Book Birthday Blog with Pria Dee

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release of Me & My Long, Long Hair

 

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Me and My Long, Long Hair is a heartwarming story that is inspired by my own journey! When I first set foot in the USA from India, my incredibly long hair became both a source of pride and a challenge as I navigated the complexities of American fashion. One pivotal moment came when a colleague shared his sister's courageous battle with cancer. Moved by their story, I decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love.  
 
Having lost loved ones to the disease, cancer awareness has remained close to my heart. My daughter, who followed in my footsteps and donated her beautiful hair,  encouraged me to raise awareness, and Sita’s story was born. It’s a story about the importance of community, kindness, and hope.  

What was the most difficult part about writing the book? 

Crafting a story that resonates with a young audience, especially when addressing a sensitive topic like childhood cancer, is not easy. I sought the perspectives of several young readers to beta-read my draft, and their invaluable feedback helped me refine the narrative. This story holds immense significance for me, as I’ve experienced the loss of loved ones to cancer. Because of this connection, I was particularly diligent about ensuring the illustrations captured the emotion and essence of the story. It took multiple revisions, guided by the insights of my editor and reviewers, to achieve the right balance, and I’m grateful for their support in this heartfelt journey. 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

Here are a few messages I hope the book imparts;
 
Embrace Your Authentic Self: Be proud of who you are inside and out. In a world influenced by social media trends, we must remember that true beauty comes from authenticity.
 
The Power of Small Acts: Even the smallest gesture, like a smile, can make a significant difference. Our kindness can uplift others and enrich our own lives.
 
Cultivating Compassion: Let’s avoid judging others. Everyone faces unseen struggles, so let’s approach one another with empathy and understanding.
 
I hope my young readers will learn to celebrate everyone’s uniqueness, practice kindness, and create a compassionate community together. 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

I'm excited to share that Me and My Long, Long Hair is now available on Amazon and IngramSpark! The feedback has been incredibly positive, with great reviews from Kirkus, BookLife, and Midwest Book Review, and I even received a “Get It” Award from Kirkus! 
 
To generate more excitement, I’ve scheduled a Goodreads giveaway for the Kindle version, which I hope will encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences.
 
I’m also planning to drop off free copies at local libraries, bookstores, and school libraries. It’s wonderful to connect with my community, and I’ve been working hard to grow my social media following. It can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s all part of the journey!
 
I can't wait to attend various book events to spread the word and share my passion for storytelling.

My book launch will be at Correanders bookshop at Gross Pointe on Sunday August 23rd at 2.30 pm. 

On top of that, I’ll be joining the “Walk for Childhood Cancer” for St. Jude’s on August 29, 2026, in Royal Oak, MI! I’ve formed my own team and would love for friends and family to join me in this effort to raise awareness for childhood cancer. 

What's next for you?

I'm currently busy with a lyrical bedtime book that celebrates the breathtaking beauty of Nature in Michigan! 
 
I've also sent out several manuscripts for critique, including a whimsical fairytale retelling that I can’t wait to bring to life. 

On top of that, I'm cooking up a couple of fun projects: a circular tale that’s sure to captivate and a book that explores a world of possibilities! 
 
A couple of middle grade novel ideas have taken root in my brain, and I can feel them growing. One has the elements of a fantasy series, and another a historical mystery series.  I can't wait to see where they take me! 

More about the book . . .

When Sita starts at her new school, she wishes she could blend in. But her long, gleaming hair makes that impossible. Everyone notices it. Everyone comments on it. And Sita isn’t sure she wants to stand out at all.

With gentle encouragement from her mom, she begins to see her hair not as something that sets her apart, but as something uniquely hers. Just as she’s learning to embrace it, Sita hears a story that changes everything — a child her age is battling cancer and has lost her hair during treatment.

Suddenly, Sita’s biggest insecurity becomes the source of her greatest courage.

As she wrestles with a life‑changing decision, Sita discovers that sometimes the things we’re most self‑conscious about can become the gifts that make the world brighter.

Published by: Self

More about the author . . . 

Pria Dee is an award-winning children’s author dedicated to creating stories that celebrate individuality, empathy, and the richness of human difference. In her picture book Me & My Long, Long Hair, she explores the experience of a young girl whose hair sets her apart, offering a heartfelt message about self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of a mother’s love.

Drawing inspiration from everyday life, current events, and her vivid imagination, Pria writes stories that encourage young readers to see themselves in others while appreciating the perspectives that make each person unique. She believes children’s literature should be both meaningful and relatable, helping readers build compassion, confidence, and understanding.

