Ask the Author: Priya Narayanan
Answered Questions (6)
Priya Narayanan
The White Castle by Orhan Pamuk
The Elephant's Journey by Jose Saramago
The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
The Elephant's Journey by Jose Saramago
The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
Priya Narayanan
Growing up, there really was no kidlit scene in India. Or rather, the kidlit market was all about imported titles. Now, however, publishing houses are waking up to the vastly untapped readership for books by Indian authors and the result is a slew of children’s books written in English as well as various Indian languages that bring in a veritable mix of stories, allowing children to explore our country and its diverse cultures. But a lot remains to be done.
Even today, when I walk into a Crosswords store, I can see a pile of foreign titles on highlighted display stands, whereas books by Indian authors – even Ruskin Bond for that matter, are relegated to the quieter racks at the rear. This rather saddens me. While I’m not averse to foreign titles, I feel that there is a need to promote vernacular stories that afford children a context that they can immediately relate to. I would also like to see a more proactive role of publishers and bookstores in promoting Indian kidlit because just publishing a good book is not enough– the book ultimately has to have visibility and reach the hands of as many readers as possible to make it a meaningful venture for all involved.
Another question that one needs to look into is how much is the penetration of kidlit in small-town and rural India today? I would love to see more and more foreign as well as Indian titles in English being translated into regional languages and being made available in every small town in our country.
Even today, when I walk into a Crosswords store, I can see a pile of foreign titles on highlighted display stands, whereas books by Indian authors – even Ruskin Bond for that matter, are relegated to the quieter racks at the rear. This rather saddens me. While I’m not averse to foreign titles, I feel that there is a need to promote vernacular stories that afford children a context that they can immediately relate to. I would also like to see a more proactive role of publishers and bookstores in promoting Indian kidlit because just publishing a good book is not enough– the book ultimately has to have visibility and reach the hands of as many readers as possible to make it a meaningful venture for all involved.
Another question that one needs to look into is how much is the penetration of kidlit in small-town and rural India today? I would love to see more and more foreign as well as Indian titles in English being translated into regional languages and being made available in every small town in our country.
Priya Narayanan
Well, there are two sides to your question. The first is inculcating the habit of reading, for which I feel we shouldn’t restrict the medium –be it an e-book or printed book. This is because the moment you put that kind of restriction, a child will stop reading! So as far as children are ‘reading’ a book and not ‘watching’ an animated version of the book, I think e-books are just fine. And they offer variety for children who get bored too soon, allowing them to switch between the digital and print books.
To answer the second part about the invasion of devices in our lives, frankly, I don’t think that can be stopped now. Technology is a double-edged sword, and it is up to parents to regulate how much their children use these devices. As for me, I believe everything in moderation is just fine. That said, there is a certain charm to print books that can be touched, smelt and toyed around with, that an e-book does not offer. Picture books come in various materials – cloth, plastic, paper, hard board- and with a play of textures, smells and sounds . . . infants and toddlers cannot get these important experiences through e-books.
So parents should aim to use digital media as tools to complement print books rather than use them in isolation, and help children value and love print books rather than be wary of them. In my opinion, e-books should ideally be introduced when a child is already reading chapter books. That way, since they’re at an age when they can appreciate the pros and cons of things, they can decide for themselves the medium that best suits their sensibilities.
To answer the second part about the invasion of devices in our lives, frankly, I don’t think that can be stopped now. Technology is a double-edged sword, and it is up to parents to regulate how much their children use these devices. As for me, I believe everything in moderation is just fine. That said, there is a certain charm to print books that can be touched, smelt and toyed around with, that an e-book does not offer. Picture books come in various materials – cloth, plastic, paper, hard board- and with a play of textures, smells and sounds . . . infants and toddlers cannot get these important experiences through e-books.
So parents should aim to use digital media as tools to complement print books rather than use them in isolation, and help children value and love print books rather than be wary of them. In my opinion, e-books should ideally be introduced when a child is already reading chapter books. That way, since they’re at an age when they can appreciate the pros and cons of things, they can decide for themselves the medium that best suits their sensibilities.
Priya Narayanan
We all face the death of a loved one sometime or the other in life. As adults, we find and refine our coping mechanisms to an extent, but the mind of a child is not built so. Along with dealing with grief, there are numerous questions - about the hows and whats and whys of death - that cloud their mind. I wrote When Grandma Climbed the Magic Ladder primarily to help deal with the question ' what happens AFTER death? Through the fantastic journey of Grandma as she travels to the sky to become a star right next to Grandpa, the story talks about love, living life to the fullest and celebrating the memories of your loved ones even when they are no longer with you.
Priya Narayanan
I go for long walks, listen to some zany music, visit the neighborhood parks that teem with kids and adults alike, sit down for a chat with my children about some of the craziest things.... I wish I could say all that and more! But in reality, I get frustrated and throw tantrums and make life living hell for whoever crosses my path before it dawns on me that I could do all those wonderful things I talked about initially!!
Priya Narayanan
I guess I am too new an entrant in this space to be advising others, but yes there are a few things that I’ve picked up along the way, which I’d like to share.
1. Don’t get entangled in the web of everyday routine and push your literary pursuits to another day – if you love writing, just find the time to write by hook or crook :)
2. Don’t write to get published, write because you love to do so – the publishing aspect will surely follow.
3. Keep honing your skills as a writer – never make the mistake of thinking you know it all.
1. Don’t get entangled in the web of everyday routine and push your literary pursuits to another day – if you love writing, just find the time to write by hook or crook :)
2. Don’t write to get published, write because you love to do so – the publishing aspect will surely follow.
3. Keep honing your skills as a writer – never make the mistake of thinking you know it all.
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