All the Fall Vibes
Warning, dear readers: I’m about to talk about the weather. Then again, if you enjoyed Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things, perhaps you enjoy savoring the changing of the seasons? Either way, here we go . . .
It’s that time again. The nights are getting chillier, the leaves changing colors. Here in the PNW, it’s not quite sweater weather yet but we’ve enjoyed some beautiful sunny afternoons in the high sixties. It’s that crossover season, and it reminds me of Nidhi’s story arc in DDLT. It’s about how our dreams can change and evolve, and that’s okay. It’s about the power of letting go in order to start something anew.
I struggle with the process of moving on from one book to the next. I’m always so entrenched in my worlds and characters that I just don’t care to leave them behind. I always have to remind myself that I’ll love that next book soon, too. And of course, it’s that much harder when I’m not sure whether anyone will even read the words I typed so painstakingly onto the page.
On the other hand, October has held a sort of publishing magic for me. Four years ago, my words came into print for the first time in Foreshadow: Stories to Celebrate the Magic of Reading and Writing YA. I still really love my short story that was featured in that anthology, called “Princess.” Then, in October 2022, my debut novel Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things dropped. And in October 2023, Wild Wishes and Windswept Kisses and Sejal Sinha Swims With Sea Dragons released.
How strange it is to have nothing come out this October. Currently, I’m still existing in that space of uncertainty, wondering which of my many projects will make it and which won’t. It’s precarious and makes me feel profoundly uneasy . . . but there is something exciting about this stage too. Because so much is open. Nidhi’s story is about embracing that, and I’m trying to do it too.
You might think that once you’ve got a few books out in the world, the deals will flow steadily. How I wish it were so. But I am still working away, grateful for where I am. In addition to letting go of my fictional worlds, as an author I also have to let go of past expectations and goals, so I can make room for new ones. It’s amazing to me that I’ve published five books, but I want so much more than that. I want a lifetime full of new books!
I’ve learned that authors are continually reinventing themselves too—changing their colors, so to speak. I’ve been tackling new genres, new styles, new age categories. And honestly? I love the challenge. I can’t complain about that part at all.
What about you? Any changes on the horizon that feel a little exciting, a little scary? And dreams that have evolved along the way?
Recent Events
Life as an author isn’t all just writing quietly alone, though. September was full of bookish events for me, and it was such a pleasure to meet and connect with readers, fellow authors, booksellers, and caregivers.
At the Bigfoot Kids Book Festival, I pitched the SEJAL SINHA series to young readers so many times—and bribed them with candy! I think I sold a lot of books, actually? Either way, it was fun to share the science facts that inspired the books and in particular, there’s a special place in my heart for the South Asian kids who stopped by.
The next weekend, I taught a workshop entitled “Secrets of Deep Revisions: Break Your Manuscript Apart; Build Back Better” with the [margins.] virtual conference—a conference designed for marginalized voices. I shared my revision process, which includes writing an edit letter for myself, and offered a look behind the curtain at a real revision letter I received from my editors at Disney. I hope it was helpful to participants!
Finally, I had a blast at the Friends of Little Saigon Book Festival, a unique celebration dedicated to showcasing Southeast Asian and other AAPI voices. I was on a great middle grade panel with fellow author Brandon Hoang, moderated by Thanh Tan. The organizers were so sweet, everyone involved was very friendly, and I really loved the space that we held the event in, the Little Saigon Creative in Seattle (pictured below with the gorgeous red lanterns.) Isn’t it pretty?
That’s all for now, folks! Wishing you hot apple cider, spooky movies, and successful pumpkin carvings!