Second editor, Kirkus, Reedsy.com, pandemic, Tower of Pisa, and pen name: Author Pria Dee
Charlie Barshaw coordinates our regular Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI. In this piece, meet author Pria Dee (Priya Vennapusa).
I was home-schooled in developing countries where my parents worked as doctors. While I had a rich childhood filled with unique experiences, it could be lonely with only books for company.
I received my education through a service called the Parents National Educational Union based in the UK, and eagerly read the books sent to me. We often traveled far to access the British and American consulate libraries, which allowed me to borrow books for months due to our remote location.
Authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Beatrix Potter became favorites, and I’ve collected their works for my children to enjoy. I kept journals and wrote letters to friends and family, and often created stories and plays with friends to entertain our parents. These experiences have deeply influenced my love for writing and narrating stories for children.
You have many titles now published. You’ve obviously found a system that works for you. What has been your progression in the publishing journey? How does a book go from idea to bound and printed?
Most books begin as ideas that I jot down in my idea file. Some ideas persist in my mind until I can shape them into a story. The first draft is saved until the time feels right to let it evolve and develop. Many drafts are never read by anyone but me.
I’m part of an SCBWI critique group that meets monthly to improve our craft. I refine and share selected manuscripts based on feedback, and if I’m excited about a project after several critiques, I work with a line, development, and content editor to polish it further.
You have many titles now published. You’ve obviously found a system that works for you. What has been your progression in the publishing journey? How does a book go from idea to bound and printed?
Most books begin as ideas that I jot down in my idea file. Some ideas persist in my mind until I can shape them into a story. The first draft is saved until the time feels right to let it evolve and develop. Many drafts are never read by anyone but me.
I’m part of an SCBWI critique group that meets monthly to improve our craft. I refine and share selected manuscripts based on feedback, and if I’m excited about a project after several critiques, I work with a line, development, and content editor to polish it further.
Finding an illustrator who shares my vision is essential. I also hire a professional designer for the layout and cover. By test printing on Amazon and Ingram, I often have a second editor proofread the manuscript, and I share it with ARC readers for feedback. Only once I’m completely satisfied with the quality do I approve the final print release.
How do you wrangle reviews for your book? What does it take to get a Kirkus review?
I learned early that for librarians, educators, and industry professionals, credibility matters as much as a strong story. Rather than chasing volume or “guaranteed” praise, I focus on submitting well-edited books to established review outlets that publish independent, objective assessments, and I plan those submissions far enough in advance for reviews to be available around release.
For each release, I submit early review copies to established outlets such as Kirkus, Book Life/Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Midwest Book Review, and Reader Views to support discoverability with independent, professional coverage.
How do you wrangle reviews for your book? What does it take to get a Kirkus review?
I learned early that for librarians, educators, and industry professionals, credibility matters as much as a strong story. Rather than chasing volume or “guaranteed” praise, I focus on submitting well-edited books to established review outlets that publish independent, objective assessments, and I plan those submissions far enough in advance for reviews to be available around release.
For each release, I submit early review copies to established outlets such as Kirkus, Book Life/Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Midwest Book Review, and Reader Views to support discoverability with independent, professional coverage.
I also invite readers to share honest feedback on platforms like Reedsy and Goodreads. I occasionally run limited-time discounts or giveaways to help parents, librarians, and educators sample a title and, if it resonates, leave a genuine review.
How do you find illustrators? What are the challenges and triumphs of working with another fellow creative to craft a satisfying book?
I have collaborated with four illustrators from Reedsy.com. I often return to the same illustrators for series books. Tina Perko illustrated the "Billy and Molly Butter" series, while YoungJu Kim, a SCAD artist, brought depth to the stories of Balu and Diya with her woodgrain backgrounds.
How do you find illustrators? What are the challenges and triumphs of working with another fellow creative to craft a satisfying book?
I have collaborated with four illustrators from Reedsy.com. I often return to the same illustrators for series books. Tina Perko illustrated the "Billy and Molly Butter" series, while YoungJu Kim, a SCAD artist, brought depth to the stories of Balu and Diya with her woodgrain backgrounds.