Through her work, Pria Dee has established a distinctive voice in children’s literature, one grounded in warmth, cultural awareness, and emotional honesty. Her stories are crafted to inspire children to embrace who they are, connect with others, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. 

Websites:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18001718.Pria_Dee 

https://www.priadee.com/ 

Social Media:

https://x.com/authorpriadee 

https://www.instagram.com/priadeeauthor/ 

https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor 

 

 

Writer Spotlight: Pria Dee

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).

My love for children's literature goes back to my own childhood, where books were my constant companions. Tell us about your life when you were young. Which books and which mentors helped to shape the young storyteller?

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 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 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. 

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

Book Birthday Blog with Pria Dee

 

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release of Little Moe Can't Fly

 

 

Please share a little about this book's journey. How did you come up with the idea?

Michigan is resplendent with wildlife and natural beauty. I am fascinated by watching the flocks of birds migrate, return home, create families, nurture them, and then migrate again. Last spring, one little gosling particularly fascinated me as he had a limp and struggled to keep up with his family. Watching his determination inspired the story of Little Moe.

What was the most difficult part of writing the book?

Keeping the book short and appropriate for young readers was a challenge. I wanted to describe all the splendors of Michigan’s seasons and natural landscapes. Still, my editors and critiques convinced me that the audience would get all that from the pictures and that finding the right illustrator was key.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

Moe’s story is a tale of perseverance. Everyone’s life is as unique as they are, the key is never to give up or stop trying. 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

I am doing a Goodreads giveaway, and I have both BookLife and Kirkus reviews planned. I am going to try using Amazon ads as well.

What's next for you?

Moe’s Story is my 10th book, so having hit that target in my writing journey, I want to focus on another genre and audience: a fantasy middle-grade book.

More about the book . . .

Little Moe is a gosling who cannot master the art of flying. With winter approaching, Little Moe is worried he won’t fly to the warmer southern shores before all the flocks are gone. His mother stays with him, encouraging him to keep trying to fly. With fall and frost on the ground, it seems an impossible task. Moe realizes that it’s up to him and he never stops trying until he finally soars up into the sky in flight.

Publisher: Self-Published

More about the author . . .

Pria Dee is an Indian American author who lives in Michigan. She has published several children’s books based on her own experiences and observations. Her love of animals and children is the focus of many of her books. Learn more about Pria at: https://www.priadee.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@priadeeauthor 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18001718.Pria_Dee 

https://www.instagram.com/priadeeauthor/ 

https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor

 

 

Our SCBWI-Michigan BIPOC Scholarships Make a Difference by Isabel Estrada O'Hagin

    

      The aim of our SCBWI-Michigan BIPOC Scholarship Awards is to promote inclusivity among our membership and to offer the benefits of membership to selected applicants. For several years now, the SCBWI-Michigan BIPOC Scholarship recipients have enjoyed the perks of membership, including member-based fees for conferences and networking opportunities among our creative kidlit community. If our aim is to be inclusive, we need to authentically engage with our local communities and let them know about the BIPOC scholarships we offer.

 The applications for the 2023 SCBWI-Michigan BIPOC Scholarships can be found on our region’s webpage. Scroll down to the BIPOC Scholarship info.

      As we approach the next round of our region’s 2023 BIPOC Scholarship Applications, let’s hear from this past year’s recipients: Pria Dee (PD), Aubrey Jewel (AJ), Georgia Ann Moss (GAM), and Holly Nicole Semma (HNS). Read how these scholarships made a difference for our 2022 BIPOC Scholarship recipients!

 

1.    In what ways was your SCBWI membership useful to you? (e.g., personal connections, networking, or how it enhanced your creative work in children’s literature)

PD: I enjoy meeting and getting to know all the creative people that are members and learning from their individual experiences. I especially love the author events that allow us to talk to people in person. Many of them have provided me with useful tips, resources, and contacts that as a new writer have been invaluable to me. I met my critique group through SCBWI-Michigan, and they have been very supportive of my writing efforts and have provided so many different perspectives (teacher, librarian, parent, illustrator, etc.) that have helped improve my work. I have also made some great friends who support and encourage me and keep me going even when I get writer's block. 

 

AJ: The scholarship was extremely helpful for me to jump back into the mix of being a creative again and not “just a teacher/instructor.” I love being able to help others, but this gave me the opportunity where I could force myself to be creative again for my own work. It is also a bonus for my daughter to see me making art in this form instead of giving a lesson to her or someone else. It is also helping her to be creative in her own ways. 

Seeing and reading the opportunities and what other folks are doing and creating is such a wonderful addition that the membership has really brought me. Because of this scholarship, I plan on continuing and am scheduling out conferences and connections.

