Short story writer Krishnni Khanna is chatting with me today about her new young adult fiction, I am not who you see – an illustrated novel.
Welcome, Krishnni, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Born in India in 2007, I moved to the United States with my parents in 2017.
I experienced peer shaming and exclusion as an immigrant, so I started Detoximind in 2022 for stressed and isolated youth.
I live in Austin, TX, USA and I’m a high school junior at Westwood High School. 2024 is a big year for me. I debuted on the TEDx stage in March, and my very first novel launched this summer!
Please share a little about your new release.
I am not who you see is the story of Veda, a spirited nine-year-old girl from India. Veda’s life goes through a jarring shift when her parents decide to emigrate to America and build a new life there. Despite her woes about leaving India, she hopes for adventure in a new country. Veda’s hopes are crushed as her first year in an American elementary school brings her prejudice and alienation from her new classmates. The second school year turns into a devastating nightmare of public shame and humiliation. Adolescent Veda must navigate the adversities of being an immigrant and hope to find acceptance in her new surroundings. Will she fit in by concealing who she is or choose to remain true to herself?
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories/children’s books/novellas?
I enjoy the process of delivering depth and detail in tight and focused narratives. I particularly love the challenge of zooming into a limited number of complex situations and unraveling their intricacies concisely. That is why writing my first book, a novella, was such a fulfilling experience. Writing a novella or short stories is more interesting also because they allow me to switch between different themes, styles and structures that might not be possible in a longer project.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
So far, I have only written one book, my very first one, a novella called I am not who you see. I started writing it during the pandemic three years ago and it launched in June 2024. Along with writing, I also love to doodle and sketch, so I incorporated that element in my novel through illustrations drawn by me. I am currently ideating on my second book and I am very keen on creating it in the form of another illustrated novel, or even a comic or a graphic book.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
My first novel is primarily textual, peppered with illustrations drawn by me. Illustrated novels is the format that continues to excite me. Of course, I love to draw and sketch but I feel that pictures and illustrations add a wonderful visual dimension to the telling of a story that enriches the readers’ experience.
What exciting story are you working on next?
My first novella is a fiction book, one that was inspired by my journey as an adolescent immigrant and finding my sense of self and integrating in my new surroundings. Since my book released, many other teens and young adults have come forth to tell their stories of exclusion and isolation in other different social and personal contexts, and how they overcame their struggles. I am inspired to continue to work with them and create an illustrated anthology of their short stories. Every such story is a story of hope and healing that needs to be told and can help other young people who might be struggling alone.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I wrote my first poem, a limerick, when I was six years old. Back then I would also type funny stories on my dad’s iPhone in the back of his car, while we drove around. During the pandemic I began writing small anecdotes about my experiences as a way of processing my emotions. Slowly these began taking the shape of what seemed like a book. It was at that time I realized I could be a writer. The journey of writing and illustrating this book over two-three years has helped me realize that writing is an important part of my identity.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
I did not think of researching markets for my first novel at all. I just wrote the story I wanted to tell, in the hope that it will resonate with other adolescents and teens who might be struggling with exclusion or isolation.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write in short ten-minute blocks only, and I write about moments and events in random order. When a moment or dialogue comes to mind, I write it down immediately, even if I don’t know where it fits in the story yet. By and by random snippets begin to take a more concrete shape, and a narrative forms from there. I would say, I let the process of developing my first draft to be very organic.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. I was fascinated by space and the idea of exploring the unknown. My fascination with exploring the unknown continues, although I’m not interested in being an astronaut anymore.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
When situations or feelings get big and difficult, find an outlet. Having an outlet is important. Whether it’s writing, drawing, talking to a close friend or family or a therapist. It moves your energy; you don’t feel stuck. And, sooner or later, it brings you clarity.
Links:
Website | Instagram | Amazon buy page