Author’s name: Suhasini Gupta
Illustrator’s name: Devika Oza
Other book titles: Kai Po Che: Mini’s Perfect Kite
What is your upcoming book title? Unannounced PB deal
Date of release: March 2025
Preorder or Order link: Online, it’s available at Amazon and B&N, or directly from the Publisher.
Publisher: Gnome Road Publisher
Agent: Not yet agented
Hometown: Texas/ India
Social links: website: www.theSusanKam.com ; X/IG/Bluesky: @theSusanKam
1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?
“Kai Po Che! I’ve cut the kite!” Mini wants to fly her own kite this Makar Sankranti, the Indian kite festival. But Bhai thinks kites aren’t for little girls. Mini discovers that flying her own kite during Makar Sankranti will require a combination of creativity, compassion, and courage to truly soar and help avert an impending kite-astrophe.
2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
1. It’s a cultural celebration filled with emotions and fun.
2. The story is based on my own experiences from my childhood.
3. It will transport you to Indian streets and rooftops through Devika’s vibrant illustrations. The characters in the book are inspired by her real family members.
4. It celebrates imperfection.
5. It’s perfect for read-alouds and inspiring kids to make their own kites and fly them.
3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?
* Start messy. Write what feels true to you.
* Rejections are not the end; it’s part of the process. The goal is not just to get published, but to give your best into your writing and feel proud of what you’ve created. Publishing is a byproduct( a bonus)!
* Be yourself. If promotion and public speaking isn’t your jam (like me), start early and go slow. There’s no right way to share your book.
* Celebrate every small/big win.
* Know ‘why’ you are writing. What’s your why?
4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
1. More than two people– that’s a crowd for me. So, I prefer working on my laptop in peace.
2. I love experimenting- whether it’s cooking a new recipe or taking on a new DIY challenge. That’s how I got into writing as well!
3. I’m yet to ‘Kai Po Che’ (cut) someone’s kite. Waiting for a sneaky kite to challenge me.
4. My favorite subject in engineering was engineering drawing.
5. I’m hopeless at history, geography, and even remembering names—basically, I need to eat more Memory Building vitamins!
5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?
1. I discovered a hidden writer in me and that I could actually write.
2. Writing is a great stress reliever and helps balance emotions while developing a better understanding of others’ perspectives.
3. Publishing is much harder than getting an engineering degree or even coding an app.
4. You don’t have to be a born writer to get published. If you’ve creative ideas and inspiration, you can start at any age.
5. Beware, it’s a roller coaster ride, so have a clear ‘why’. That way, when you fall, you have a reason to rise again with the same enthusiasm.
