Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with the incredibly talented Tina Athaide! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her experience writing both middle grade novels and picture books, road to publication, and creative process.
So without further ado, please welcome Tina Athaide!
Where do you live
I'm in Southern California right now, but grew up between London and Canada.
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
As a child, l loved keeping a journal, so there's always been that part of me that likes storytelling. I was motivated to write stories when I started teaching and noticed that the books in my classroom and in the curriculum didn't represent the students in my classroom.
So, my first books were leveled readers with South Asian characters involved in everyday activities, similar to those experienced by my students.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve?
It has been like riding the Colossus roller coaster at Six Flags, full of twists and turns. My debut middle grade book, Orange for the Sunsets, about the expulsion of Asian Indians from Uganda was rejected thirty times before it was accepted for publication. It morphed from a picture book into a middle grade book with at least five different versions in between.
The whole process took me ten years, but during that time, I attended SCBWI conferences, joined critique groups, and kept reading and writing.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
When I'm working on a new story or in the middle of revisions, here are my top five go to things to keep the momentum flowing.
1. Brew a cup of tea and nibble on something sweet.
2. Yoga (A few stretches and the quiet do wonders to clear the mind)
3. I grab my black lab, Butler, and we go for a walk.
4. Pull a book from my "To be read pile" and read.
5. Draw (I draw the scene or a character or doodle)
Anything you can't live without while you write?
I must have a kettle to boil hot water for tea and a journal for those inspirational ideas that may strike at any time.
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
As a child, I loved the Narnia series by C.S.Lewis and Nancy Drew Mysteries. Uma Krishnaswami inspires me because she broke boundaries and published stories with diverse characters. Her book, Book Uncle and Me, is a favorite of mine and I share it with my students.
Dream project to work on?
This is completely a dream project, but I would love to work with a producer/director to bring the story of Asha and Yesofu from Orange for the Sunsets, to the big screen. I even have a few selected directors...yes this is my dream.
Tell us about your debut book?
Meena's Mindful Moment, my picture book, debuts early November 2021 and is close to my heart for two reasons. Firstly, the main character is full of exuberance, which sometimes causes problems. She represents some of my students, who similar to Meena, find themselves getting in trouble at school. I wanted them to know that they weren't alone. Meena was just like them and that it is okay. Secondly, the story takes place in India and the places that Meena goes with her grandfather are the same places my own grandfather took me when I'd visited as a child.
What's up next for you?
I'm working on another picture book also set in Goa, India and a middle grade book set in the early 1970s.
My favorite 80s movie.
BIG. It's the story of a boy who wakes up and finds himself in an adult body after wishing to be bigger at a magic wish machine at a fair. As a child, I wondered what it would be like to be in an adult body, but these days, I wish I could live in my nine and ten year old body for a day.
Tell us about your debut picture book?
Meena's Mindful Moment, my picture book, illustrated by Asa Gilland, debuts early November 2021 and is close to my heart for two reasons. Firstly, the main character is full of exuberance, which sometimes causes problems. She represents some of my students, who similar to Meena, find themselves getting in trouble at school. I wanted them to know that they weren't alone. Meena was just like them and that it is okay. Secondly, the story takes place in India and the places that Meena goes with her grandfather are the same places my own grandfather took me when I'd visited as a child.
Book Case from MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT by Tina Athaide, illustrated by Asa Gilland
Interior art from MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT by Tina Athaide, illustrated by Asa Gilland published by Page Street Kids
What's up next for you?
I'm working on another picture book also set in Goa, India and a middle grade book set in the early 1970s.
My favorite 80s movie.
BIG. It's the story of a boy who wakes up and finds himself in an adult body after wishing to be bigger at a magic wish machine at a fair. As a child, I wondered what it would be like to be in an adult body, but these days, I wish I could live in my nine and ten year old body for a day.
Huge thank you to Tina for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut picture book, it’s lovely!
TINA ATHAIDE was born in Uganda and grew up in London and Canada. While her family left Entebbe just prior to the expulsion, she has memories of refugee family and friends staying with them in their London home. The stories and conversations she listened to through the years became the inspiration for her book Orange for the Sunsets. Tina now lives in California with her husband, Ron, and their daughter, Isabella.
FOR MORE INFO about Tina, visit her online or follow her on social media:
Website: tinaathaide.com
Twitter: @tathaide
Instagram: tinaathaide
Facebook: tinaathaide
BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Tina’s books, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 23rd! US addresses only please.