Author Up Close: Vijaya Bodach—Play. Dream. Believe.
By Grace Wynter | December 2, 2021 |
Author and Publisher Vijaya Bodach
One of the best things about the author community is the cheerleading section of writers who support every blog post, new release, and story as if they were their own. It’s only fitting then, that in my last Author Up Close feature of the year, I spotlight one of Writer Unboxed’s most supportive members, Vijaya Bodach. Vijaya grew up in India and now lives in South Carolina. She’s a scientist who became a children’s writer and publisher, an atheist who became a Christian. And as the author of over seventy books for children, her journeys, both the physical and spiritual ones, have played important roles in her writing career. In today’s Q&A, Vijaya shares some of that journey and wisdom with the WU community, and unsurprisingly, she’s just as motivational in her Q&A as she is in the comments.
GW: Thank you so much for agreeing to this Q&A. The first thing I like to ask authors is about their author origin story. It’s kind of like a superhero origin story but with a pen.
VB: After nearly a decade of reading WU, I feel as if I’ve arrived at some level to be featured here, so thank you for inviting me, Grace. My origin story, as you can imagine, begins in childhood and is tied to my heroes—Albert Schweitzer, Fr. Damien of Molokai, Mother Teresa. I dreamed of being a doctor-nun. However, I lost my faith at age 12 (that terrible problem of suffering) so the convent went out of the equation, but around the same time, I read A. J. Cronin’s Adventures in Two Worlds, and I knew I wanted to be like him: practice medicine and later in life, write.
I studied microbiology in college, worked as a research scientist, and eventually earned a PhD in biochemistry and biophysics, enjoying the intellectual freedom that academia provided. I married my college sweetheart. Then came babies. They became the priority. I wasn’t going to miss out on any part of motherhood, so I stayed at home to raise them. I’ve not regretted a single minute. My husband has been hugely supportive. When I was pregnant with my second baby, I took a children’s writing class, and it was a homecoming. I immediately embarked on the Great American Novel but realized very quickly I didn’t have the necessary skills, so I focused on shorts—stories, poems, articles for children’s magazines. That was twenty years ago. I’ve learned so much and still have so much further to go (always the gap) but along the way, discovered writing to be another healing art.
GW: You’re a hybrid author who has published work across a number of topics including botany, science, math, as well as YA fiction. Why do you write about these subjects, and what have you learned about the market for your types of books?
VB: I’ve always loved the basic sciences, understanding the nature of things, how they work, so I sought publishers in these areas. I also have a knack for explaining complex topics to kids, how toys work, for instance, so writing for children is a great fit. But the biggest reason is my sense of wonder that I share with children. I had the luxury of learning with my kids, observing what they enjoyed, and experimenting with them. My writing grew with them. When they began to read on their own, I studied how easy-readers were constructed and began to write my own. It’s such a foundational stage. I love having a part in making life-long readers. Once my kids started school, I learned many things from them and my own horizons expanded—in history, social sciences, art, etc. I’ve been able to follow my muse. This writing life lends itself to contemplation and it led me to God, and that has been the greatest blessing of all.
Luckily, a lot of what I write is also very marketable. Nonfiction sells. And the best part about the school/library market is that the books find their way into children’s hands magically. I visit local schools when I have a new book or do an occasional bookstore signing, but honestly, it’s lovely to be able to write and not have to peddle the books. They sell themselves. I have over 70+ books published in the school/library market. However, my best-selling book is Ten Easter Eggs, a novelty book for toddlers, and if they don’t chew it up, they learn combinations of ten :) My most recent picture book, Little Thief! Chota Chor!, is what I would’ve loved to have happened during a thieving incident when I was a child growing up in India. But it is my self-published novel, Bound, that remains the book I’m most proud of.
GW: As I mentioned, you’re what’s considered a hybrid author, meaning you are traditionally published as well as self-published. Why did you choose this path?
VB: With my conversion to Catholicism, I was seeing everything anew, through eyes of faith. I was grappling with several big questions about life and love, so I ended up writing Bound as a way to understand them. It took me three years to write, revise, and polish the book, and I spent a couple of years querying both agents and select publishers. The good rejections hurt the most. One publisher loved the story but said they didn’t make enough money on fiction, so had to pass. One agent planted the seed for self-publishing. He mentioned that although Bound was well-written, compelling, and important, he didn’t think it would sell, given it was counter-cultural. And publishing is a business. That was in 2012. I wasn’t ready to self-publish because I knew that marketing would be a challenge.
