Author Shruthi Rao on Getting into the Zone- PLUS A GIVEAWAY!

Hello world!!

Welcome to my blog, Blissfully Bookish. I’m so excited because I got to interview one of my STEAM TEAM sisters! Please welcome Shruthi Rao as she chats about her new fictional picture book KADOOBOO! A Silly South Indian Folktale, illustrated by Darshika Varma and published by Page Street Kids.

BUT first- YAY! Shruthi is generously giving away a non-rhyming PB critique – either fiction (<600 words) or nonfiction (<1000 words). To be eligible to win, please enter the Rafflecopter contest by clicking HERE. Contest ends March 8, 2024.

Please describe the journey to publication for KADOOBOO! A Silly South Indian Folktale.

When I started querying, I was focusing on nonfiction, but I had a couple of fiction stories in my submission package too. This was one of them. We went out on submission with it a couple of months after we signed. Two publishing houses were immediately interested, and asked for an R&R. I loved Page Street’s vision and editor Kayla Tostevin’s editorial notes, and I reworked the story. They liked the revision and acquired it! This was in early 2022. Shortly after, illustrator Darshika Varma signed on. It’s been a lovely journey from signing through publication, and even beyond, with Jane Horovitz of the marketing team doing such a great job.

Where did you draw the book’s inspiration?

It’s based on a folktale I heard growing up. It always made me giggle!

What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?

I write fiction and nonfiction for various ages, and while the initial preparation varies greatly according to the project and the genre, the actual writing is more or less the same. I love getting into “the zone”, and few things in life are better than when a draft comes together for the first time! Another part of the process I enjoy is revising and editing it until something clicks and I just “know” this is the version that’s going to work.

Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.

Sizzle, hiss, pop! Something’s cooking!

Hot oil and dough. Coconut and cardamom.

“Smells yummy!” says Kabir.

“Appa’s making kadooboo!” says Anya.

Please share your favorite books from 2022-3 that inspired you.

This is a hard one! My answers always vary depending on when I’m asked this question, but I’ll try. And I’ll stick to picture books, to make things easy.

The Desert Queen – Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Svabhu Kohli

The Fire of Stars – Kirsten W.Larson and Katherine Roy

I’m an American – Darshana Khiani and Laura Freeman

That Flag – Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith

A River of Dust – Jilanne Hoffman and Eugenia Mello

What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?

Practice equanimity, especially in your writer life. Just write, edit, submit, promote, market – do everything that is in your control, and do it well. And then let it go. Beyond that, you cease to be in control, and once you recognize that fact, you’ll be more at peace. 😊

And a bonus question just for kicks! What was your favorite book when you were a child?

Not one book, but I absolutely adored the Amar Chitra Katha books growing up in India. Also, anything by Enid Blyton. Even though I recognize the problematic aspects of her work, picking up one of her books today gives me the same rush of excitement I got as a kid.

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BIO

Shruthi Rao (she/her) got a master’s degree in energy engineering and worked in IT until her daughter lured out the writer lurking inside her. In the Indian market, Shruthi has published 16 books for children, featuring curious and feisty children, libraries, STEM and incredible women. Kadooboo!: A Silly South Indian Folktale is her US debut. Originally from Bangalore, India, Shruthi now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, and loves books, trees, benches, desserts, science, and long walks.

LINKS

http://shruthi-rao.com
Twitter/X and Bluesky: @shrurao
Insta: @shrutree
FB: /shruthi.rao.writes