Thanks for visiting my page! Here’s a little bit about my unusual journey into writing.
Unlike most other authors, I had zero inclination or interest in writing. I read as a kid, but not extensively. I had no idea that I had writing in me.
Looking back, however, I remember a few distinct clues that I did not notice at that time. I loved writing essays in high school. I went on to do a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. I do distinctly remember enjoying writing my dissertation and Master’s thesis. My fellow PhD students thought that I was crazy to enjoy this least liked job in the life of a PhD student!
I taught Mechanical Engineering Bucknell University and later Engineering Design at Penn State for many years. During the pandemic I took a break from my teaching, partly to help my kids navigate school. By that time I had many years of mommy blogging experience under my belt.
The Flying Boy came to me by chance. It was originally an adult short story, which I converted into a children’s picture book.
In 2023 my family took our two dogs and four chickens on a road trip to the West Coast. A friend suggested that I write a book about unique experience of the chickens on a road trip. My blog written during this trip form the basis of Animal Diaries (15,000 words, middle grade), which is still very much a work in progress.
After we got home, I continued writing blogs and poems about my animals, and these form the basis of the Backyard Chicken Series. The Backyard Chicken Series will be a series of 4 (or 5) poem picture books. The first of the series begins in Spring. This is slated to run in 2026 spring, summer, fall and winter. I may have to write a fifth one for a compelling reason.
Last year, on a whim, I participated in NaNoWriMo 2024 and had excellent results. This was the first time I actually realized that I could write a book. The credit goes to Mouse In A Bottle which I wrote during NaNoWriMo 2024. This is my biggest novel to date. It is about 35,000 words and is intended for middle grade 12-13 year olds. I have been fascinated by ships in bottles throughout my life. I am super happy to have written a book on A Ship in A Bottle with Coco, a pet mouse, as the central character.
Finally, Mili Finds Her Voice, which was also written during NaNoWriMo 2024 will be a picture book. I was very committed to writing a book with a girl protagonist, but couldn’t find the right story. Mili finds her voice resonates with me, since women often stay quiet to keep the peace.
Eight year old Mili who is a people pleaser and likes to stay in her own world. She doesn’t argue until she is confronted with a situation that demands she speak up or lose the one thing that is dearest to her.
Originally from India, I immigrated to the US to pursue my Masters and later a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. I met my husband, Johan, during my PhD. We have two lovely daughters together, Tanya and Leena.
When I am not taking care of my family, I am busy with my dog, chickens, writing, singing, gardening and kickboxing.