Shanaya B. Fastje

As Shanaya begins high school in the fall of 2009 at age 10, she is still a young girl who enjoys spending time with all her friends, each having a special place in her heart. She respects their personalities and doesn't judge who they are, but rather finds the good in each one of them. Shanaya has many extraordinary people in her life. Learning to play guitar with her wonderful guitar teacher James Clarkston has been an enriching experience, as well as painting with James' wife, artist Mel Clarkston. She attends these classes at CLARKSTON ART,GUITARS & GIFTS in El Paso,TX, where she has lived her whole life.

When she started writing her first book "Mystery School", she was (and presently is) home schooled. Having spent the majority of her scholastic time in traditional school, home schooling seems to be the best fit right now. High school in and of itself can be a very challenging adjustment, but being several years younger than your peers would certainly make it more stressful. Shanaya has finished her second book, and is working on her third one, but has many other interests such as : jewelery making, origami, sign language, and martial arts, just to name a few. Being idle just isn't an option for this creative and inquisitive soul!

Being an only child, she is happiest when hanging out with her Dad, Lothar, and her beloved cat, Molly. Some other proud family members are: grandparents Raul and Dora, grandpa Bernard in Germany, Uncle Gil, and Cousin Trisha. In spite of it all, Shanaya remains very modest, not liking to talk about her accomplishments. As a daughter, she is fun to spend time with, and I never cease to be inspired by her. So enjoy this very humble young writer-she will have you laughing!