In Conversation with Padma Venkatraman
| Padma Venkatraman is one of the treasures of Young Adult literature. Her books are full of great characters and engaging plots that capture readers. I heard her speak at an ALAN Workshop when I was a new professor and she was promoting her first YA Novel, Climbing the Stairs, and I was hooked. I began reading it immediately and knew that I could write about it. One of my first published pieces of academic work was a book chapter about this fabulous book. Later, we became friends and have supported each others work over the years. I continue to write about her books and she has contributed posts for the blog almost every year. Here are few links for you to consider: Better and Verse by Padma Venkatraman Why the White House’s Decision to Cut Funding for Diversity Training Workshops Should Upset Educators Everywhere In Our Nation by Padma VenkatramanThe Power of Persistence by YA Author Padma VenkatramanThe Power of Persistence – Part II by YA Author Padma VenkatramanExpanding our Embrace: Including Stories with International Settings by Padma VenkatramanNo Problem with "Problem" Books by Padma Venkatraman |  |
Take a few minutes to join our most recent conversation.
Summary of the Conversation
Steven and Padma reminisced about their past and Padma's career journey, including her transition from oceanography to writing. They discussed Padma's experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, her love for writing, and her debut novel "Climbing the Stairs." They also touched on the challenges faced by authors, the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in literature, and Padma's writing process and upcoming picture book "Far Away Family."
Steven and Padma reminisced about their past and Padma's career journey, including her transition from oceanography to writing. They discussed Padma's experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, her love for writing, and her debut novel "Climbing the Stairs." They also touched on the challenges faced by authors, the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in literature, and Padma's writing process and upcoming picture book "Far Away Family."
Padma's Oceanography Career and Transition
In this conversation, Steven and Padma reminisce about their past and Padma's career journey. Padma, a former oceanographer, shares her experiences of being a young Indian woman in a male-dominated field and her journey from India to England to the United States. She also mentions her transition from a career in oceanography to becoming an author. Steven expresses his admiration for Padma's career and her groundbreaking work in oceanography.
In this conversation, Steven and Padma reminisce about their past and Padma's career journey. Padma, a former oceanographer, shares her experiences of being a young Indian woman in a male-dominated field and her journey from India to England to the United States. She also mentions her transition from a career in oceanography to becoming an author. Steven expresses his admiration for Padma's career and her groundbreaking work in oceanography.
Padma's Journey and Impact in Oceanography
Padma shared her early love for writing and her experience as an oceanographer, which she believes has influenced her current work. She also discussed her journey from being shy about her accomplishments to embracing them and welcoming more women and people of color in the field. Steven acknowledged Padma's significant research and career development, emphasizing the importance of her experiences in shaping her current work. Padma also mentioned her invitation to be a homecoming speaker at William and Mary, where she was asked to share her paper, which she found to be a meaningful honor.
Padma shared her early love for writing and her experience as an oceanographer, which she believes has influenced her current work. She also discussed her journey from being shy about her accomplishments to embracing them and welcoming more women and people of color in the field. Steven acknowledged Padma's significant research and career development, emphasizing the importance of her experiences in shaping her current work. Padma also mentioned her invitation to be a homecoming speaker at William and Mary, where she was asked to share her paper, which she found to be a meaningful honor.
Sharing Childhood Memories and Cultural Items
Padma shared her childhood memories and experiences with her mother, who had saved various items from India. She mentioned that her mother had sent her cases of notebooks, including a diary where she had written down stories and poems Padma had said when she was born. Padma also revealed that she had been learning Tamil, her mother tongue, and English simultaneously. She mentioned that William and Mary's library had requested her collection of items, which would be stored in a temperature-controlled room. Steven suggested that Padma should digitize her collection and possibly donate it to a library.
Padma shared her childhood memories and experiences with her mother, who had saved various items from India. She mentioned that her mother had sent her cases of notebooks, including a diary where she had written down stories and poems Padma had said when she was born. Padma also revealed that she had been learning Tamil, her mother tongue, and English simultaneously. She mentioned that William and Mary's library had requested her collection of items, which would be stored in a temperature-controlled room. Steven suggested that Padma should digitize her collection and possibly donate it to a library.
