Clever Fox Publishing : Tell us something about your background.
Sridevi Srinivasan : I am an educator, storyteller, and trainer with more than 15 years of experience. My focus is to inculcate reading ability and instil a love for reading in young children. Mother of two boys, nature enthusiast, and all-around good person. I enjoy talking and telling stories to children. My joy lies in the curiosity of my students to imagine, think, read books, and tell stories.
Clever Fox Publishing : When and how did you start your writing journey?
Sridevi Srinivasan: I started my writing journey during the pandemic lock down. I use several strategies with children, watching them bloom as cheerful readers. I teach parents and educators through a variety of workshops. This pandemic lockdown gave me the opportunity to pen my learning and thoughts in a structured way in the form of a book to present it to the parents, caretakers, and educators.
Clever Fox Publishing : What is your book all about?
Sridevi Srinivasan: The best time to invest in reading skills is during early childhood. As an educator, I always feel that parents or caretakers should be aware of certain concepts and understand how joyful it is to raise happy readers. The book gives a detailed idea of how reading skills are perceived. It discusses various strategies to let the children consider reading as a pleasurable activity. Overall, it’s a book that promotes early literacy and instils a love of reading in young minds
Clever Fox Publishing : What prompted you to write this book?
Sridevi Srinivasan: Reading is always a pain point for most children in India. Having worked with thousands of children across the state, I understand that the most effective time to work on reading is early childhood. The best gift that a child can receive is being stimulated mindfully to read. I work from all angles of my capacity towards early literacy. This book is yet another attempt to reach out to eager parents, educators, grandparents, and caregivers.
Clever Fox Publishing : How was your pre-writing experience? What urged you?
Sridevi Srinivasan : As an educator, my writing is confined to scripts for school dramas, writing screen plays for a mega annual day, and writing scripts for the show days of my students in League of Little Legends. As a Toastmaster, I write my speech scripts. And as a founder, I write curriculum, lesson plans, and other technical documents. Writing a book on this topic was something that I decided after presenting a national webinar online
Clever Fox Publishing : How was your writing experience? Smooth or bumpy?
Sridevi Srinivasan: Of course, I am a first-time author of an entire book, and it’s been a bumpy road. But I loved the entire process of writing, reviewing, and reworking it. Though every bump gave me a jerk, it also pushed me forward towards completion.
Clever Fox Publishing : How much did your publishers contribute? Did they ease the process for you?
Sridevi Srinivasan: Until my manuscript was frozen, the book was in my hands. Once I tossed it to my publisher, I felt great relief and was well guided by the entire team. The team took utmost care of every word I uttered and took it meticulously till the completion. As I mentioned in my book, I am thankful to the entire team of Clever Fox.
Clever Fox Publishing : What is the reaction of your family and friends to you writing this book?
Sridevi Srinivasan: It was definitely a great surprise for the entire family and friends. My friends were astounded to see how determined I was to finish this book. I received loads of support, encouragement and energy from all of them. My family supported me in the best possible way. My sincere gratitude to the almighty for letting me in such a positive circle.
Clever Fox Publishing : Mention the people who supported you in this journey.
Sridevi Srinivasan: Of course, without the support of the immediate family, it would have not been possible. Of course, without the support of the immediate family, it would not have been possible. My husband, Mr. Gokul, my sons, Sriram Balaji and Raghav Balaji, my in-laws, Mr. Srinivas and Lakshmi Srinivasan, my father, Mr. Srinivasan, and my brother, Mr. Rajamanikandan, deserve my gratitude. I always believe that my mother’s blessings are surrounding me and I feel connected to her soul. My friend Ms. Nithya Rajesh gives me immense support in every action. My friends Meera V Barath, Ms. Aswathy Rajan, and Ms. Manju K Manohar were my inspiration to write and complete this book. My lead educator Ms. Sorna Priya, Ms. Preethi Warrior, and Ms. Janaki, edited the entire book. Mr. Ashfaq and his entire team from Clever Fox supported me immensely. Now, thanks to you for supporting me by reading this interview.
Clever Fox Publishing : How is your book going to impact the readers?
Sridevi Srinivasan: As they read the book, they will understand how easy and enjoyable it is to raise confident readers. If they start to implement each and every idea mentioned in the book, they will witness their children or students transform into tiny book lovers. The entire process will bring joyous parenting and happy learning experiences. I am looking forward to seeing my readers experience the joy of raising a child as a confident reader.
Clever Fox Publishing : How do you deal with negative comments if any?
Sridevi Srinivasan I have written this book with the utmost care. Negative comments will definitely pull my strings off. However, I understand that they also give me a scope of improvement. The decision to publish my work is taken mindfully to take up everything on a positive note.
Clever Fox Publishing : Who are your literary mentors and role models?
Sridevi Srinivasan I would say my literary mentors are Ms. Nithya Rajesh and my husband, Mr. Gokul. The Mayaakatha team and the authors are always my role models. Ms. Gowri Bhargav, Ms. Aditi Lahari, and Ms. Debidutta Mohanty inspire me with their writing.
Clever Fox Publishing : What are your upcoming writing ventures?
Sridevi Srinivasan: I am working on stories for children. I also encourage my students to write stories.
Clever Fox Publishing : Any piece of advice for our aspiring writers?
Sridevi Srinivasan: I was a novice and am now an author. If you are aspiring to write a book, first work on the organization of the chapters and start working on them. Write, rewrite and update until you feel it’s the best of your work. If I can do this, it’s possible for you too.
