An Interview with India L. Harris

India L. Harris is a passionate advocate for autism acceptance and a talented author dedicated to spreading awareness through her heartfelt storytelling. Drawing from personal experiences as a mother of two autistic sons, India brings an authentic voice to her work, championing the beauty of neurodiversity. She is the author of The Enchanted Instruments, a children’s book inspired by her sons’ love for music, and is currently working on The Secret Book of Dreams, a magical tale about a young girl’s adventure with a dream fairy.

India’s writing journey began with a deeply personal book that captured the emotions and experiences of raising children diagnosed with autism, offering support and hope to other parents. Her work promotes empathy, inclusion, and understanding of neurodiversity, and her upcoming projects continue to explore these themes.

When not writing, India enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She is active in the autism advocacy community, using her voice to foster understanding and create a more inclusive world. India lives by the mantra “My time’s coming,” believing in the power of perseverance and positivity.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

What made me want to write was the need to share my personal experiences, particularly around my journey as a parent of two autistic children. I found that writing was a way to process my feelings and also help others who might be going through similar challenges. The desire to promote autism acceptance and bring more awareness to neurodiversity really fueled that passion.

There wasn’t a single person who pushed me toward writing, but my kids were a huge inspiration. They’re at the heart of everything I write. Watching their unique ways of experiencing the world made me want to tell stories that reflect that beauty and complexity.

As for influences, I’ve always been drawn to works that champion the underdog or give voice to the misunderstood. Writers like Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison resonate with me because of the emotional depth and empathy they bring to their characters. Their ability to capture human struggle and triumph in such a raw, poetic way definitely inspires me.

Art forms beyond writing have also influenced my storytelling. For example, Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night makes me feel peaceful, and that sense of calm is something I often try to evoke in my stories. Music, too, is a big influence, especially with Enchanted Instruments, where my sons’ love for music played a central role in shaping the narrative. All these different art forms come together and inspire the way I write and the stories I choose to tell.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

What inspired me to start writing Enchanted Instruments was my two sons and their deep connection with music. As non-verbal autistic children, they often communicate and express themselves through sounds and rhythms, which has always been a beautiful and powerful thing to witness. I wanted to create a story that highlights how music can be a universal language, one that transcends words and connects people in unique ways.

Watching my boys find joy and comfort in music made me realize how magical it can be, especially for those who experience the world differently. I wanted to bring that magic to life in a way that not only entertains but also educates readers about the beauty of neurodiversity. Enchanted Instruments became a way for me to share their story and celebrate their strengths, while also advocating for greater understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals.

Beyond that, I was inspired by the idea of creating a story that shows kids, and even adults, that everyone has something special within them, even if it’s not always visible at first glance. Music became the perfect metaphor for that – a powerful force that, like my sons, communicates in its own unique way.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title Enchanted Instruments came to me fairly early on in the process, and it felt just right from the start. I knew the story was going to center around music because of how important it is in my sons’ lives, so I wanted the title to capture that magic and wonder that music can bring.

Initially, I toyed with a few different ideas. I wanted something that felt whimsical and full of possibility, but also had a deeper meaning, something that could resonate with both children and adults. The word “enchanted” stood out to me because it suggests something extraordinary and full of wonder, which is exactly how I see the way my sons experience music. “Instruments” tied in perfectly, not just as a literal reference to musical instruments, but as a metaphor for the characters in the story discovering their own inner strengths.

Once I paired those two words together, Enchanted Instruments felt like the perfect fit. It captures the heart of the story—how music has the power to unlock new worlds, express emotions, and bring people together. Plus, it hints at the magical elements in the story, drawing readers in with a sense of curiosity and adventure.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

If Enchanted Instruments had a soundtrack, it would be a mix of soulful, uplifting, and magical tracks that capture the spirit of the story. Since music is such a central theme, the soundtrack would need to reflect the wonder, joy, and emotions that the characters experience as they discover the magic of music. I’m not sure what specific songs I’d choose, but I do know that each track would have to bring out the heart of the story—whether it’s the feeling of connection, discovery, or pure joy that comes from the power of music.

Describe your dream book cover.

For the second book, which explains the first book in more detail, I want the cover to be even more magical, creating a deeper sense of wonder and enchantment.

This time, I envision an even grander scene, with the enchanted instruments not just floating, but swirling in a symphony of light and color. The cover would feature an open, glowing book at the bottom, with musical notes and melodies pouring out of it like streams of energy, wrapping around the instruments as they float above. The colors would be richer—vibrant golds, ethereal blues, and purples—giving the cover an almost otherworldly glow.

In the background, I imagine a vast, magical landscape—perhaps a luminous sky filled with shimmering stars or a sparkling, enchanted forest with trees that have glowing leaves shaped like musical notes. The whole scene would feel as though it’s alive with music and magic, as if the air itself is humming with energy.

At the center, the main characters would stand on a glowing path, perhaps holding one of the enchanted instruments themselves, their faces lit with wonder as they explore this magical world. There could be a subtle, transparent layer of sheet music or musical symbols woven into the sky or ground, adding another layer of depth and connection to the theme.

The title for this second book would be even more intricate, with swirling, ornate designs around the letters, and tiny stars or sparks of light dancing around the edges, making it feel like the words themselves are part of the magical energy. This cover would aim to immediately transport readers into an even more enchanting, immersive world, inviting them to dive deeper into the story behind Enchanted Instruments.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’ve spent my entire career in the healthcare field, which has given me a strong foundation in understanding and addressing various needs and challenges. This background has deeply informed my approach to writing and advocacy, particularly in the realm of neurodiversity.

Currently, I’m back in school pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a focus on special needs. This decision was driven by my desire to further support and understand the unique needs of children, especially those with special needs. The knowledge and skills I’m gaining through my studies are enhancing my ability to create more informed and empathetic stories, and to advocate effectively for neurodiverse individuals.

This combination of healthcare experience and academic pursuit in early childhood education is shaping my approach to both my writing and advocacy work, allowing me to make a more meaningful impact in promoting inclusion and understanding.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

Throughout the writing process for Enchanted Instruments and my other projects, I primarily relied on my personal experiences of raising my sons. Their unique perspectives and experiences with autism and music have been the main inspiration and foundation for my storytelling. I chose not to conduct extensive research because I wanted the narrative to be a genuine reflection of what I’ve observed and felt in my own life. This personal approach allows me to capture the true essence of their experiences and convey the magic of their world in a way that is both authentic and heartfelt.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

One thing I hope readers take away from reading Enchanted Instruments is a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique ways that individuals experience and express themselves, particularly those who are neurodiverse. I want readers to see the magic and beauty in neurodiversity and recognize the power of connection through something as universal as music.

My perfect reader is someone who approaches the book with an open heart and mind, ready to embrace and celebrate the differences that make each person special. They might be parents, educators, or anyone interested in understanding more about autism and the joy of music. Ideally, they’ll leave the book feeling inspired and empowered, with a greater empathy for the experiences of others and a renewed appreciation for the diverse ways in which we all find and create beauty in our lives.

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