Padma's Writing Journey and Academic Transition
Steven and Padma discussed Padma's transition from an academic career to writing. Padma shared her experiences of writing for kids' magazines in India and later in the US, including her work with Highlights magazine. She also mentioned her debut novel, "Climbing the Stairs," and her second novel, "Islands End." The conversation touched on Padma's realization of the challenges faced by women in her field and her interest in black history, indigenous history, and the contributions of women to the sciences. Padma expressed her desire to develop her writing craft and become a writer.
Steven and Padma discussed Padma's transition from an academic career to writing. Padma shared her experiences of writing for kids' magazines in India and later in the US, including her work with Highlights magazine. She also mentioned her debut novel, "Climbing the Stairs," and her second novel, "Islands End." The conversation touched on Padma's realization of the challenges faced by women in her field and her interest in black history, indigenous history, and the contributions of women to the sciences. Padma expressed her desire to develop her writing craft and become a writer.
Discussing Padma's Novel and Career Choices
Steven and Padma discussed Padma's debut novel, "Climbing the Stairs," and its impact on Steven's teaching and research. Steven praised Padma's work, noting its significance in teaching him about India's role in World War 2 and the period's social dynamics. Padma shared her decision to step back from her academic career to focus on writing and motherhood, citing Donna Jo Napoli as an inspiration for her choices. Both agreed on the importance of finding one's own path and thriving within their own capabilities.
Steven and Padma discussed Padma's debut novel, "Climbing the Stairs," and its impact on Steven's teaching and research. Steven praised Padma's work, noting its significance in teaching him about India's role in World War 2 and the period's social dynamics. Padma shared her decision to step back from her academic career to focus on writing and motherhood, citing Donna Jo Napoli as an inspiration for her choices. Both agreed on the importance of finding one's own path and thriving within their own capabilities.
Discussing Book Impact and Publishing Challenges
Padma expressed her delight at the continued impact of her book, "Climbing the Stairs," which has inspired readers to pursue higher education. She shared a touching story of a woman in Peru who credited the book for her decision to go to college. Padma also discussed the challenges of the publishing world, acknowledging that while her work has received recognition, it hasn't always translated into widespread readership. Steven, the interviewer, agreed with Padma's observations and asked about her strategies for reaching a broader audience in the current publishing landscape.
Padma expressed her delight at the continued impact of her book, "Climbing the Stairs," which has inspired readers to pursue higher education. She shared a touching story of a woman in Peru who credited the book for her decision to go to college. Padma also discussed the challenges of the publishing world, acknowledging that while her work has received recognition, it hasn't always translated into widespread readership. Steven, the interviewer, agreed with Padma's observations and asked about her strategies for reaching a broader audience in the current publishing landscape.
Addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges
Steven and Padma discussed the challenges they face in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in the context of book challenges and censorship. Padma shared her experience of having her work challenged in Pinellas County, Florida, and how she had to remove certain slides from her presentation. They both expressed concern about the increasing sensitivity and anger towards differences in the world. Padma emphasized the importance of showcasing diverse backgrounds, religions, and experiences in literature. Steven acknowledged Padma's hard work and expressed his support for her work. They both looked forward to discussing these issues further in Boston.
Steven and Padma discussed the challenges they face in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in the context of book challenges and censorship. Padma shared her experience of having her work challenged in Pinellas County, Florida, and how she had to remove certain slides from her presentation. They both expressed concern about the increasing sensitivity and anger towards differences in the world. Padma emphasized the importance of showcasing diverse backgrounds, religions, and experiences in literature. Steven acknowledged Padma's hard work and expressed his support for her work. They both looked forward to discussing these issues further in Boston.
Authors' Challenges in Publishing and School Visits
Steven and Padma discussed the challenges faced by authors, particularly in the context of book publishing and school visits. Padma shared her experiences of facing book banning and a significant drop in her school visits, which she attributed to the current climate. She expressed gratitude towards Penguin for continuing to publish her work and acknowledged the emotional and financial hardships she faced. Padma also mentioned feeling neglected by younger South Asian authors, despite her efforts to promote and support them. Steven agreed with Padma's observations and acknowledged the progress made in promoting diverse voices in the publishing industry.
