03 Dec Shachi Kaushik’s DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME, and a Giveaway
I am excited to welcome a new friend, Shachi Kaushik, to “Writing Outside the Lines.” Diwali, like many other holidays, falls at different times depending on the year. In 2022, it was in October, but it’s never too late to read a wonderful picture book about a young girl’s feelings about this special holiday.
Welcome, Shachi! I loved reading your book. Is this book autobiographical in any way? If not, how did you get the idea? 
This is not an autobiographical story, but a few parts are drawn from my own immigrant experience of celebrating Diwali in a new country.
Please tell us about the road to publication with this book.
Most of my books are a product of the Writing Barn classes. This is one of them. This manuscript had undergone several revisions and even rebranding at one point. The book’s title was Diwali Away from Home, and the main character was a boy, which I later changed to a girl.
My agent started submitting this manuscript in 2020, and I got an offer for this book in June 2021.
That’s pretty fast in publishing time! How did you know that this book was “the one” to send out, hoping to get it into the world?
I took this manuscript to a number of critique groups and received feedback from several people. In 2019, this manuscript became one of the finalists of the Austin SCBWI’s Cynthia Leitich Smith. At that time, I felt this manuscript was ready for submission.
I know you do a lot of things in the Kid Lit world. Will you fill us in on some?
I love creating content for children. My day job is working in the animation production industry. I love seeing a script come to life. During the pandemic, I started SmartyHathy, a free online journal for children to enjoy different activities related to a holiday.
Being a host of a Hindi-English bilingual storytime, I wanted to share the language with families. Hence I created my youtube channel Happy Hindi Learners.
This is fabulous. I just went to the youtube channel and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Tell us a little about yourself, where you live, etc. Does your environment ever inspire your work?
I was born and raised in India. I grew up listening to stories in various styles of storytelling.
Now I live in Vancouver, BC, and Austin, Tx. I get my inspiration from everywhere.
Do you have a writing routine? If so, will you tell us about it?
Lately, with moving and traveling, I do not have a writing schedule, but I take time to write over the weekends. I also have writing groups where we are more focused on writing exercises. This helps me stay connected to my craft.
Thank you so much for joining me today. It’s been a pleasure!
Shachi is pleased to offer a fun prize to a lucky winner. Someone will enjoy her Diwali Kit Giveaway! which includes:
Signed Book- Diwali In My New Home ,Puzzle, Sticker, Book mark , and SmartyHathy Activity book
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On a personal note, I’m thrilled to let you know that my newest picture book, DEBBIE’S SONG: THE DEBBIE FRIEDMAN STORY is available for pre-order now!
https://bookshop.org/p/books/debbie-s-song-ellen-leventhal/18680277?ean=9781728443010
Also, to learn more about me, my books, and my school visits, please visit
Marcia Strykowski
Posted at 00:14h, 04 DecemberCongratulations, Shachi, looks like a fun read!
Ellen Leventhal
Posted at 20:56h, 04 DecemberThanks for being here, Marcia. It’s such a beautiful and meaningful book!
Amy Hillman
Posted at 20:52h, 04 DecemberVery excited to read this. I’m a blog subscriber as well.
Ellen Leventhal
Posted at 20:56h, 04 DecemberThank you! It’s a lovely book!
Vivian Kirkfield
Posted at 21:16h, 04 DecemberWhat an amazing book! Thank you, Ellen, for posting about it. And thank you, Shachi, for writing such an important story that will serve as a mirror and window for all children.
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Posted at 04:11h, 06 DecemberSuch a beautiful story
Jennifer Merrifield
Posted at 04:16h, 13 DecemberI am excited to read this book. I want my students to gain an awareness and appreciation for many holidays. This book will make a wonderful addition to our class library.