GW: What changed your mind?
VB: I read PW Children’s Bookshelf on a regular basis, and once in a while I would come across a publisher or agent I thought would be a good fit, but I was going nowhere fast. I submitted Bound one last time in 2018, and when the rejection came, I felt, it’s now or never. I’d already wasted too much time. How many years would pass before someone came along who’d have the same vision I did? I had to learn how to publish Bound myself because even if one life was saved because of it, it’d be of infinite value. So I took the plunge. I had many contacts in the trade world so approached my editors and art directors for guidance. They were amazing and generous. And, Grace, I’ve enjoyed the entire process of making a book so much, I wish I’d done it way back in 2012 because gosh, I still don’t know much about marketing. The artist, Derrick Alderman, not only designed the cover but also made the most amazing logo for my fledgling publishing house: Bodach Books. I dream of having my own team of editors and artists, but for now it’s a one-woman operation.
It’s a great time to be writing because there are so many avenues to publish. I prefer trade publishing because I’m more comfortable with a team of professionals supporting me and the money flowing in my direction. But self-publishing is a great option too, especially for maintaining creative control. It’s costly hiring the professional help you need, but in the end, you can be proud of the book you produce. But marketing is essential. Without it, the general public doesn’t know your book exists.
GW: What advice would you give a newbie writer who someday wants to be doing what you’re doing?
VB: Marry well. Seriously. Having a supportive spouse makes the writing life so much more enjoyable. Read lots. Write what you love, what you’re curious about, what brings joy. Play. Dream. Believe. When God places a dream upon your heart, surely He will give you the means to accomplish it. Don’t let fear get in the way. As I learned early in life, it’s a stealer of dreams. Use the fear to challenge yourself to greater heights. And never stop writing. Never stop learning. Never stop dreaming. And if I can help you in any way, let me know. I have many resources to draw upon, and I’m always happy to help writers reach their dreams.
Many thanks to Vijaya, for a delightful Q&A. You can learn more about Vijaya’s spiritual journey at Vijaya Bodach: A Love Story. And visit her at Vijaya Bodach and Bodach Books to learn more about her writing and publishing career.
Over to you: What transformative event(s) shape your writing? Have those events held you back or empowered you?
Grace Wynter is an author, editor, and workshop facilitator. She has an MBA from Georgia State University and a Professional Certificate in Editing from the University of Chicago. She has conducted workshops for organizations such as Writer Unboxed, Wake Up and Write!, Sisters in Crime, and the Atlanta Writers Club where she is also a freelance editor for their biannual Atlanta Writers Conference. Her editing clients include traditional publishers such as Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, and Hachette, and an array of indie publishers and self-published authors. Grace is the community architect behind Tessera Creatives, an online directory that connects authors and publishers with skilled, culturally competent freelance creatives who provide services for the publishing industry.
When she’s not alternating between the Marvel and DC universes, Grace resides in Atlanta, Georgia. You can connect with her at GraceWynter.com.
Thanks Grace, for featuring one of my SCBWI Carolinas friends on this blog! She deserves a spot here!! And her book BOUND is wonderful. Vijaya–congratulations for earning a Writer Unboxed slot!!
Thank you Carol for being such a champion too.
:)
It was such a wonderful surprise to see you featured here today, Vijaya, and to learn more about your story of perseverance. Congratulations for producing such a wide body of work, and thank you for sharing what a hybrid career can look like.
Grace, another wonderful interview. I’ve appreciated this series so much. Thank you for bringing it to WU in 2021, and here’s to 2022.
Thank you Therese. You have built a wonderful community here and I’m richer for it, through the books and courses and people I’ve learned about right here. And Grace’s series has introduced so many new-to-me writers. Thank you Grace!
Thank you Grace for this interview. You covered a lot of ground. I imagine it was a challenge to get all the details of a full life into the post.
Thank you Vijaya for sharing your journey. Your comments here are always inspiring and turns out your life story is as well.
Thank you Ada. I was rather chatty when I started answering but my magazine work came to the rescue :) And I’m so glad to be here.
Vijaya, you are truly an inspiration!! I have always admired your passion and I’m so glad I’ve now gotten to know you better. Thank you for that, Grace, and for a wonderful interview!
Thank you Susan. As I’ve told my kids, passion is willing to suffer for that which you love and I’m so grateful for this beautiful writing life. We here are so blessed to be doing what we love.
Vijaya – you have been a great blessing to me as a cheerleader, crit partner and friend. Enjoyed your interview.
