Friday, July 19, 2019

The Little Light: A Story of Reincarnation and the Crazy Cosmic Family by Dipa Sanatani


Today I bring to you another author interview and a wonderful book "The Little Light: A Story of Reincarnation and the Crazy Cosmic Family" by Dipa Sanatani. Read what the author has to say about the book and how she created the idea.

Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

I come from a family of merchants and educators with roots in Singapore and the UK. Twelve years ago, I left behind my roots to discover my wings. Since then, I've lived, studied, and worked in Australia, Israel, Japan, and China. With a background in both business and education, I have extensive experience in the public school system as well as in the private, government, and corporate sectors.

No matter where I go, I meet people with the same hopes, the same fears, and the same needs for joy, companionship, and adventure. The human experience is a universal one. The things we have in common vastly outweigh that which differentiates us. Our life and time are precious. We must savor it. It is this philosophy I weave through my stories, no matter where the next step of my journey will bring me.



What inspired you to author this book?

The Little Light is a story about a wise and curious soul that meets the planets before it’s born on earth.

The idea came to me when I was lying in bed alone in my apartment in Japan. I was contemplating the vast nature of the universe when I suddenly thought, “How nice it would be if I could invite the planets over for a discussion on life, love and the larger purpose for our existence.”

I promptly opened up my notebook and sketched what the mythological Nine Celestial Beings would look like if they were ‘updated’ for the modern era. The idea ruminated in my head for four years before I finally sat down to write the story.





Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

I wanted something primal, innocent, and universal. Before modern society developed into what it is today, I believe we humans gazed up at the night skies for our entertainment.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. Even today, I love visiting planetariums and observatories. It reminds me that the world is a vast and glorious place full of undiscovered mysteries.



Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

The Nine Great Celestial Beings, of course! The Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. They’ve been gazing down at mankind since time as we know it began. I’m sure they’d have great stories to tell about the history of the earth.



What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

The well-meaning 'advice' of my friends and family.

I’d say a vast majority of them would prefer that I live a ‘stable and secure’ life where I conform to societal norms. However, the heart wants what it wants. I’ve met way too many people who make the mistake of projecting their own fears and expectations onto me.

One thing I’ve learned is that it is unwise to stand between a soul and its heart’s desire. The soul always chooses the heart’s desire.



Tell your readers about your book.

The Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu - Celestial Beings from world mythology - bicker and squabble, just like any family. But they’re going to have to put their differences aside to help the Little Light - a wise soul, imbued with insight and curiosity - prepare for its birth on Planet Earth, where it has a great and far-reaching destiny...





Who is your target audience, and why?

I never thought that I would write in the Young Adult genre, but I wound up working in the education sector for over 4 years. Those experiences groomed me to communicate with a younger demographic.

They're insatiably curious and in that stage in their lives where they're discovering their own identity. They're not kids and they're not grown ups. They're mini-adults. 



What do you consider your greatest success in life?

Starting my own publishing business Mith Books. In 2013, I tried getting published the traditional way and failed miserably. Most people said, “I told you so.”

And yet, that little voice inside of me that wanted to tell stories never went away.

In 2018, I decided to try again. I couldn’t be bothered with the unnecessary hassle of going down the traditional route again, so I started my own publishing house.

The rest, as they say, is history. 



What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

Many of my readers have said that The Little Light is a unique book in the spirituality genre. My novel handles themes like reincarnation, mythology, cosmology, and folklore. There’s nothing else like it available in the market. Titles in the spirituality genre are typically non-fiction and intended for an adult audience. I’ve written The Little Light with younger readers in mind. My goal is to inspire their curiosity in these topics in a fun and accessible way.


CONTACT DIPA SANATARI
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