Richa Jha is the founder of Pickle Yolk Books. Her picture books with vibrant illustrations are widely popular. Recently, the author’s story ‘Macher Jhol’ bagged the best picture book award from The Crossword Book Awards.
The White Ravens have listed the book ‘The Middle’ as a must read book for children. We are absolutely delighted to introduce her popular titles on our app.
When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
I have been writing for as long as I can remember, through my school and college years; and professionally, for more than a couple of decades as a freelance writer, journalist, and a columnist too (for four years). But, the thought of becoming an author came in much, much later.
The seeds of it seem to be sown, when I began reading the picture book journey during my first twenty years ago a child, but the desire began to take concrete shape in right earnest about ten years ago. I could no longer resist the urge to create my own picture books!
How do you get your creative ideas?
Every single moment of mindfulness is sure to throw up ideas because I may end up observing something unusual in the usual, extraordinary in the ordinary, special in the mundane. It could be from conversations I have been a part of or something that I overhear, or experience; it could be a personal memory of my children growing up or of others’ I may have seen. These collectively help me to develop them into concrete ideas. This entire chunk is what I call the personal memory bank.
How long does it take you to write a book?
This may sound somewhat difficult to believe because my picture books are hardly more than 500 words, but at times, several years. With at least two of my books, I took close to seven years to get them right. The first draft may come in quick – sometimes as little as an hour – but from that point on until the point where I feel that it’s fully done is what takes me anything between six months to and a couple of years. I usually do close to fifty rounds of revision with huge gaps between each.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I do not believe in following any particular schedule. The greater chunk of the writing happens in my mind. The thoughts are always flowing in my mind and at some point; I suddenly feel it is time to put it down on paper. Then work on those points fill the gaps between them.
What do you think makes a good story?
The story is the soul of any book and good illustrations blend them together and make it into a complete book. The story should be able to take the readers deep into the essence of what the writer is trying to convey. It does not matter if the book is funny or sombre; there is that one key moment when the reader makes a connection with that book, almost in a flash, and begins to own the story.
A good story will be relatable, and at the same time have elements of universality in it. The ability to evoke emotions is a huge draw for many readers. I personally feel that a story needs to connect emotionally for a satisfying read.
Why did you name it as ‘Pickle Yolk Books’?
I was looking for a name that would capture the essence of what I was attempting to do with the imprint: to create books which are not only funny, zingy, funky but also be equally wholesome and soul stirring. Which is why, the pickle and the yolk, neatly blended in the awesomeness of both! I strive to be true to every title that we publish.
The above where the authors views during an interview with Fundoodaa Books Team.
