Welcome Shachi and Happy Diwali! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey. I can’t wait to hear all about your book, and how it came about.
Me: How long have you been writing?
Shachi: My writing journey began in 2018, and I took my first writing class at the Writing Barn in Austin in January 2019. I’ve been a dedicated student there ever since, and I can confidently say that joining the Writing Barn was a game-changer for me. Investing in their classes and courses has not only sharpened my writing skills but also deepened my understanding of the craft.
Me: What or who inspired you to write this book?
Shachi: My inspiration for writing Diwali in My New Home came from my experiences at the Round Rock Public Library, where I hosted bilingual storytime for children. Each year, the library organized a Diwali celebration that quickly became a highlight of the community calendar. The joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they learned about the festival sparked a desire in me to write this book. I wanted to share the magic of Diwali, the festival of lights, with those who might not be familiar with it, creating a bridge of understanding and celebration.
Me: Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication, were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.
Shachi: This book has had its share of rejections. Each rejection felt like a door closing, and I took each one to heart. Eventually, I learned that rejection is a part of the process. After several setbacks, I realized I needed a fresh approach—almost like rebranding a business. So, I rebranded my book,and changed the title from Diwali Away from Home to Diwali in My New Home. This change transformed the entire tone, shifting it from feeling lonely to feeling more welcoming. It was my aha moment, and the title change marked a turning point for both me and my book.
Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?
Shachi: Stay persistent and keep writing. Surround yourself with supportive fellow writers, take feedback, and invest in your craft. And as Wayne Dyer said, ‘Don’t die with the music still in you.’
Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.
Shachi: Looking ahead, I plan to keep writing and exploring new story ideas—there’s always something new to bring to the page! I’d also love to travel more and experience different cultures, as they’re a huge source of inspiration for me.
Me: Traveling sounds wonderful, and writing is a great excuse to visit new, exciting places. I’d love for you to share a recipe with me. I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.
Shachi: No holiday is complete without a sweet treat, and for Diwali, it’s all about laddoos! Pronounced “la-doos,” these are small, flavorful delights that bring a taste of tradition to the celebration. My favorites are chickpea (besan) laddoos —they’re gluten-free!
Chickpea Laddoo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 cup clarified butter (ghee)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (like cashews or almonds)
- Raisins for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a non-stick pan on low heat, add the clarified butter, letting it melt slowly.
- Add the chickpea flour, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning. (Prepare for an arm workout here!)
- Roast the chickpea flour for about 10-15 minutes, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. The mixture will also thicken and become crumbly.
- Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder, mixing well. (Feel free to adjust the sugar to taste.)
- Add nuts if desired or skip them if preferred.
- Let it cool a bit more until you can handle it, then grease your hands with a little clarified butter to prevent sticking.
- Shape the mixture into small, round laddoos, making them as big or small as you like.
- Garnish each laddoo with a raisin or a piece of nut if desired and allow them to cool completely—they’ll firm up as they set.
(Note: Adjust the sugar and nuts as you like.)
Enjoy this sweet treat, and Happy Diwali!
Thanks so much for your time, it’s always fun getting to know writing friends, I hope you have a wonderful day, and Happy Diwali!
Shachi Kaushik is a writer and storyteller in the children’s media industry. She creates content that is both entertaining and educational for young audiences. With experience contributing to popular animated series on the production side, Shachi is also the author of Diwali In My New Home. Her work inspires young readers to embrace new cultures and experiences through stories.
You can connect with Shachi here:
Pat Brown Books 