Emily Hercock illustrated "Little Moe Can’t Fly" and "Me and My Long, Long Hair," with her husband, Michael, designing some of my books. David Lock added fun and humor to "Sport It!," "Finley the Frog," and "The Monster Did It!"
I’m excited to have a new illustrator for an upcoming book: Naya Kirichenko, whose work I admired in other Michigan authors’ books. I look forward to collaborating with her soon.
Each illustrator brings a unique perspective, and I have enjoyed working with all of them. While time zones and work schedules can complicate virtual communication, their patience and perfectionism make for a great collaborative team.
My long-term dream would be to both illustrate and write, so I am trying to learn the art of digital illustration. How goes the digital illustration quest?
I have been learning to use Adobe Express and Creative Cloud. So far, I have only created high-quality graphics for Amazon book pages, bookmarks, craft projects, and marketing images for social media. I also do sketches to help my illustrators visualize my concepts and ideas for a spread or cover.
I’m excited to have a new illustrator for an upcoming book: Naya Kirichenko, whose work I admired in other Michigan authors’ books. I look forward to collaborating with her soon.
Each illustrator brings a unique perspective, and I have enjoyed working with all of them. While time zones and work schedules can complicate virtual communication, their patience and perfectionism make for a great collaborative team.
My long-term dream would be to both illustrate and write, so I am trying to learn the art of digital illustration. How goes the digital illustration quest?
I have been learning to use Adobe Express and Creative Cloud. So far, I have only created high-quality graphics for Amazon book pages, bookmarks, craft projects, and marketing images for social media. I also do sketches to help my illustrators visualize my concepts and ideas for a spread or cover.
However, my skills as an artist are not yet where they need to be to create a full illustration. I enjoy taking candid photographs, and I can see my books including my photos instead of illustrations. The dream of illustrating is still very much alive, and I aspire to achieve it through practice and effort.
My book, *Balu Saves the Day*, was written and published during the pandemic. It received positive feedback and has won awards. I loved sharing that story so much that I continued my journey as a children’s author, and I have since published ten children’s books.
We’ve all got collective amnesia concerning the pandemic. Take us back to the early development of Balu. How challenging was it to have your whole household encroaching on your workspace?
At first, adjusting to everyone being home was a challenge. I was used to working from home with my kids at school and my husband at work, allowing me to focus on my job and writing in peace. Suddenly, everyone needed meals and was on Zoom calls, making it hard to find silence for creativity.
To cope, I began waking up two hours early to write and worked in my basement, taking nature breaks on the patio and walking at lunchtime. Balu’s story was inspired by health care debates and my experiences growing up in developing countries, where access to options is limited.
My book, *Balu Saves the Day*, was written and published during the pandemic. It received positive feedback and has won awards. I loved sharing that story so much that I continued my journey as a children’s author, and I have since published ten children’s books.
We’ve all got collective amnesia concerning the pandemic. Take us back to the early development of Balu. How challenging was it to have your whole household encroaching on your workspace?
At first, adjusting to everyone being home was a challenge. I was used to working from home with my kids at school and my husband at work, allowing me to focus on my job and writing in peace. Suddenly, everyone needed meals and was on Zoom calls, making it hard to find silence for creativity.
To cope, I began waking up two hours early to write and worked in my basement, taking nature breaks on the patio and walking at lunchtime. Balu’s story was inspired by health care debates and my experiences growing up in developing countries, where access to options is limited.
During the pandemic, my community came together to distribute masks and meals for those in need, reinforcing the theme of community in Balu Saves the Day.
The pandemic underscored the fragility of life, prompting me to self-publish Balu’s story when most agents and publishers were not accepting queries, feeling the urgency to seize the moment and get my book out in the world…just in case.
Pria is the author of ten children’s books, all featuring diverse characters. How much of the world have you seen?
My parents loved travel, and starting at age six, I tagged along. By the time I was ten, I’d seen much of Europe and parts of the Middle East and formed lasting impressions about people and cultures.
