities can use to nurture emotional intelligence in young people.

What were your biggest challenges with writing The Heart Of A True Hero?

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the lessons were engaging and relatable for readers aged 8 and above. Balancing the tone and content to suit this wide age range required thoughtful planning and revisions. And of course, time and finding the right editor/publisher.

What was your research process for The Heart Of A True Hero?

I drew from a variety of sources, including books on emotional intelligence, real-life experiences, and feedback from children and educators. I also incorporated quotes from well-known authors and psychologists to give the book depth and credibility.

Why is emotional intelligence crucial today?

Emotional intelligence is not just a skill; it’s a remedy for many of the pressing challenges young people face today, including depression, self-harm, bullying, crime, loneliness, and even suicide. By fostering self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, EI equips individuals to manage their emotions constructively, seek help when needed, and build meaningful connections with others. In a world where mental health struggles are on the rise, emotional intelligence provides a lifeline for those who feel overwhelmed. It’s about nurturing emotionally stronger individuals who can contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate, and supportive society.

Emotional intelligence is the foundation of a strong, compassionate society. If we can teach the young generation how to understand their emotions and connect with others, we are not just building better individuals—we are shaping a brighter, kinder world.

Young minds can be likened to untapped wells of potential, and with the right guidance, their energy can be transformed into a force for kindness, resilience, and meaningful change. This book is my contribution to that journey.

How did you plan the structure of The Heart Of A True Hero?

I designed the book as a collection of short, self-contained chapters, with each one focusing on a specific value or skill. This structure allows readers to explore one lesson at a time and reflect on its relevance in their daily lives. It’s not the kind of book you simply read once and set aside; it’s meant to be a constant companion—something that stays on your table as a daily discussion point and a reminder of the values we strive to cultivate every day.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Heart Of A True Hero need?

Yes, I worked with professional editors who provided invaluable feedback on the structure, content, and tone of the book. It went through several rounds of editing to ensure it was polished and impactful. I also received exceptional support from the founder of Pharezfest, Bethlehem Ghebremeskele (Betty) who is a teacher herself. She kindly consulted with two additional teachers to review and refine the manuscript. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of them for their contributions and dedication to improving this book.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Start with your passion and your message. Write from the heart, and don’t worry about perfection in the first draft. Focus on creating something meaningful and remember that editing will refine it later. My draft was only 42 pages but when published it turned to 94 pages.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I am considering expanding “The Heart of a True Hero” into a series, with each volume exploring a different set of values in greater depth. I’m also exploring the idea of a practical workbook for families and educators to complement the book. And I would like to link EI with spirituality too.

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Absolutely! My ever first book! Seeing the impact this book has had on young readers, parents, and educators makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work is contributing to the emotional and social development of the next generation.

Pop all your book, website, and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3BAtbFM

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3ZT7mul

https://amazon.com/dp/B0DNQS8H8P
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