chickaDEE Interview: Author Mahtab Narsimhan

Hey Readers,
In the November issue, Mahtab Narsimhan wrote the story “A Bumpy Ride.” chickaDEE talked to Mahtab about writing stories and what inspires her.

1. Where do you get your ideas from?
From everywhere. Newspapers, books, listening to and observing people. Above all, by trying out different things and learning and having fun from these experiences.

2. How do you turn your ideas into stories?
I collect interesting newspaper clippings and keep a small notebook in my bag to jot down any unusual thoughts that might someday spark a story.

3. Tell us a little bit about the story in this month’s chickaDEE issue.
I’ve always loved Indian Folktales. They tell you so much about life, love and friendship in such a neat way. This story is about a bully who always tries to get his own way but learns how to be part of a team with the help of his friends.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring kid authors?
The best way to be a good writer is to read a lot! Everything you can get your hands on.

Find out more about Mahtab and her stories at: www.mahtabnarsimhan.com.

Happy Reading!

Natalia

Editor of chickaDEE

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chickaDEE Exclusive: Chris Tougas Interview

Hi chickaDEE Readers!

Author Chris Tougas recently talked to chickaDEE about the writing process. Chris wrote the fiction story “Gotta Fly” in the October buggy issue of chickaDEE. His story was so funny, as were the characters. Here’s what Chris had to say about it:

Q: Is it hard to write a funny story?

A: I like humourous writing because humour usually has a punch line or pay-off.  I usually find an idea that excites me and then think of how to wrap the story up in a rewarding way. After that, it’s a matter of writing the meat of the story – the middle. If I have a strong idea and a good ending, the writing usually happens quite easily.

Q: What do you need to know before writing and illustrating a story?

A: I usually spend a day or two researching the subject matter of my stories before I start a project. In the case of “Gotta Fly”, I did a lot of of reading about both spiders and flies and found out all sorts of interesting things. But when it came time to write the story, I decided to leave some those fun things out in favour of just writing a fun story. It became less about the spiders and flies and more about two characters who have very different approaches to life.

Those are some great writing tips! Thanks Chris!

Until next time,

Natalia

Editor of chickaDEE

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chickaDEE interview with Hannah Alper

Hey Readers,

chickaDEE recently caught up with nine-year-old Hannah Alper. She writes a blog about ways to keep the Earth clean all year long.

Why did you start writing your blog?

I like learning and sharing about being eco-friendly because I know that small changes we make in how we do things can add up to make a big difference in the world.

Who inspires you?

David Suzuki’s daughter, Severn, is one of my role models. When she was 9, she started caring deeply about the environment. She started an organization with her friends called ECO (Environmental Children’’s Organization). Craig Kielburger is also a role model for me. He created Free The Children when he was just 12 years old. Today Free The Children, Me To We and We Day help children all over the world and get young people involved. Both Severn and Craig make me believe that I can make a difference too.

Hannah’s Top Five Green Tips

1) Not everything you throw out is trash. Things like batteries, Styrofoam, and electronics can be recycled too.

2) Donate what you can. Not only is it good for the environment, but you can help someone in need.

3) Use reusable containers for lunches.

4) Reuse school supplies.

5) Tell your family, friends, neighbours, and teachers what you are doing. They might pass it on and those people will pass it on. This is how we can all make a difference.

Go to Hannah’’s website to learn more: (http://www.callmehannah.ca/)

Until next time,

Ashley

the chickaDEE team

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Meet the Artist: Remie Geoffroi

Hi readers,

You may have noticed that chickaDEE’s Mish Mash page has a brand-new look!

Not only has Mish Mash added a page, it also has more jokes, more riddles and even more illustrations. Who’s behind all those fun drawings, you ask? Remie Geoffroi, that’s who! Check out our interview with Remie below!

chickaDEE: How did you know you wanted to be an artist when you grew up?

Remie: From a very young age, all I wanted to do was draw. I spent hours upon hours drawing, and never got tired of it. I would fold a few pieces of paper together, put three staples across the side (at the fold), and then draw my own comic and activity books for my family to read. Sometimes, just for fun, I would paint my arm and hand to look like an elephant, crocodile or giraffe, then wash it off after taking a few pictures. I was always making crafts and art projects.

Remie drawing when he was two years old!

chickaDEE: How do you make your art?

Remie: I used to sketch everything on paper, scan it in and then create the finished artwork on the computer. Now I skip the pencil and paper, and draw right in the computer program using a pen tablet. I love the “undo’ feature”— much faster than an eraser!

chickaDEE: Can you explain more about Mish Mash’s new look?

Remie: We are finally getting a glimpse of where Mish, Mash and Mush live. This is their house, and they’ve covered the walls with drawings, puzzles and activities on scraps of paper. It’s a zany, unpredictable house, just like the funhouse at a carnival, with trap doors and secrets waiting to be revealed!

chickaDEE: Who’s your favourite character? Mush, Mish or Mash?

Remie: I love them all, but I’ve got a soft spot for Mash. He’s not quite as smart as Mish, and not as mischievous as Mush — just a good natured, simple guy!

chickaDEE: Can you tell us your favourite joke?

Remie: This is one of my all-time favourite jokes: What’s the sweetest animal in the forest? The chocolate moose!

Good one, Remie! Hey chickaDEE readers, do you have a favourite joke? Tell us in the comment section below!

Talk to you later,

Mandy

Editor of chickaDEE

chickadeeblog@owlkids.com

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