 

GAM: My SCBWI membership/scholarship has been very rewarding. The website offers web meetings where you can brainstorm creative ideas and to connect with other writers. The website is awesome in assisting with author visits and book fairs. I’m so thankful for the scholarship, and I will be renewing my membership. (Woo-hoo, Georgia!)

 

HNS: SCBWI membership is useful to me in providing networking opportunities and creative inspiration! It has been delightful engaging with my colleagues as well as understanding their passions and pursuits. We are all connected through creativity and I am thankful for SCBWI to be a catalyst in facilitating this close-knit community.

 

 

2.    What’s ahead in your creative work? We’d love to hear about it!

 

PD: I have published a picture book and a chapter book since joining SCBWI, and I have two more picture books in the works. Once those are completed and published, I hope to devote my time and energy to writing a middle grade fantasy novel. I also have started on a young adult novel that is making slow progress--I hope to finish it over the next year. 

 

AJ: I’m now doing a series of illustrative work called Resilience, with the hope of empowering many, with the emphasis on women of color. I will be showcasing it in graphic novel form as well as a series of 7 illustrative portraits in a gallery showcase September of 2024 during the Kalamazoo Art Hop.

 

I also finished my story of Mootilda MooCow and Her Trip to the Moon. I’m working on trying to find the right place to get it published. 

 

GAM: Currently working on a holiday book for emergent readers.

 

HNS: I am currently a Master's Candidate at the University of Michigan School of Public Health - Health Behavior & Health Education. I have just returned from a global internship at the Dubai Autism Center. I am interested in having an Arabic version of my upcoming children's books to best provide autism awareness to multicultural families!

 

 

Thank you, Pria, Aubrey, Georgia Ann, and Holly! Readers: If you’re like me, you found the imagination, dynamic energy, and drive among these four women awe-inspiring! May we welcome many more like-minded kidlit creatives to our regional chapter! Help us spread the word throughout our local communities!

 

BIPOC Scholarship

This scholarship awards a one-year membership to SCBWI for new members who identify as BIPOC kidlit creators.

 

Qualifications: Must be a Michigan resident, at least 18 years of age, who identifies as BIPOC and is a writer and/or illustrator of children’s literature.

 

Award: A one-year membership to SCBWI.

Applications Accepted: September 1st – October 1st (via a link that will be posted here). Awardees will be notified on or before Oct. 15th. Awardees will be notified on or before Oct. 15th. To donate to this scholarship, click or tap HERE.

 

Please note that it’s easy to make a donation by clicking on the HERE button!

Isabel Estrada O'Hagin grew up in the desert borderlands of Arizona, dancing and singing her way through life. Always a dreamer, she blends her life experiences as a performing arts educator with her love of Mexican-American culture & folklore into stories. When she’s not writing, she loves to dance, cook, read, daydream, and play with her two gatitos, Dante and Cosmo. She also loves her volunteer work for SCBWI-Michigan as Outreach Coordinator and K.A.S.T. Co-Coordinator (A shout-out to my KAST friends—Where everyone’s a star!)  LA MARIACHI is her debut storybook!

Book Birthday Blog with Pria Dee

 

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release of Sport It! Stay Fit!

 

 

This is your second book to release this year and another one is on the way. How do you stay organized with several books scheduled to launch the same year?

It is complex to coordinate multiple books, especially with my second book Sport It! Stay Fit! is self-published, which means I am responsible for getting the edits, illustrations, cover, and interior design for Epub, Print, ISBN, and set up on Amazon KDP, and Ingram and any marketing done.  I credit my awesome editor Sandy Fuller, creative illustrator David Lock and designer Michael Hercock for keeping me on task and schedule.  Couldn’t do it without them.

 

You seem to generate many story ideas. What method do you use to gather ideas and how do you decide which ones are worth pursuing?

 

I try to work off my observations.  Many times, things I see or that inspire me, register during the day and will develop into an idea at night.  I keep a notepad handy and write them down. I am strongly inspired by nature and very often a rhyme or story develops during my 4-mile walks in the summer.  I come back and write it down.  I don’t develop them into a book right away, however.  I let the ideas germinate for a few weeks and if I still feel strongly about them, I flesh out the story and develop it into a book.

 

Your love of animals and children inspire many of your books. Is there a particular author who has inspired you or influenced your craft?

 

I loved both A.A. Milne and Beatrix Potter growing up and both wrote about nature. I remember reading them to my children and still own copies of their work that I read now and again.

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find your books?

