Shyamala Shanmugasundaram

03 Mar 21

What’s in Anastasia Suen’s #write5minutes writing group?

It was curiosity that drove me into signing Anastasia Suen’s #write5minutes writing group. When all around the world writing groups are charging hundreds of dollars offering support, critique, and craft, how and what is the author and developmental editor Anastasia Suen offering the writing community for $5 a month? How…

19 Aug 19

Short Stories To Read

These are some of my short stories which have appeared in Young World supplement of The Hindu newspaper. Basket of Destiny Flaming Bond Eli’s Rain Dance When Minu Saved The Clan

13 Mar 19

Storytime at Vidyadhiraja School

Jayshree Murali(Vidya, Mumbai) and book distributor Samir Kapadia collaborated to bring the joy of stories and books to another school in Navi Mumbai. The students of Vidyadhiraja high school were the chosen ones. Located on the salt pans of Bhandup, the school hosted its inaugural two day litfest on 12th…

23 Feb 19

Fun at HAMS litfest

I was invited to conduct a book reading of my nonfiction book Greet When You Meet(National Book Trust) at the inaugural HAMS(Holy Angels Marthoma School, Mulund) litfest today. Children of 2nd and 3rd std attended the session which included a drawing activity and a collective musical story. Children of preprimary…

How to Build Your Viewership Without Stepping Out Of The House

Hello everyone! I want to share a recent failed book marketing incident. When an Indian author recently planned a trip to the US, she decided to hold a book reading. Someone guided her to the Indian community centre where cultural events are held. The centre agreed to give her some space. Since…

7 Professionals Every Children’s Author Should Befriend

Writing is an isolated activity. Book marketing is a social activity. Networking is a necessary evil for all authors. If you think you have reached the status of J.K. Rowling whose every book is lapped up the moment it gets published, this piece is a waste of time. Move on and…

How Srividhya Venkat’s Lunch Friends Launched Simultaneously in 19 Balwadis

Mumbai Mobile Creches(MMC) is an NGO which works for children of migrant construction workers. I occasionally volunteer for their remote centres in Navi Mumbai. I was approached to conduct book readings at their Jasai and Bluestar centres on the occasion of National Literacy book week. When I reached the centre…

An Author’s Prayer For 2018

Dear God, As I begin the New Year I would like to begin with the Hooponopono prayer for my universe of books-Sorry, thank you, forgive me and I love you. A big thank you for the year gone by! Bless the entire lot of book loving children, parents, authors, illustrators,…