Author Interview: Nadia Salomon

I'm so excited to welcome Nadia Salomon, author of Goodnight Ganesha (Philomel, Aug. 2021), to my blog! I was fortunate to get a sneak peek at this beautiful book, and I can't wait for you all to read it as well. Nadia is a genuinely lovely person and talented author, and I'm thrilled to introduce her to all of you. 

As always, I'll be in green.

Hello Nadia! Welcome to my blog! I'd love to learn more about you. Can you tell us a little about yourself, and what led you to begin writing picture books?

 Thank you for having me on your blog Janet! I'm a former television journalist turned kidlit author. And I always dreamt of writing picture pictures, but wasn't sure at what point in my life it would happen, until I became a mom.

Oh wow! It's always so fun to know what other jobs authors have had. I bet you have a lot of stories you could tell. But today I'd love to hear about your upcoming book. Could you tell us about it?

GOODNIGHT GANESHA is a gentle bedtime story featuring two children sleeping over at their grandparents' home in India and the various ways their culture plays a role in their nighttime routine.

I really loved seeing the relationship between the grandparents and children and the bond they have. So beautiful. What inspirations led you to write Goodnight Ganesha?

My child. 

What better inspiration could you have? Okay, I'm trying not to give too much of a spoiler here, but I laughed when Tata fell asleep. What is your favorite bedtime memory?

Bedtime tenting in our back yard. It was loads of fun.  

Me, too! We used to sleep outside on the trampoline. There's something special about being outside at night. 

Of course I have to talk about the art. It's breathtaking and pairs so perfectly with the text. What was your reaction after seeing it for the first time? Also, did you have the opportunity to give input?

The art is incredible. Breathtaking for sure. And Poonam elevated my text to something - amazing. I don't think there are enough words in my vocabulary to express how I felt seeing the art for the first time. Poonam knocked it out of the universe to infinity. Still in awe. And yes, our editor and art director gave me the opportunity to provide input after sharing the initial sketches. It was a very collaborative and respectful process.

Knocked it out of the universe, for sure! Goodnight Ganesha is your first book, so congratulations! What has been your favorite part about the publishing process and being an author?

Thank you! Yes. GOODNIGHT GANESHA is my debut. I'd say the best part of the publishing process is getting to collaborate with a 'team' of people who genuinely support you, your book, your vision, and do everything possible to produce the best end product and experience for your audience: kids and their adults! They help you create magic! 

Magic is a great word for it. And your book certainly does that! 

Okay, one last question. Here on my blog, I have a fascination for personalized license plates. What do you think your main character would put on her license plate (even though she's definitely too young to drive!)?

Peek-a-boo!

Haha! Love it! Such a fun one.

Nadia, thank you so much for coming on my blog and sharing about your beautiful story. To my readers, please see below for information on how to purchase you own copy of Goodnight Ganesha!

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Nadia Salomon lives in northern California with her family. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Public Policy from Emerson College and has worked in television and print news. She writes picture book, middle-grade, and graphic novel manuscripts with themes of South Asian and Caribbean culture, STEM, non-fiction, and humor. Nadia is the winner of the 2020 SCBWI Service Award and the 2019 SCBWI WOOP Honor Award for work of outstanding progress on her non-fiction, picture book manuscript, MYRLIE: A VOICE OF HOPE.

You can learn more about Nadia and her wonderful book on her website, and she's also on Twitter and Instagram.

You can use Nadia's linktree to purchase signed copies of Goodnight Ganesha from her favorite indie bookstore, Flashlight Books. Her book is also available as an audiobook and E-book.