I love having educators/writers on Carpinello's Writing Pages. Education is such a demanding career that teachers really have to love their audience and understand the importance of reaching out in many ways to connect with their kids. Please join me in welcoming Anita Mishra.
First, a bit about Anita:
Anita Mishra is a software engineer by profession, but her love for being around children encouraged her to join a school as a middle-grade computer-science teacher.
Currently, she is living in El Paso, Texas, with her husband and two wonderful children. She is a homeschooling mom, who values quality literature for her children, and she also writes middle-grade adventures.
Why did you pick to write books for Middle Grade?
I like to think that I’m a born storyteller. Even when I could hardly talk, I used to tell stories. I chose to write middle-grade because my children are reading at that level, and it’s incredible to write something that they enjoy. Seeing their reception of my stories, I’m sure that other children of their age would appreciate my books too.
But I’m planning to start an elementary-level series soon. I have a great storyline, and I want to reach out to younger children as well.
What types of books do you like to read, and what do you do when you are not writing?
I’m an avid reader. I love to read various genres, but I’m mostly drawn toward a great mystery story. Other than mysteries, some of my favorite books of all time include Pride and Prejudice, Kane and Abel, The Nightingale, and multiple books by Julie Klassen.
When I’m not writing, I am definitely reading. Reading helps me explore other worlds created by ingenious minds across the globe.
When I’m not writing, I am definitely reading. Reading helps me explore other worlds created by ingenious minds across the globe.
And in my weekdays, I spend homeschooling the two genius minds I have at home.
Tell us about Ethan Murphy and the Quest for the Minal and how the story came to be.
Ethan Murphy and the Quest for the Minal is one of my children’s favorite books. They wanted me to write a story that involved mystery, riddles, and codes. So I wrote the first book of Ethan Murphy. They loved it and wanted more, so I went ahead and wrote the next and the next. We planned to get this book published because every child deserves to read a great story.
Ethan Murphy and the Quest for the Minal is one of my children’s favorite books. They wanted me to write a story that involved mystery, riddles, and codes. So I wrote the first book of Ethan Murphy. They loved it and wanted more, so I went ahead and wrote the next and the next. We planned to get this book published because every child deserves to read a great story.
Here's a peek at Ethan Murphy and the Quest for the Minal:
Ethan's team has to solve the most complicated riddles written by his father and find the centuries'-old buried treasure to rescue his aunt from a dangerous gang.
But wait, riddles are not the only thing that blocks their way.
Can Ethan survive outside his comfort zone and rescue his aunt before it's too late? Can he confront external challenges while still facing his inner demons?
Join Ethan Murphy and his team to solve the codes, unravel the mysteries, and earn a chance to be an agent of the ROM Agency.
How do you go about researching for your stories?
Story ideas usually creep up in the back of my mind without my permission, and I just take them down in my notebook. Once I have a basic idea, I develop it into a full-fledged storyline using the three-act story structure. Then I use the internet and library books to help me research the place, climate, people, and almost everything related to the story.
How do you go about researching for your stories?
Story ideas usually creep up in the back of my mind without my permission, and I just take them down in my notebook. Once I have a basic idea, I develop it into a full-fledged storyline using the three-act story structure. Then I use the internet and library books to help me research the place, climate, people, and almost everything related to the story.
Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.
I’ve completed writing the second book of the Ethan Murphy series, and I’m currently editing it. It will be out in the summer of 2021.
Other than that, I’ve written a sci-fi time-travel novel for middle-grade readers, again. It’s a stand-alone book, and I’m sure it’s going to be loved by all. I can’t wait for the release of this one.
What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?
Ethan Murphy is a trilogy. I’m planning to complete this trilogy and then move on to a different series.
Ethan Murphy is a trilogy. I’m planning to complete this trilogy and then move on to a different series.
Also, I want to explore the middle-grade contemporary genre soon. Now that I think of it, there are many stories to tell and so less time in a day to pen it down. I must hurry!
What advice do you have for other authors?
I’m new to the publishing industry but not to writing. I have only one piece of advice for my fellow authors: write, write, write, and for a change, write some more. Writing a lot will help you develop your narrative skills and make you a better storyteller.
I’m new to the publishing industry but not to writing. I have only one piece of advice for my fellow authors: write, write, write, and for a change, write some more. Writing a lot will help you develop your narrative skills and make you a better storyteller.
Anything else you want readers to know?
I never thought that I would become a published author, but I’m glad and thankful that now I am. If you have a story and only you can tell that story, don’t delay; start today. As I said before, there’s so much to tell but so little time; make use of every second you have to create art that only you can make.
I never thought that I would become a published author, but I’m glad and thankful that now I am. If you have a story and only you can tell that story, don’t delay; start today. As I said before, there’s so much to tell but so little time; make use of every second you have to create art that only you can make.
Where can readers find you and your books?
I’m so happy to connect with my readers; I would be so glad to connect with them on these platforms:
I’m so happy to connect with my readers; I would be so glad to connect with them on these platforms:
I would love to read this book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzy. I hope you enjoy the book!
DeleteHave fun!
Ani
Yes, I will :)
DeleteThank you, Cheryl, for having me here!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Ani
Excited to have you, Ani!!
Delete