That early start turned into a lifelong habit: I’m always adding places to my list that I want to visit. And because some landmarks are vulnerable, whether from climate change, conflict, or catastrophes, I want to visit remarkable places before they change.
The pandemic underscored the fragility of life, prompting me to self-publish Balu’s story when most agents and publishers were not accepting queries, feeling the urgency to seize the moment and get my book out in the world…just in case.
Pria is the author of ten children’s books, all featuring diverse characters. How much of the world have you seen?
My parents loved travel, and starting at age six, I tagged along. By the time I was ten, I’d seen much of Europe and parts of the Middle East and formed lasting impressions about people and cultures.
That early start turned into a lifelong habit: I’m always adding places to my list that I want to visit. And because some landmarks are vulnerable, whether from climate change, conflict, or catastrophes, I want to visit remarkable places before they change.
 |
| Pria's Travels |
The Tower of Pisa can lean further, a bustling market in Morocco can collapse in an earthquake, and a Hawaiian volcano can destroy ecosystems. So I’m not afraid to be the annoying person taking a zillion photos, just to hold on to these incredible sights.
When I first brought my book, The Monster Did It!, into the world, I intended to capture the vivid curiosity and playful restlessness of a toddler who, in the throes of boredom and hunger, embarks on a whimsical journey of mischief, cleverly attributing his antics to an imaginary monster lurking in the shadows.
How did The Monster Did It go from a family bedtime story to a published book? What challenges did a first-time author face?
If an author is allowed to have a favorite book, then Monster is mine. It certainly is a favorite with readers. Any parent or caregiver knows how mischievous toddlers can be and how creative their excuses are.
When I first brought my book, The Monster Did It!, into the world, I intended to capture the vivid curiosity and playful restlessness of a toddler who, in the throes of boredom and hunger, embarks on a whimsical journey of mischief, cleverly attributing his antics to an imaginary monster lurking in the shadows.
How did The Monster Did It go from a family bedtime story to a published book? What challenges did a first-time author face?
If an author is allowed to have a favorite book, then Monster is mine. It certainly is a favorite with readers. Any parent or caregiver knows how mischievous toddlers can be and how creative their excuses are.
My children were no exception, and that story is written based on my experience as a parent and brings back precious memories. When I started to write it, I did not intend to be lyrical, but as I wrote it, that’s how it flowed.
Monster is the one book where I had to publish a second version, because so many readers gave feedback that I ended the story with no consequences. I republished it, adding a postscript saying the child helped the mother clean up.
One of the many advantages of self-publishing and print-on-demand is how simple it is to do something like that to make readers happy.
I remember my first SCBWI-MI gathering in December 2021 in Ann Arbor. Monster was a new release, and with only two books to my name, I was nervous and felt like an imposter about being there. Other SCBWI authors at the event were so welcoming and set me at ease by encouraging me, sharing tips, and experiences. It was a fun, and memorable occasion.
One important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is that while I may be the writer, I am not qualified to edit, proofread, illustrate, or design my books. No matter how many times I read my work, there is always a high probability that I will miss errors.
My critique group, editors, illustrator, and book designer all play vital roles in this journey. Additionally, the support from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators offers numerous resources, and my peers within that community help me navigate challenges by sharing their own publishing experiences. The result is a high-quality book that is worthy of my young readers.
How do you find the professionals to help you make your books the best they can be?
Reedsy.com has been my primary source for finding excellent professionals. However, nothing is more effective than seeing someone's work and hearing from fellow authors about their experiences with various experts. While I trust the professionals I have worked with in the past and will return to them for continuing a series, each new book presents an opportunity to explore something different.
One of my works-in-progress (WIP) is a children's bedtime story written as a poem. Although I have a passion for poetry, there is much I don't know about the technical aspects, so I sought out an academic expert who teaches poetry at a university and serves as an editor for a literary magazine. I truly value her insights and love the changes she has suggested to my work.
