Interview with Author Anagha Kohojkar

Anagha’s 2 years old daughter loves the outdoors, and long walks out is a daily routine. The elements of nature – the trees, birds, sky, rain, animals – always piqued the little one’s curiosity. Daughter’s quest for learning about them made Anagha come up with small stories on different topics. Books under “How I wonder what you are” series are her attempt to bring them to life. Raised in Karnataka (India), Anagha’s background includes a Bachelors in Engineering, an MBA, and a Master’s degree. She currently lives in Virginia (USA) with her husband and daughter and works in the IT industry.

Tell us something about yourself.

[Anagha] Raised in Karnataka (India), my background includes a Bachelors in Engineering, an MBA, and a Masters degree. I currently live in Virginia (USA) with my husband and daughter and work in the IT industry. I am a mom of a curious 2 and a half years old toddler who is the centre of our life.

What compelled you to write this book?

[Anagha] My 2 and a half years old daughter loves the outdoors, and long walks out is a daily routine. The elements of nature – the trees, birds, sky, rain, animals – always piqued the little one’s curiosity. The daughter’s quest for learning about them made me come up with small stories on different topics. Books under the “How I wonder what you are” series are my attempt to bring them to life.

From how long have you been writing this book? What challenges did you face while writing?

[Anagha] I wrote these short topics when my mother-in-law encouraged us to come up with short stories during the pandemic as a means of keeping ourselves involved with our kids during the pandemic. So, I am forever grateful for her to bring out these books from me. I have written on several topics under the “How I wonder what you are” title. The main challenge was to pick the top 3 topics out of those several short topics.

What is the most memorable moment for you throughout the journey of the book?

[Anagha] I have enjoyed every moment of this journey. If I must really pick, then my top 3 memorable moments are

When my illustrator shared the first draft of my toddler character. I just couldn’t stop myself from viewing those images multiple times!! We had discussed the tiniest details as to if the toddler character must have a hairclip or a hairband or loose hair and she did such amazing justice to those discussions!!

When my mother in law suggested grouping these topics under a title called “How I wonder what you are”. This title fits these topics so precisely that I don’t think I would have ever come up with such an apt title.

When my publisher sent the first copies for QC!! Although I was far away in the USA and I had to view these books via a google meet with my mother-in-law, the feeling of seeing the idea come into life was beautiful!

Is writing your hobby or passion?

[Anagha] I do write here and there in Kannada – my mother tongue – but these board books are my first English attempt.

Are you planning to write again?

[Anagha] I do hope to continue to come up with several topics under this “How I wonder what you are series”

Do you believe that when an author dies a reader is born?

[Anagha] Not sure of the question

For you, what is literary success?

[Anagha] If my books touch the hearts of even a few toddlers and their parents, then I have achieved my personal success of sharing my Tania’s world and her curiosity.

Do you have any piece of advice for the budding authors out there?

[Anagha] Go ahead and take the first step and share your thoughts with the world.

What it’s like to be with 24by7 Publishing?

[Anagha] 24by publishing is any first-time author’s best companion. Folks at 24by7 make the entire publication process a breeze by always being available for queries, handling printing, publication, listing and post-publishing process. Even though I live outside of India, I was able to interact with the assigned team/folks at 24by7 with ease via email, phone, or WhatsApp and make this dream come true. Now waiting for the books to release internationally so that my friends and family around the world can enjoy and spread the word.

Click Here to buy: Day and Night on Amazon, Day and Night on Flipkart, Shadows on Amazon, Shadows on Flipkart