Kerry Aradhya: Listen to Your Intuition
KidLit Craft is back with another Snack-Sized Author Interview. In this series, we ask authors five quick questions that give us insight into their craft and process. Today we’re talking with author Kerry Aradhya.
As San Francisco Bay Area writers, Kerry and I have been friends for many years now, and I was so delighted when her first picture book biography about Ernő Rubik debuted. Kerry’s passion for both science and the arts translates into a perfect combination of curiosity, creativity, logic, and word play. Plus, a conversation with Kerry is guaranteed to be filled with kindness, humor, and deep thoughts. –Kristi
Welcome, Kerry!
Question 1: What's your writing superpower?
Oh, what an interesting question. I've not really thought about this much, but I do know that I enjoy revising more than actually writing a first draft, so my superpower most likely lies somewhere in the revision process.
I love playing with words and listening to how they sound when read aloud, which often guides me in revision at the line level. Sometimes a critique partner or editor suggests a change to wording that definitely improves the manuscript. Other times, they might suggest a change that doesn't feel right to me.
I listen to my intuition and choose the words that have a rhythm and read-aloud quality that resonates with me the most.
Question 2: What’s an element of craft you explored in your latest project and what tips can you share with other authors for growing in their use of that particular element?
While researching to write Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube, I found so many wonderful Ernő Rubik quotes. I ended up using a handful of them in my manuscript, sprinkled throughout the text at pivotal moments in Ernő's life and creative process. Only one of the quotes made it into the final book, but the process of using them was very helpful. The quotes served as anchors for my story, and they also reminded me of key concepts that were important to Ernő and that I wanted to include in the book.
For instance, the quote "Curiosity is the flame that can ignite creativity" was integrated into an early part of the original manuscript that describes young Ernő's curiosity about the objects around him, and about geometric shapes.
If other authors would like to explore the use of quotations, especially in biographies, I suggest writing down interesting quotes as you come across them in your research. Then, when you start thinking about actually putting words to the page, review the quotes. Maybe they can guide you in structuring your story or help you decide which themes to include!
Question 3: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a new author?
Hmm...that's another interesting question! I spent many years as a science writer and editor before becoming a children's author, so I was already comfortable having my work critiqued and incorporating feedback from others.
I also knew that publication timelines can be short or long -- or very, very long -- depending on the circumstances.
So I guess that gave me patience for my long journey to become a children's author. What I wasn't so prepared for was how to manage all the promotional activities and author appearances that can be part of the post-publication process.
If I could travel back in time, I would tell myself not to stress about this so much. I would recommend doing what feels comfortable -- in terms of both the type and the number of activities/events I choose to do -- and not worry about trying to do as much as everyone else around me seems to be doing.
When your first book comes out, I think it's natural to feel like you have to do everything, all at once. However, I've learned that it's good to pace yourself, especially after those first few months after publication, which can be intense as you try to build awareness and momentum for sales. Hopefully your book will be in print for many years, so save some of your energy for the long haul!
Question 4: What inspires you as a writer?
I am most inspired by reading picture books that touch me, that teach me something new, or that are simply filled with beautiful language and art. Each book is unique -- beautiful in its own way -- and this inspires me to stay true to myself when working on my own craft.
Question 5: What’s one book you think every kidlit author should read?
I think every kidlit author should read Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep, edited by Melissa Stewart. It was actually written for educators, but it's full of information that authors can appreciate.
A collection of essays by 50 award-winning nonfiction kidlit authors, it includes short bios of the authors, personal stories of why and how they became authors, advice for writers, and mentor texts. Each essay is only a few pages long, so it's easy to read just one or two when you are in need of some inspiration, and I think even fiction writers will enjoy them!
Bonus Question: What can fans look forward to next?
Oh gosh. I have another picture biography that I've been working on for a long time, and it's out on submission now. Hopefully you will be able to read that in the next few years! It's related to dance, which holds a very special place in my heart.
Kerry Aradhya has loved playing with words since she was a little girl. Today she is the author of more than a dozen poems in award-winning children’s magazines such as Babybug, Ladybug, and Highlights High Five. She also supports young writers in her role as a collaborating artist with the nonprofit Society of Young Inklings.
When not writing for children, Kerry works as a scientific editor, performs with a quirky modern dance ensemble, and occasionally muses about children’s literature and dance at her blog, Picture Books & Pirouettes.
Kerry’s picture book debut, Ernö Rubik and His Magic Cube (Peachtree), about the creation of the Rubik’s Cube, is a JLG selection and earned a starred review from The Horn Book. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, their two daughters, and one cute but naughty pooch named Sofie.
You can find her online on her website and on Instagram @kerry.aradhya
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