I would love to collaborate more with local illustrators, editors, and designers. When attending book events, I try to make connections and follow their work on social media, hoping that one of them will partner with me on a future project.
You’ve given back to SCBWI-MI. You help run an area Shop Talk, and you’re often on the Listserv. What other positions have you held within the organization? How do you make time for everything in your life?
I joined SCBWI after the pandemic in 2021. As a first-time self-published author, I understand that readers, including parents, teachers, and librarians, can be hesitant to invest in my work. Joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), especially SCBWI-Michigan, has opened doors for me.
Through this wonderful organization, I’ve made valuable connections, learned from established authors, and attended supportive events. I have been a co-coordinator for Metro Detroit for three years and a member of a picture book critique group for the same time. I would like to do more if an opportunity fits my skills.
I remember my first SCBWI-MI gathering in December 2021 in Ann Arbor. Monster was a new release, and with only two books to my name, I was nervous and felt like an imposter about being there. Other SCBWI authors at the event were so welcoming and set me at ease by encouraging me, sharing tips, and experiences. It was a fun, and memorable occasion.
One important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is that while I may be the writer, I am not qualified to edit, proofread, illustrate, or design my books. No matter how many times I read my work, there is always a high probability that I will miss errors.
My critique group, editors, illustrator, and book designer all play vital roles in this journey. Additionally, the support from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators offers numerous resources, and my peers within that community help me navigate challenges by sharing their own publishing experiences. The result is a high-quality book that is worthy of my young readers.
How do you find the professionals to help you make your books the best they can be?
Reedsy.com has been my primary source for finding excellent professionals. However, nothing is more effective than seeing someone's work and hearing from fellow authors about their experiences with various experts. While I trust the professionals I have worked with in the past and will return to them for continuing a series, each new book presents an opportunity to explore something different.
One of my works-in-progress (WIP) is a children's bedtime story written as a poem. Although I have a passion for poetry, there is much I don't know about the technical aspects, so I sought out an academic expert who teaches poetry at a university and serves as an editor for a literary magazine. I truly value her insights and love the changes she has suggested to my work.
I would love to collaborate more with local illustrators, editors, and designers. When attending book events, I try to make connections and follow their work on social media, hoping that one of them will partner with me on a future project.
You’ve given back to SCBWI-MI. You help run an area Shop Talk, and you’re often on the Listserv. What other positions have you held within the organization? How do you make time for everything in your life?
I joined SCBWI after the pandemic in 2021. As a first-time self-published author, I understand that readers, including parents, teachers, and librarians, can be hesitant to invest in my work. Joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), especially SCBWI-Michigan, has opened doors for me.
Through this wonderful organization, I’ve made valuable connections, learned from established authors, and attended supportive events. I have been a co-coordinator for Metro Detroit for three years and a member of a picture book critique group for the same time. I would like to do more if an opportunity fits my skills.
Finding time has always been a challenge, but connecting with fellow authors who share the same journey is rewarding. I gain energy and enjoyment from it. Anything I can do for SCBWI feels like an investment in myself and my fellow authors, helping us all grow together. I'm truly grateful to be part of SCBWI and to have such a supportive community.
The biggest challenge is getting the word out to our target audience and readers. I have engaged industry professionals as marketing coaches to help me understand the algorithms that drive platforms such as Amazon and Facebook.
Marketing, and matching gatekeepers and readers to your titles: what have you learned over the years? With all the changes, how have you had to adapt to the new social media landscape?
I am a writer who is inspired to explore a variety of topics; however, I can state without hesitation that self-promotion is my least favorite topic. To address my own shortcomings in this area, I have sought guidance from several professionals on effective strategies for promoting my work.
Through these experiences, I have learned several key principles:
1. The quality and pride in my work inherently communicate its value, and it is acceptable to share any accolades I receive.
2. Providing insights into my personal background fosters a connection with readers, allowing them to relate to me on a personal level.
3. There is no universal approach to promotion; each individual I engage with deserves my undivided attention to address their inquiries and demonstrate the merits of my book.
