With a background in literature and a career dedicated to education, Haimanti has seamlessly blended her love for nature, storytelling, and teaching into a series of beloved stories for kids: “Magical Forest,” “Red Fire, Blue Smoke,” and “The Otter King” (a retelling of the famous Bengali children’s classic). Her books not only entertain but also educate, fostering a sense of ecological awareness and imparting essential life skills.

Join us as we explore the influences that shaped her writing and the inspirations behind her enchanting tales. Let’s embark on this literary journey and discover the heart and soul behind these captivating stories.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am an author and educationist currently serving as an academic coordinator for non-profits, including Pragati Gurgaon. Originally from Kolkata, I attended La Martiniere for Girls and later earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in literature from Jadavpur University. My published works include three short stories, two collections of short stories, and a retelling of a renowned Bengali classic. My books—’Magical Forest,’ ‘Red Fire, Blue Smoke,’ and ‘The Otter King’—reflect my passion for storytelling and my desire to create meaningful stories for kids. Outside of academia and writing, I enjoy translating books and articles, reading avidly, and advocating for the environment and animal welfare.

Can you describe the early influences that shaped your interest in education and writing? How did your experiences as an educationist shape your writing?
Early influences on my writing were deeply shaped by the books I devoured as a child. I grew up in a wonderful house with fabulous parents who believed no book was unworthy or hidden. They encouraged me to read anything I could understand, and I read voraciously. This extensive reading led to a rich imagination, which needed an outlet in writing. Reading from a young age exposed me to diverse storytelling styles and opened up various universes, fostering my love for storytelling and teaching me valuable lessons in narrative structure and character development. My experiences as an educationist also shaped my writing by highlighting the importance of conveying messages in an engaging manner without preaching, especially in stories for kids.

What prompted you to start writing children’s books?
I have always been fascinated by nature. As a nature lover and proactive advocate for the environment and its inhabitants, I began reading folktales, both international and Indian. I realized that while our folktales are beautifully presented, they often do not appeal to urban sensibilities. So, I decided to combine India’s wealth of folklore with a modern take and introduce kids to India’s forests and its natural beauty. My books aim to instill ecological concern and life skills into young readers through folktales, magic, and adventure. This blend creates engaging stories for kids that resonate with contemporary audiences.

“I have always been fascinated by nature. As a nature lover and proactive advocate for the environment and its inhabitants, I began reading folktales, both international and Indian. I realized that while our folktales are beautifully presented, they often do not appeal to urban sensibilities. So, I decided to combine India’s wealth of folklore with a modern take and introduce kids to India’s forests and its natural beauty. “

What were some of the challenges you faced when starting out as a children’s book author?
One of the primary challenges I faced was striking the right balance between simplicity and depth in storytelling. Crafting narratives that engage young readers requires thoughtful consideration. It is important not to preach but to convey messages in an engaging manner, allowing readers to absorb the message themselves. Staying attuned to evolving trends and ensuring relatability is crucial, especially in stories for kids. Additionally, managing career pressures alongside writing can be very exhausting. Another challenge is navigating the publishing landscape, but I have been fortunate to have my publisher and editor, Shobha Sengupta of Quill & Canvas, who has produced and marketed my books very well.

How did you manage to balance your career in education with your passion for writing?
Balancing a career and writing is not easy. Writing can be all-consuming, and managing it alongside work pressures is challenging. Discipline is crucial in writing. Every time I have written a book, I have been on a sabbatical or between jobs. Currently, I am managing both work and writing, which is very exhausting because both are priorities. It’s important to be committed and to allocate specific hours for writing.

How do you come up with ideas for your stories? Could you walk us through your writing process?
Ideas come organically. It starts with a little germ, grows into a plant, and then a tree. Inspiration comes from nature, folktales, and the idea of combining these with modern sensibilities and life skills for children. My writing process involves letting these ideas develop naturally and then organizing them into stories that are engaging and educational. Every state in India has its own indigenous flora and fauna, and I incorporate this richness into my stories for kids. I aim to create relatable characters and experiences that resonate with young readers.

What themes do you often explore in your children’s books? Are there any personal or professional inspirations behind these themes?
My books explore themes of ecological concern, life skills, love, retribution, deceit, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, adventure, and courage. They are set against the backdrop of India’s diverse flora and fauna. The stories aim to teach children about living in harmony with nature, problem-solving, courage, anger management, and being cautious of strangers, all while being fun and magical. The professional inspiration comes from my research on folklore and my passion for nature. In my stories for kids, I aim to teach children values and skills without preaching, using relatable dialogues, characters, and experiences.

“My books explore themes of ecological concern, life skills, love, retribution, deceit, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, adventure, and courage. They are set against the backdrop of India’s diverse flora and fauna. The stories aim to teach children about living in harmony with nature, problem-solving, courage, anger management, and being cautious of strangers, all while being fun and magical.”

How has the reception been for your books? Can you share any memorable feedback or anecdotes from your readers?
The reception for my books has been positive. My publisher, Shobha Sengupta of Quill & Canvas, has played a crucial role in marketing them well. The joy of conveying an imaginary world to young minds makes every hurdle worthwhile. Memorable feedback often comes from children who connect with the relatable characters and the magical worlds in the stories. Readers appreciate the way the books combine fun with educational elements, helping them learn about different states, flora, fauna, and life skills. It’s fulfilling to know that my stories for kids are making an impact.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in writing children’s books?
Get yourself a good publisher who will market your books well and send you to literature festivals. Be wary of self-publishing companies that might not always be helpful. Build a good relationship with a reliable publishing house. Stay committed to your writing and maintain discipline in your writing schedule. Be cautious of getting short-changed, as there are many players in the market. If your book is attractive and tells a story well, there is no reason why you should not do well as a writer of stories for kids.

Are there new projects or ideas you are currently working on?

There is something in the pipeline, but it is a big project, and I would rather not talk about it too much until it has more substance to discuss. However, I’m excited to continue exploring new themes and ideas in my upcoming stories for kids.