We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest published author, Saanvi Singal! Saanvi recently published her book, Isabel Johns and the Lion of Power, through our Fresh Ink publishing program. In Fresh Ink, youth authors with a completed draft of a novel are mentored through a chapter-by-chapter revision process. At the end of the program, the author is guided through the publication process resulting in an ink-and-paper book they can hold in their hands and share with other readers! We interviewed Saanvi about her experience in the program. Keep reading to learn more about Saanvi’s book and Fresh Ink.
Interview with Saanvi Singal
Tell us about your book.
It is about a girl explorer named Isabel Johns who goes on a journey with her BFF, Ashley, who is a gardener, to an enchanted forest to collect all the elements of an amulet called the lion of power to defeat a monster who is attacking her city. She is guided by her professor, Professor Bob, who is a grown-up scientist, and makes a new friend who is a talking bunny named Hipskitch on the way.
What inspired you to tell this story?
A costume set my sister got for her birthday, which had an explorer suit, a gardener’s suit, and a scientist costume.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Isabel, as she was the hero, and I made our personalities and interests to be VERY similar.
Did you enjoy revising your story in layers? What did you learn about revision by working on it stage by stage?
I did feel like revising was helpful, and I did enjoy it. I learned how important it was to build suspense, and not just “run through” important parts of your story.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your book?
I want then to take away the fact that if they need to accomplish a goal that they feel like they can’t possibly do, they should believe in themselves and work hard to achieve it.
What would you tell someone who wrote a novel and is not sure they want to do revisions?
I would tell them how important revisions are, as revisions make your book stronger and actually ready to go get published for people to enjoy reading. Writing your first draft is basically the first step, so you should do revisions.
Grab your copy of Isabel Johns and the Lion of Doom online at Barnes and Noble, or request it at your favorite indie bookstore.