Steven and Padma discussed the challenges faced by authors, particularly in the context of book publishing and school visits. Padma shared her experiences of facing book banning and a significant drop in her school visits, which she attributed to the current climate. She expressed gratitude towards Penguin for continuing to publish her work and acknowledged the emotional and financial hardships she faced. Padma also mentioned feeling neglected by younger South Asian authors, despite her efforts to promote and support them. Steven agreed with Padma's observations and acknowledged the progress made in promoting diverse voices in the publishing industry.
Balancing Writing and Family Responsibilities
Steven and Padma discussed Padma's writing schedule and her role as a mother. Padma explained that she tries to write whenever her daughter is away, aiming to complete her work during this time. She also mentioned her desire to be available for her daughter when she returns home. Padma acknowledged the challenges of balancing her writing career with her family responsibilities, particularly as her daughter is growing older. She expressed her intention to make the most of the time she has for writing, even if it is limited.
Steven and Padma discussed Padma's writing schedule and her role as a mother. Padma explained that she tries to write whenever her daughter is away, aiming to complete her work during this time. She also mentioned her desire to be available for her daughter when she returns home. Padma acknowledged the challenges of balancing her writing career with her family responsibilities, particularly as her daughter is growing older. She expressed her intention to make the most of the time she has for writing, even if it is limited.
Character Development and Plot Progression Discussion
Padma and Steven discussed Padma's writing process, focusing on her character development and plot progression. Padma shared that her characters often emerge fully formed, and she writes scenes that stand out to her, which then guide the plot. She also revealed that her drafts are often jumbled and need to be reordered, and she relies on her editor to help refine her work. Despite some challenges, Padma expressed gratitude for her editor's support and the positive reviews her books have received.
Padma and Steven discussed Padma's writing process, focusing on her character development and plot progression. Padma shared that her characters often emerge fully formed, and she writes scenes that stand out to her, which then guide the plot. She also revealed that her drafts are often jumbled and need to be reordered, and she relies on her editor to help refine her work. Despite some challenges, Padma expressed gratitude for her editor's support and the positive reviews her books have received.
Discussing Realistic Portrayals of Mothers in Literature
Steven and Padma discussed their writing styles and the importance of portraying strong, competent adults in literature, particularly mothers with mental health issues. Padma shared her personal experiences with depression and her desire to write a book that showcases a good mother with mental health issues. She emphasized the need for more realistic portrayals of adults in literature, especially mothers, and expressed her satisfaction with the portrayal of the mother in her book, Safe Harbor. Steven agreed that there has been a shift in literature towards more realistic and well-constructed adult characters.
Steven and Padma discussed their writing styles and the importance of portraying strong, competent adults in literature, particularly mothers with mental health issues. Padma shared her personal experiences with depression and her desire to write a book that showcases a good mother with mental health issues. She emphasized the need for more realistic portrayals of adults in literature, especially mothers, and expressed her satisfaction with the portrayal of the mother in her book, Safe Harbor. Steven agreed that there has been a shift in literature towards more realistic and well-constructed adult characters.
Environmental Issues, Representation, and Picture Book
Padma discussed her experiences as a brown, immigrant woman and her passion for environmental issues. She expressed her desire to see more representation of brown people in environmental issues and her discomfort with the artificial separation between humans and nature. Padma also shared her excitement about her upcoming picture book, "Far Away Family," set to be released in 2026. Steven agreed with Padma's views and suggested that her book could be marketed to an upper elementary audience. He also expressed interest in reviewing the book and possibly involving his granddaughters in the process.
Padma discussed her experiences as a brown, immigrant woman and her passion for environmental issues. She expressed her desire to see more representation of brown people in environmental issues and her discomfort with the artificial separation between humans and nature. Padma also shared her excitement about her upcoming picture book, "Far Away Family," set to be released in 2026. Steven agreed with Padma's views and suggested that her book could be marketed to an upper elementary audience. He also expressed interest in reviewing the book and possibly involving his granddaughters in the process.