Debut author Piyaah Nandi talks about her book on fairy tales

Congratulations Dr Piyaah Nandi on the release of ''Grandma's bucket full of magic.'' What was your source of inspiration that led you to write a book?

I write because I love to write. I was always fascinated about fairy tales and enjoyed reading them as a child. I wouldn't exactly call it an inspiration....it was more boredom strapped in my bed and watching movies. On one occasion while I was watching Harry Potter, I remembered our own fairy tales from Thakurmar Jhuli.

Was there anything which pulled you towards writing a children's book?

Thakurmar Jhuli somehow wooed me to write.  Nothing gives me more pleasure than reading. I still flip through the pages of books containing folklore and fairy tales whenever I get time.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Being a Clinical Psychologist, writing was never my goals or agenda. Writing treatment plans for my patients were the only thing I wrote. Surprisingly when I picked up the pen and started writing Grandma's Bucket Full of Magic, I realized that I really would like to write more.  Writing children's stories gives me immense satisfaction.

So, what urged you to translate ''Thakumar Jhuli'' in English?

Children these days feel more comfortable reading English over other languages. I hope my book reaches every corner of the world.

What response are you expecting for your future endeavor?

As I said earlier, I write because I love to write. I have already started on my second book, which will be a sequel to the current one.