I plan to get reviews through Kirkus Reviews and Reedsy Discovery.  I have used Next Step PR once before and may do so if they have availability to do a book launch.  In addition, I plan to do a Goodreads giveaway for Father’s Day to generate reviews.  I may also run Father’s Day ads on Facebook and Amazon as this book is a great one for dads to read to their kids as it’s all about sports. Of course, I will try to spread the word on social media as well.

What's next for you?

I hope to release one more book in the fall about a little gosling who needs to migrate before Winter.  I am working on illustration ideas with a new illustrator for this book and am very excited about it. I am also working on the third book in my Billy and Molly series.
 
I have a Fantasy Young Adult book in the works, which is progressing very slowly. 

A little bit about the book . . .

 

A read-aloud rhyming book on all the sports you can play to stay active and fit features very active dinosaurs in action.

 

Publisher: Boomi LLC

 

A little bit about the author . . .

 
Pria Dee is an Indian American author, who lives in Michigan.  She has published several children’s books based on her own experiences and observations.  Her love of animals and children is the focus of many of her books.  Learn more about Pria at:  https://www.priadee.com/

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@priadeeauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18001718.Pria_Dee 

https://twitter.com/authorpriadee

https://www.instagram.com/priadeeauthor/ 

https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Pria Dee

 

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release of Freddy the Frog and the Three Wishes

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I love nature walks and often photograph the creatures I see on the way and one day I observed a little frog in the marshes and decided to write about him. I wanted it to be a relatable book as well as having some magical elements and Freddy’s story developed.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

A couple of things : Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and while Freddy may not be strong or big, he was still able to make the right decisions and save his town.  Secondly, Freddy learns an important lesson about not being self-focused but instead to share his good fortune to help others.

Your love of animals and children inspire many of your books. Are there other inspirations for your stories?

I love living in Michigan and all the beautiful nature around us. So, I write a lot about turtles, frogs, and geese. I also find that our children are growing up in a digital world that creates anxiety.  I hope to help children focus on wholesome activities such as reading, nature, and sports.  My next book is a rhyming book about sports.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

The publisher is working on a social media marketing campaign. I hope to do school visits and attend writers' events as well.

What's next for you?  

I hope to have two additional books published this year. Fingers crossed. My long term dream would be to both illustrate and write so I am trying to learn the art of digital illustration.  It gives me new appreciation to my wonderful illustrators. David Lock illustrated Freddy’s story in water color and his illustrations are fantastic and an inspiration to me. 

A little bit about the book . . .

Freddy is a small not very strong frog, who is often the brunt of jokes from his stronger and more popular siblings. Poor Freddy longs to be a strong swimmer and to be able to jump high, while playing with his friend Nora. One day Freddy finds a rare magical flower that grants him three wishes. Freddy of course wishes for all the things he longed for but discovers that they are not what he wanted after all!

Publisher: Austin Macaulay

A little bit about the author . . .

Pria Dee is an Indian American author, who lives in Michigan.  She has published several children’s books based on her own experiences and observations.  Her love of animals and children is the focus of many of her books.  Learn more about Pria at: https://www.priadee.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@priadeeauthor 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18001718.Pria_Dee 

https://mobile.twitter.com/authorpriadee 

https://www.instagram.com/priadeeauthor/ 

https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Pria Dee

 

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators. 

 

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release of Diya Dances the Dandiya

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Indian dance has been incorporated into Television programming, movies and even aerobics and Zumba classes. I wanted to showcase the intricacies of the costume, the music, and the culture for young children so that when they see Indian music and dance in movies etc., they can understand it. 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

The story itself is based on the timeless topic of keeping young children organized. Most parents have run into the situation where their young one has misplaced an important item just before an important event and can relate to it.

What inspires you to write?

My inspiration comes from dreaming of a simple and innocent fantasy world where I let my imagination rule.  I try to imbue my stories with real-time experiences and humor so that a child and parent can enjoy and relate to it.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Reviewing and editing my draft in such a way that the original story is not changed, when trying to trim word count and addressing the feedback from my editors.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I am looking for reader reviews from bloggers as well as reviews from Kirkus reviews and Reedsy.  I would like to find cultural outlets that can teach children about Indian dance as well.

A little bit about the book . . .

Little Diya misplaced her anklets just before her dance performance. She could not possibly dance without them tinkling with her steps. Read Diya’s story as she goes on a hasty treasure hunt with her little brother Ramu. Will they find the anklets on time? 

The book includes an illustrated glossary to learn popular words from Indian Culture.

A little bit about the author . . .

Pria Dee is an Indian American author, who lives in Michigan.  She has published several children’s books based on her own experiences and observations.  Her love of animals and children is the focus of many of her books.  Learn more about Pria at: https://www.priadee.com/  

 https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor/