1. How do you decide all of your characters possible names, and personalities? It’s so hard to find the perfect match!
Usually the names come to me. Often they have something to do with the book’s themes. Veda in A TIME TO DANCE is told by her mom about the fifth Veda, and how she embodies this concept. Vidya in CLIMBING THE STAIRS is growing up in India in the 1940’s and yearns to go to college which is usually an unattainable goal for a girl in her society; her name means intellect in the Indian language of Sanskrit. Kabir in BORN BEHIND BARS has a Muslim father and Hindu mother and his name honors a saint who is honored by people of both religions.
2. What’s a story or plot you’ve always wanted to write about, but it didn’t work out?
I wanted to write fantasy and tried repeatedly to get it published but at the time I started people didn’t want fantasy with a multicultural element. I still have had no success getting my fantasy published though I have written it and love it!
3. What is your favorite thing about writing?
Through books I as an author can touch the hearts of people i may never meet. Sometimes my books have helped change other people’s lives for the better. That’s the most important and amazing gift, to know my words have increased compassion in the world.
4. How do you think up the titles for your books?
Many of my titles have metaphorical resonances. ISLAND’S END can refer to the actual place in the novel at one end of the island or to the threat to the islanders’ way of life. THE BRIDGE HOME can be the home that the four children build on the ruined bridge, or about how they are seeking a home and building a bridge of trust and friendship towards finding what home means to them.
5. What is your favorite book and why?
My books are like my intellectual children. I can’t choose one favorite!!!
Thanks to Padma for sharing her writing tips. Continue reading to see the next interview in our series.
One Page a Time 