Sangeetha Narayan

Author/Writer Interview:

1. What inspires you most to write?

 People! I'm fascinated by people. Have been a people watcher since childhood. Being an introvert, I spent more time observing and I guess somewhere inside a writer was getting created. Even today, when I'm in a big group, I go silent and just soak in everything and everyone around me. My family and friends have begun to realise that when I go silent, the writer in me is probably brewing some story idea. 

2. What is your favorite genre? 

I love to read a little bit of everything. But being a children's book author, I love middle grade fiction the most. So much is happening in a middle grade book. The kids are growing up and getting more independent. They are making a lot more interesting choices, some good and some not so good. So many possibilities. I always get hooked by such books. 

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

I love Jane Austen! She was the first author who pulled me into reading books. The first book that I read, from first page to last was Pride And Prejudice. I was enthralled by the characters. They say that all it takes for a child to be a voracious reader is that one good book that pulls them into the world of reading. For me that was Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice. I didn't look back after that. Books were my best friends and here I'm today hoping some day some kid would feel the same way about my books!

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I have tons of other hobbies that keep me distracted when I'm having a dry writing spell. I sing. I knit. I read books written by other authors. I review books too. I go for walks. Nature has always managed to inspire me enough to get into writing again. 

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

I haven't had enough experience enough to give a legal advice. But I have learnt that contracts are your friends!! No matter how well you know someone, having the terms written in black and white is simply the way to go. It clarifies things and if God forbid something goes wrong in future, it is a written proof of what was discussed. 

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I have two books published under my name. A picture book titled, Meera Makes Aloo Paratha and a middle grade chapter book titled, According To Dhruv which was published just this week. I won't call either a best seller, yet; but my picture book was very well received by many and has some wonderful reviews on Amazon. I hope my second book receives the same love. 

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

To be honest, the only script that I would want to rewrite would be mine. Each of the script, whether for a book or a movie comes with the writer's style and life experiences. They are sacred in my opinion. I may agree or disagree with it but I wouldn't be the one to rewrite it.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

I think the biggest challenge I have faced in my writing career is my inner critic. A writing career demands patience and there's a great deal of waiting involved. While I'm waiting, that critic wakes up and starts putting these awful ideas. I'm in the process of learning to know when to listen to that voice and when to squash it. As for the other critiques of my books, it's hard and yet easier to handle them. I feel what I need to feel after my book receives a criticism from someone, then I remind myself that they are just as much entitled to their opinions as I am. Not everyone can like what I write and as long as I'm proud of my achievements, all is good. 

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

The best experiences have been collaborating with my other author friends. We are all in the same boat and we are our biggest cheerleaders. And when needed, we can also console each other for every bit of our struggles. 

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

It all depends on my mood in any particular day. Mostly I can write better in silence. Maybe once in a while I might like soft instrumental music. but knowing my love for music, sometimes I get too immersed in the music and then forget about writing. In that scenario, silence is the best way to go. 

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Your inner critic is here for a reason. Listen to it. Process it. Take whatever valuable suggestions that you really require and discard the rest. You can't always be listening to it. You don't always have to be listening to it. And just keep believing in yourself. The really good things take time to materialize. Give it that time. Be patient. 

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I have a an amazing book coach, Aditi Wardhan Singh, who herself is a children's book author. She guided me through the pricing process. As far as promotions concerned, my main source of marketing is my social media. I'm always looking for opportunities to promote my books. Nothing is too big or too small. You never know who is looking. I have approached influencers, and some have been kind enough to help me out. 

13. Why should anyone read your book?

Both my books are for children in the age group of 6 to 12. One is a picture book. One is a middle grade chapter book. Both deal with the topics of social/emotional regulation, friendship struggles, and life lessons in general. I believe that both adults and kids can read my books and take away something valuable from it. A sense of community, a zest for life and the willingness to talk with as well as listen to others. If you or your kids want to be a part of any of this, you definitely can read my book. 

14. Did you have a book coach?

My book coach is Aditi Wardhan Singh who's also my editor, my friend, philosopher and guide. She herself is an author of many children's books as well as some books for adults. She has helped me through the ins and outs of publishing and marketing my book.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

I have always loved stories right from my childhood. My favorite subjects were English and History. 

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I'm a self-published writer. I have self published both of my books. But you never know. The dream is also to get traditionally published. Someday.