Mitali Perkins has been called a “Literary Light for Children” by the Associates of the Boston Public Library, and we can’t agree enough. In her novels, she brings light to characters in different cultures and backgrounds, characters who are real and inspiring.
How does she do it? We asked…
Booking Biz: What does your average day look like?
One of the best things about this job is that there is no average day. Today I cleaned my house, did yoga, and am now going through my in-box. A relaxing day. Soon I’ll be under deadline again, once my editor sends back this round of edits, and then my day will include writing in a coffee shop and feeling pressured. Or else I’ll be on the road, speaking, teaching, signing books, or attending other events.
Booking Biz: When you’re not writing, what do you like to do best?
Visit my elderly widowed mother. She is as sweet as a caramel candy and I enjoy her company greatly. I also love playing tennis and walking our dogs in the Bay Area hills with my husband and sons.
Booking Biz: Where do you get the inspiration for your books?
My books are informed mostly by non-literary pursuits and passions. This year, for example, FORWARD ME BACK TO YOU released. It’s a YA novel about international adoption (our sons are adopted from India), human trafficking (we support a couple of anti-trafficking organizations), and voluntarism (I’ve been part of many service trips across cultures). In the fall comes a picture book, BETWEEN US AND ABUELA, inspired by an annual “La Posada Sin Fronteras” Christmas service in Friendship Park along the border between Tijuana and San Diego.
Booking Biz: Did you always want to write books for children, or was there another career you wished for as a child?
I always loved writing but never dreamed of making it my career. As the child of immigrants, I saw firsthand the sacrifices my parents made for me. Telling them that my chosen full-time work was writing books for children was unimaginable. I myself couldn’t imagine making a living doing this. For the past several years that I’ve been able to make a steady (albeit not huge) income feels like a miracle to me.
Booking Biz: If you ruled the world, what would it look like?
If I ruled the world, everyone would be invited to my mother’s house for luchis (puffy breads), dal, and egg and potato curry.
Booking Biz: Mmmmm! That sounds like a wonderful world indeed!
Read more about Mitali Perkins and her school visits on her speaker page.