Ep 12: How to bring communities to life for young readers

In this episode, I chat with Uma Krishnaswami about her latest work, Birds on the Brain. Uma has written for young readers for over 30 years, and she taught writing for 16 years. I think of this episode as a mini-masterclass in writing for children, and I'm so grateful for the tips Uma graciously shared.

Show highlights

(0:00) Introduction

(2:12) Arriving at great ideas through story

(4:57) Book Uncle and the Istri Lady

(7:26) Helping children become better readers

(10:49) How to develop socially conscious themes in children’s book writing

(13:52) Showing reality in writing

(15:32) Plotting vs discovery writing

(18:35) How long it took Uma to write Birds on the Brain

(19:40) Revealing Book 3 of the series

(19:59) Data in storytelling

(22:45) The question of the greater good

(27:05) Giving readers reasons to see

(29:57) The writer’s stumbling block

(31:33) Appreciation & end

_____________________ Guest’s links

Buy Birds on the Brain: https://houseofanansi.com/products/birds-on-the-brain?srsltid=AfmBOorpRrFo-WCEGogszEEJU5Quu5L5oD209kr9QFivlgQZW3uNRa_l

Follow Uma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umakrishnaswami/

_____________________  Host’s links

Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/

Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/

Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/