Today I'm joined by author Viji K. Chary to chat about her children's book Porcupine's seeds.
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| Viji K. Chary
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Let's get to know the author better...
It's rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a day job other than writing, and if so, what is it?
When my son was born, I decided to stay home to care for him. So my day job changed as he grew. I volunteered in his school and coached his activities. Actually now that my children are teenagers, I am considering applying for a day job.
What are some other jobs you've had in your life? Have they influenced/inspired your writing?
I have been a gymnastics instructor for young children, a dental assistant, volunteered at the hospital, and a laboratory technician. I have also coached Odyssey of the Mind teams for several years. Instructing children always keeps me in touch with how children think. And other jobs always expose me to different aspects of life.
Can you share some writing experiences with us?
Sometimes, people want to become ‘authors’ and decide to write. What they do not realize is that writing is a lot of work, especially if you do not have a writing background or innate talent. In the beginning, I did not put enough time into my writing. One year, I gave myself an ultimatum. I would give writing my 100% or stop writing all together. Getting rejection after rejection was too discouraging. So I read a lot, wrote a lot, went to conferences. Now, I get rejection after rejection, but not because the quality of my writing is inferior. In fact, I get comments from the editor that the write is wonderful, “but”. It makes me feel good that the editor enjoyed the story.
Like all authors, you have had your fair share of rejection letters. You obviously did not let the letters deter you. How did you keep your determination without getting discouraged?
After a serious illness, I needed to streamline my life. I decided to give writing an honest effort. With that effort, I feel that my writing is not lacking and that editors have other variables to juggle like marketing a book, or they have other similar pieces in line. When you send a story that is your best, the rejection doesn’t sting as much. Also, I have written for an educational publisher, a ‘for hire’ writing job, as well. That also cushions the rejection blow.
It has been my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult?
The only reason story ideas come easier is because I observe and take note of children and their activities. But what is difficult is refining the initial story idea. For that I have a great critique group that helps when I hit a dead end.
Please describe to us your relationship between you and your editor. What makes an author/editor relationship a success?
In my experience, I have given my editor revisions or anything she wanted in as soon as possible. Editors are very busy and have to deal with authors that do not pull their weight after acceptance. So, I make sure I communicate with my editor whenever she needs anything.
What inspired you to write?
I’ve always enjoyed young children’s books. With the text and illustrations, the story seems to take the readers to another world. I wanted to be able to do that as well.
About the Book:
Porcupine longs to grow beautiful sunflowers in his garden just like Raccoon. When Raccoon give Porcupine seeds, she says that all they need is soil, sun, and water. But growing sunflowers is not easy for Porcupine.
Get a sneak peek of the book:
About the Author:
Viji K. Chary was born in India and immigrated to the United States at the age of two. Her passion for writing stories began in elementary school and has evolved from coaching children in various activities; including gymnastics, classroom activities and creative competitions. Her stories have been published in Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazine, Hopscotch for Girls and many more.
