28 Jun SITA SINGH, BIRDS OF A FEATHER, AND A GIVEAWAY!

I’m thrilled to welcome my friend, Sita Singh, to “Writing Outside the Lines.” Sita and I are in the marketing group, The Picture Book Scribblers, together, and as I’ve said many times, one of the best things about writing children’s books is the friends we make along the way. Aside from talking about her book, Sita has generously offered a giveaway to one lucky winner!

Welcome, Sita! Can you tell everyone about the BIRDS OF A FEATHER?  I love Mo, so let’s let everyone in on who he is and why he and his friends are special.

Thanks, Ellen! I’m so happy that you love the colorless peacock! BIRDS OF A FEATHER is the story of Mo, the white peacock who learns to love himself in a jungle full of color. But he doesn’t do this by himself. It is with his friends’ support and encouragement that he discovers himself and learns to embrace his differences.

In the story, while the other peacocks grow bright, bold, beautiful feathers, Mo’s feathers grow in a snowy white. And even though Mo’s friends try to include him in their playtime, Mo doesn’t like to be reminded that he’s different from his friends. But when their annual celebration is threatened by a storm, Mo learns to stand tall and help his friends.

What’s special about Mo and his friends is that they are always there for each other. Throughout Mo’s journey to self-discovery, his friends stand by his side, and when it’s time to help them, Mo does what he is supposed to do. I mean, isn’t that what friends are for? This story is as much about friendship, community, and inclusion as it is about self-acceptance. Birds of a feather flock together!

It really is a beautiful book. When I first read it, I told you that I loved the fact that his friends were supportive.

Ok, lucky readers, you can all get a glimpse of this gorgeous book here!

Sita, what was your inspiration for writing this book?

I was inspired to write this story from my daughter’s childhood experience of standing out in school because of her ethnicity. I wanted to write a story that empowers children to find strength in their differences. The peacocks became the front and center of the story as they were a part of my own childhood memories, and also because I realized there are hardly any picture books with this majestic bird as a protagonist.

Can we talk about the beautiful illustrations? Stephanie Fizer Coleman did an outstanding job. Did you have any input? Was there anything surprising or especially exciting about the illustrations?

So true, Ellen! I love the illustrations! I did get to see them at every stage, but I hardly had any suggestions to make. Stephanie’s art is simply stunning, and she took the story to a visual level that was way beyond my imagination. Through its entire journey to self-discovery, I was blown away by how Stephanie has let the white peacock glow and shine on every page.

Check out these sample pages!

Sita, do you have a writing routine, and if so, will you share it with us?

I like writing in the mornings since that’s when I’m the most productive. Of course, the stay-at-home period messed up this routine, and so, I’ve been writing whenever I get the chance. While I haven’t been super productive in the past year and a half, I’ve tried my best! But I’m so looking forward to settling back into my regular morning routine.

Will you tell us about your writing journey in general?

I took up writing once my children were much older, and I felt the need to have a creative pursuit of my own. I actually jumped into writing without any knowledge about the craft. But once I discovered SCBWI, one thing led to another, and at my first conference in 2014, I found my critique partners. I clearly remember coming home with a zest to learn and connect. Soon, I was a participant of PiBoIdMo, 12 x12, Making Picture Book Magic, and Children’s Book Academy. And within no time, I felt confident enough to start seeking representation. Of course, I was wrong! I got rejection after rejection, but I kept learning and revising, and in 2017, my story won the Florida SCBWI Rising Kite award. With that, I soon landed an agent, and in 2019, we sold Birds Of A Feather.

Winning the Rising Kite award is impressive! Congrats! What advice do you have for aspiring kid lit writers?

Nothing that anyone hasn’t heard before. But I’d like to say write what comes from your heart! We all have stories to tell. Write the stories only YOU can tell. The publishing journey is a rough one, but a belief in your stories can help you stay patient & persistent, and these qualities make it easier to not give up on your dreams of becoming a writer.

Do you have anything coming up that you can share? Events, books in the pipeline, etc.?

I do have some exciting news, but that’s all I can say for now.

Aaah…the secrets we have to keep.

Ah yes, those secrets! Sounds exciting!

Now…where can we purchase your book?

BIRDS OF A FEATHER is available wherever books are sold, but I’d request you to support your local bookstore. Signed copies are available at my local indie, Books & Books. Here is the link to buy a signed copy which comes along with some book swag.

https://shop.booksandbooks.com/book/9780593116449

Find out more about Sita here.

Website: http://www.singhsita.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitawrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sitawrites

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Sita has generously offered a signed copy of her book to a lucky winner. All you have to do to get in the running is comment on this post. If you are a follower of the blog, let me know, and you will get an extra chance to win. Good luck!

Thank you so much, Sita, for joining us here today. Continued luck with your gorgeous book!

Thanks, Ellen, for having me on your wonderful blog. I’ve been waiting to be featured here, and this is an honor for me and BIRDS OF A FEATHER. I’m so glad we’ve also connected as members of the amazing promo group The Picture Book Scribblers!