An Interview with Author Gita V. Reddy!

I'm really excited, because today I get to interview one of my favorite authors! Her name is Gita V. Reddy, and she has a wonderful way of storytelling that draws you in almost instantly. I would go into a long spiel about her and her books, but I'll let her tell you herself instead :) You can connect with Gita on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Now, without further ado, let's get this party started. Over to you, Gita!

First, tell us a bit about yourself.

I have always lived in India. I’m past fifty. Does that mean my best years are behind me? Probably not because I debuted as a published writer at fifty. I have very simple tastes. I don’t like crowds. I like sentimental movies or funny ones; I can’t watch horror, blood and gore. I have to read a book to its end even if I don’t like it; unfinished stories haunt me and rob me of precious sleep. I love nature. My family is the most important thing to me.
That is all I can think of at the moment.

What books have you written, and what genre are they?

I am a multi genre author from India but if I have to be slotted, it will have to be as a children’s  writer because I have more books out for children. I write fiction; the format doesn’t matter. I’ve written novels, a novella, short chapter books, short stories, and also picture books.

[A full list of Gita's amazing books can be found at the end of this post --Ellie]

Tell us more about your books!

What all my books have in common is that they are clean. I don’t write explicit sex, violence, promoting negative values, farts, burps, etc. I also try not to repeat a theme. And I never talk down to children or preach.
Most of my books are set in India and one novel, Hunt for the Horseman, has an American child with Indian roots. Because children are primarily interested in the story, and do not like overt messages, I focus on the plot and the characterization, while faithfully representing the cultural aspects wherever possible.
When children of other nationalities read my books, they learn about a way of life that is different from theirs. Books about alternate cultures and multicultural books play an important role in shaping children into adults. It gives them a better understanding about the oneness of humanity. Such books make them aware that in spite of cultural differences, human beings are the same everywhere.

What ages are your books for?

I write for adults and for children of all ages. Many adults have told me they have also enjoyed my books for children.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I wish I knew the source so that I could turn in on and off. I only know that ideas come from somewhere and I must note them down before they disappear.

How did you come up with your characters?

That’s easy. Once I get a story idea, I start thinking about the characters and try to build them up in my mind as much as possible. For me, understanding my characters is very important. It helps me not to have plot holes or loose ends.

What are some of your favorite books?

Treasure Island is an all time favorite. I like its taut narrative. I also like Jack London's stories. Growing up I used to read a lot of Enid Blyton and Trixie Beldon.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming authors?

Not really. I’m still learning. Yes. That’s my advice. Keep learning and improving your craft.

Tell us about your latest book!

Tara and the Giant Queen is a fantasy in the Land of Giants. I realized giants were somehow missing from our books and after Gulliver, no one seemed to have visited their land.
Nine-year old Tara finds herself in a strange land after a storm. She accidentally lands on the head of the queen of giants and is taken into her care. The good queen promises to help her return home but there are evil giants who believe Tara is a magician and are out to capture her for her magic powers. The story is about Tara’s time in Giant Land and her journey back home, and also her friendship with a boy-giant.

Thank you, Gita!

To find out more about Gita and her books, check out these links:
Gita's website: http://www.gitavreddy.com/

Daksha the Medicine Girl (free ebook) on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Daksha-Medicine-Girl-Chapter-Books-ebook/dp/B00IGQHRAQ

Gita's Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Gita-V.-Reddy/e/B00D3YMQ0M

Here is a full list of Gita's books:

For Middle Grade Readers
1. King Neptune’s Delite
2. Tara and the Giant Queen
3. Hunt for the Horseman (Read my review here!)
4. Cinderella’s Escape
5. Rangeela Tales: Book 1,2,3 (Read my review of Rangeela Tales 1 here!)
6. Theft at the Fair and Other Stories
7. The Dinosaur Puzzle and Other Stories
8. The Unicycle and Other Stories

For Ages 8-10
1. Dearie: A Tale of Courage
2. Krishta, Daughter of Martev
3. Knife and Fork (Read my review here!)
4. Make a Wish
5. Daksha the Medicine Girl Free across all ebookstores!
6. The Forbidden Forest
7. The Missing Girl Free on iTunes, Smashwords, B&N and Kobo!
8. The Magician’s Turban
9. The Homeless Birds

For Ages 3-7 (Picture Books)
1. Super-Duper Monty
2. Bala-Gala the Brave and Dangerous (Read my review here!)
3. The Ant Thief (Read my review here!)
4. Bee-Not-So-Busy Free to print out and read!

For Toddlers
1. The Alphabet Game- an Interactive ABC Book

For Adults
1. Catherine Dickens: Outside the Magic Circle
2. The Vigil and Other Stories
3. A Tapestry of Tears (Read my review here!)