About The Author: Swati is a Corporate Lawyer turned teacher to follow her passion in the field of education. She is a proud mother of a 5-year-old loving daughter who is the force behind this book. The bedtime ritual of coming up with stories for her daughter every day is where the seeds of this book were planted.
Summary Of The Book: Cherry loves to make new friends. However, this time, she is all set to meet friends who are completely different from her in all aspects. She visits this strange land which leaves her surprised and in awe of her new friends.
1. Can you tell us a little about your book?
Cherry visits Kingdom of Shapes is childrens’ book appropriate for age group from 3 to 6 years. It is a story book about a curious girl named Cherry who loves to make new friends and this time, she is all set to meet friends who are completely different from her. This book tells the young readers about her journey into a unique land where Cherry meets some new friends and is in completely awe of them.
2. Is there a specific event that inspired this story or was this an out of the blue idea?
The idea of this book was planted when I was preparing content for my daughter’s elocution at her school. While writing the content, I floated this idea that this one-minute speech can be transformed into a proper book. Everyone liked the idea and this book was born.
3. What got you writing in the first place?
One good thing about the lockdown in 2020 was that I started journalling and venting out all the unsaid feelings. Gradually, my words started speaking with me and taking a definite shape. I tried to explore more and started sharing my content with my family members and their encouragement pushed me even more to write as much as possible. I dedicate this book to my family.
4. What was your impression of your first draft when you read it?
I remember a feeling of content washing over me, enveloping me in its warm embrace. I was happy that I was able to finish something that I had started something, that too in uncharted waters.
5. Which part of your story connects the most with you? Why?
The underlying theme of this story is what connects with me the most. Cherry is curious and loves to meet new people. hence, she went on this quest to a world entirely different from hers. I believe every single person is a story in himself and all you need to do is listen and observe carefully. I love meeting new people and try to learn something from them. These chance encounters give me so much to ponder about.
6. What makes your book the one to read?
My book is children oriented. I connect with toddlers and kids very well. Hence, I believe I understand their choices, their tastes. This book cutely describes the shapes and fires the kid’s imagination. It actually manages to take us on a visit to the kingdom of shapes. Visuals are important for the lids to understand anything and one can easily see Cherry with an expression of awe and great merriment, interacting with shapes. Also, reading to your kid is the most beautiful way to foster a healthy relationship.
7. What was the best advice you got while writing?
Just two words: “keep scribbling.” You never know what shape or form your words might take.
8. Who’s your all-time favourite author? Which book of his/hers made you fall in love with them?
Being a hardcore mountain girl, the obvious choice is Ruskin Bond. He is the only author I have read every book of. His words resonate with me, talk to me. A cold winter morning, your favourite blanket, a hot cup of coffee and a Ruskin Bond book is my idea of a perfect day.
Also, I am a die-hard Potterhead and I guess I am still not over pottermania. J K Rowling made me believe in magic and power of true, genuine friendships and Harry Potter series was a soothing balm to my shy, confused, teen soul who was still discovering herself. My friends changed every two years owing to my army background but books were my constant. They never left me. I hope I am able to pass on the love for books and reading to the generations to come through my small endeavour.
9. What is your evergreen tip to the writers out there?
The same advice as I got. Always keep a notepad and a pen handy. Inspiration can strike anytime and anywhere.
10. What was your hardest scene to write?
For me, conceiving the idea is not that difficult. The world is brimming with stories. You will always find your story. The hardest part is to begin. It’s the first word, the first sentence, the first page that I find the most difficult.
11. Do you have another plot brewing?
Yes. It’s a childrens’ book dedicated to my pet dogs who have crossed over the rainbow bridge but are still with us in spirit.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/935776805X?ref=myi_title_dp
