In conversation with Brainfeed, Kavya Kompella, a 9YO from Sishu Griha School, Bangalore, shares her lockdown story of becoming the best-selling author of The Three Adventurers at Fungalore
Kavya, please brief us about your journey from beating the lockdown blues to penning the global best-seller.
Just as my summer holidays started, the (Coronavirus) lockdown dawned in short notice with some very strict rules. Forget about going on a trip, the government said that children below 10 years should not even go out of their house. I started writing then. I kept a notebook with me and wrote down ideas as they happened to me in leaps and bounds. Within two months, I finished the first draft. It was a surprise when the book became a best seller!
For my literary works, I take inspiration from my favourite author Enid Blyton
What is ‘The Three Adventurers at Fungalore’ about?
The Three Adventurers at Fungalore is about two children and their dog who go to a boarding school called Fungalore. They make new friends and experience a few magical adventures there. What more, they are also delighted to find a talking parrot.
I went to a pre-school in Bangalore called Green Pocket where they had pets in the campus. I love animals. So I thought that a boarding school that allowed pets would bring a lot of fun for the plot. My book is now available on Amazon.
For my literary works, I take inspiration from my favourite author Enid Blyton.
What were the initial challenges you encountered writing down your thoughts?
I first wanted to write a short story but as it grew bigger. I had to rummage my brain to figure out what kind of characters and places should be in the story. For my characters, I had to choose names that were Indian but also easy for readers in other countries. These were extremely fun and definitely pushed forward my writing process.
So, you have done the illustrations in the book by yourself?
Yes. I love to draw. I went to Ignite School of Art when I was younger for a summer camp. My drawings are also published by Bangalore Mirror. I won prizes at many competitions in Indiranagar Club too. Personally, I like abstract paintings.
How was your experience of penning words and sketching simultaneously?
Quite interesting! I made shortly, rough sketches in my notebook as I was writing the story. After I finished writing, I drew all the drawing properly. Initially, my parents saw the drawings and suggested that should draw the illustrations. So, I drew the illustrations and prepared the cover page. During my journey of writing the book, I realized my love for both drawing and writing.
What would be your message for our readers and budding writers?
Take a notebook and write down the ideas when they come. Once you get a few ideas, fix them together like a jigsaw puzzle and make it into whatever you want. Just do it 🙂