I acknowledge my limited expertise in social media; despite enrolling in various courses to enhance my skills, I recognize that I still have considerable room for improvement.
The biggest challenge is getting the word out to our target audience and readers. I have engaged industry professionals as marketing coaches to help me understand the algorithms that drive platforms such as Amazon and Facebook.
Marketing, and matching gatekeepers and readers to your titles: what have you learned over the years? With all the changes, how have you had to adapt to the new social media landscape?
I am a writer who is inspired to explore a variety of topics; however, I can state without hesitation that self-promotion is my least favorite topic. To address my own shortcomings in this area, I have sought guidance from several professionals on effective strategies for promoting my work.
Through these experiences, I have learned several key principles:
1. The quality and pride in my work inherently communicate its value, and it is acceptable to share any accolades I receive.
2. Providing insights into my personal background fosters a connection with readers, allowing them to relate to me on a personal level.
3. There is no universal approach to promotion; each individual I engage with deserves my undivided attention to address their inquiries and demonstrate the merits of my book.
I acknowledge my limited expertise in social media; despite enrolling in various courses to enhance my skills, I recognize that I still have considerable room for improvement.
Nevertheless, I am aware that inquiries about social media handles are commonplace, and I strive to concentrate on a select few platforms where I can maintain a consistent presence.
I had difficulty finding any children’s writing info on Priya Vennapusa, although I found two collections of stories with Priya Vennapusa as a contributor: The Mysteries of Suspense: A Collection of Short Stories to Intrigue You: A Zimbell House Anthology Hardcover and Puppy Love: 2015: An Anthology Celebrating Our Canine Friends. Is this Priya Vennapusa also Pria Dee?
What is your full name? How did you choose Pria Dee as a pen name?
My real name is Priya D Vennapusa. When I returned to school after being homeschooled until 8th grade, I discovered that there were many other Priyas in my class, as it is a very popular name meaning "love" or "beloved." As a result, teachers would call me by my initial, Priya D.
I value my privacy, and at the same time want my author name to be its own brand. So, I chose to go back to that childhood name as the pen name for children’s books.
I had difficulty finding any children’s writing info on Priya Vennapusa, although I found two collections of stories with Priya Vennapusa as a contributor: The Mysteries of Suspense: A Collection of Short Stories to Intrigue You: A Zimbell House Anthology Hardcover and Puppy Love: 2015: An Anthology Celebrating Our Canine Friends. Is this Priya Vennapusa also Pria Dee?
What is your full name? How did you choose Pria Dee as a pen name?
My real name is Priya D Vennapusa. When I returned to school after being homeschooled until 8th grade, I discovered that there were many other Priyas in my class, as it is a very popular name meaning "love" or "beloved." As a result, teachers would call me by my initial, Priya D.
I value my privacy, and at the same time want my author name to be its own brand. So, I chose to go back to that childhood name as the pen name for children’s books.
I noticed that people often had difficulty with the "Y" in my name. To make it easier for young minds to pronounce, I shortened it to Pria Dee, and thus my pen name was born.
Priya Vennapusa also won second place in a flash fiction contest for Rochester Writers in 2016 for The Plane. Yours?
Yes, that is me. To motivate me to write, I entered several writing contests, and many of them provided feedback or critiques that have helped improve my writing. Rochester Writers Group is one of those that I have submitted to in the past. I initially wrote under my full name until I self-published as Pria Dee.
I did contribute to the two anthologies you mentioned, though 😊 The Mysteries of Suspense: A Collection of Short Stories to Intrigue You: A Zimbell House Anthology Hardcover and Puppy Love: 2015: An Anthology Celebrating Our Canine Friends.
I have also written and published fiction novels under a different pen name.
There are many Google hits for Priya Vennapusa. (Priya Vennapusa is a member of the Throwball Premier League Champions 2025, the Dangerous Divas) Relatives? Or is it a relatively common Indian name?
I am athletically challenged, being a bookworm, so definitely not the person on the Throwball team. Some of the Google hits are probably of my technical writing from my career in Information technology.
Priya Vennapusa also won second place in a flash fiction contest for Rochester Writers in 2016 for The Plane. Yours?
Yes, that is me. To motivate me to write, I entered several writing contests, and many of them provided feedback or critiques that have helped improve my writing. Rochester Writers Group is one of those that I have submitted to in the past. I initially wrote under my full name until I self-published as Pria Dee.
I did contribute to the two anthologies you mentioned, though 😊 The Mysteries of Suspense: A Collection of Short Stories to Intrigue You: A Zimbell House Anthology Hardcover and Puppy Love: 2015: An Anthology Celebrating Our Canine Friends.
I have also written and published fiction novels under a different pen name.
There are many Google hits for Priya Vennapusa. (Priya Vennapusa is a member of the Throwball Premier League Champions 2025, the Dangerous Divas) Relatives? Or is it a relatively common Indian name?
I am athletically challenged, being a bookworm, so definitely not the person on the Throwball team. Some of the Google hits are probably of my technical writing from my career in Information technology.
Priya is a very common name, Vennapusa is a last name, less common, but there are probably a few others out there that are not me or related to me.
Were you a member of the Sewing Warriors of Detroit Suburbs?
My friends and I sewed masks for medical professionals during the pandemic and distributed them to groups and organizations who needed them. Sewing Warriors of Detroit suburbs was one of them.
What’s next for Pria Dee?
My next book, Me and My Long, Long Hair, is releasing this August. It’s a deeply personal story for me, inspired by loved ones who have faced cancer. Through Sita’s journey, I hope to generate interest and conversations about childhood cancer and compassion.
Were you a member of the Sewing Warriors of Detroit Suburbs?
My friends and I sewed masks for medical professionals during the pandemic and distributed them to groups and organizations who needed them. Sewing Warriors of Detroit suburbs was one of them.
What’s next for Pria Dee?
My next book, Me and My Long, Long Hair, is releasing this August. It’s a deeply personal story for me, inspired by loved ones who have faced cancer. Through Sita’s journey, I hope to generate interest and conversations about childhood cancer and compassion.
I timed the publication to align with St. Jude’s Walk/Run in August in Royal Oak, to raise awareness, and to donate all profits from the title to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I hope that local book stores will allow me to host a book signing.
Looking ahead, I’m working to strengthen my query materials and would love to partner with an agent who can help position new projects with publishers and expand opportunities for wider distribution and translation.
I’m not able to do school visits because of my full-time work schedule, but I actively seek evening and weekend opportunities to meet young readers. I’m grateful to Pop of Indie for creating that kind of access in Metro Detroit, and I’ve loved connecting with families at their events. Long-term, I hope to build more school and library programming.
I am working on some middle-grade fantasy fiction, but the progress has been slow. I hope to devote more time to that endeavour soon.
It’s a challenging world for children’s writers, especially for picture books, but I believe that every book, including my own, has readers out there. I hope to find more of my readers and continue writing for them.
Please share any social media platforms:
https://X.com/authorpriadee
https://www.instagram.com/priadeeauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18001718.Pria_Dee
www.priadee.com
Looking ahead, I’m working to strengthen my query materials and would love to partner with an agent who can help position new projects with publishers and expand opportunities for wider distribution and translation.
I’m not able to do school visits because of my full-time work schedule, but I actively seek evening and weekend opportunities to meet young readers. I’m grateful to Pop of Indie for creating that kind of access in Metro Detroit, and I’ve loved connecting with families at their events. Long-term, I hope to build more school and library programming.
I am working on some middle-grade fantasy fiction, but the progress has been slow. I hope to devote more time to that endeavour soon.
It’s a challenging world for children’s writers, especially for picture books, but I believe that every book, including my own, has readers out there. I hope to find more of my readers and continue writing for them.
Please share any social media platforms:
https://X.com/authorpriadee
https://www.instagram.com/priadeeauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18001718.Pria_Dee
www.priadee.com
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