Likewise, Andrew! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Thank you.
Vijaya, I’ve long appreciated your strong and consistent voice here at WU. Your “origin” story and publishing journey are intriguing—you have a helpful attitude of perseverance and experiment. Best of luck in your writing future.
Thank you Tom. You remind me of my big brother with your adventures and escapades and I always look forward to your column.
Vijaya, how wonderful to see you featured here! Your comments on posts are always so insightful, so it is a treat to learn more about you and your work. Thank you, Grace, for bringing us this interview.
Thank you Barbara. It’s so wonderful to be here, be par of this community. I remember when I first discovered WU a decade ago and feeling like I’d struck gold.
Vijaya! How wonderful to see you featured on WU! What an inspiration you are!
A voice from the past! You knew me during the most important and transformative decade of my life. Thank you for everything, esp. your prayers.
Vijaya you are one of my favorite commenters here on WU, and it was inspiring to hear more about your story.
Thank You for the interview Grace.
Thank you James. I’m often on the lonely side of things, that whole counter-cultural bit, but I’ve always appreciated having a voice here.
Excellent interview, Grace and Vijaya! I laughed out loud at the wise advice, “Marry well.” Writing is definitely not the career for people who are motivated by money. I loved hearing more about your writing journey, Vijaya. It’s a consolation to those of us who switched careers to begin writing. I loved Bound and am saddened at the publisher’s cynical response that it’s counter-cultural. There should be plenty of room on the shelves for diverse perspectives.
I know many writers who make a living from their books and many times there’s a supportive spouse behind them. Such a blessing. What you say about shelf-space is so true and I’ve met a few publishers who do publish what they love even if it’s not popular. If you have enough best-selling books, they can help carry the midlist.
Vijaya, it was such a pleasure getting to know you after all the years of viewing your comments on other posts. Thanks for a lovely, Q&A!
Thank you Grace. I had such a good time reminiscing about those early days and excited about the future. I will die pen in hand.
Vijaya, I have always loved your contributions to WU, both here on the blog and in the Breakout Novelist Dissection group. How wonderful to get this view of your story <3
Natalie, thank you. I loved the Dissection group–haven’t done it in a while. Always so instructive and inspiring.
Grace, good idea to interview Vijaya. And Vijaya, it’s nice to learn more about a fellow writer here. Good luck with everything!
Thank you Michael. I always enjoy learning about other writers so it’s lovely being on the other end of it.
Vijaya! How wonderful to see you featured, as I’ve always appreciated your contributions to the community down here in the basement, i.e., comment section. I had no idea of your contributions to the world at large! You are an amazing woman. I’ve always known your heart from your comments. It was so good to learn more about your life. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Grace, what a gem this was for me to read. Wonderful interview!
Thank you, Mike. Over the years we do get to know one another in the basement, no? But esp. the regular contributors. So thank you. My biggest contribution to this world are my kiddos!! How I wish we’d had more. The kids drew me into the writing life. Otherwise, I’d still be a lab-rat somewhere. As one of my favorite writers, Katherine Paterson wrote in the Gates of Excellence, “As I look back on what I have written, I can see that the very persons who have taken away my time are those who have given me something to say.”
Lovely interview. Thank you Grace and Vijaya. As one brought up Catholic in an Irish Catholic/Jewish family I can’t help but feel intrigued by your conversion Vijaya. I’m going to read Bound.
Thank you, Bernadette. And I hope you enjoy Bound. I’ve always been interested in Jewish history and it is the Holocaust that was the beginning of the loss of my faith as a child. How interesting that you grew up Jewish/Catholic–you would love Roy Schoeman’s book: Salvation is from the Jews. It’s a fascinating account of the faithful remnant throughout–reminds me of Lisa Cron’s third wire in her Story Genius.
“It’s a fascinating account of the faithful remnant throughout–reminds me of Lisa Cron’s third wire in her Story Genius.” Comments like this are one reason you are such a valuable member of this community. I must reread that part! I enjoyed this interview and I enjoyed reading BOUND. You are, as always, an inspiration!
Vonna, I almost missed this but saw your picture and backtracked. So great to see you here and thank you! You see what my brain is like–everything’s connected (even though I swear I have a box for everything, lol).
Vijaya, I always enjoy your comments, and I went straight to Amazon to read a sample of Bound. It drew me in immediately, and I’ve ordered a copy. Can’t wait to read more.
Judy, thank you. And esp. for reading Bound. Joy and Rebecca remain in my heart and I hope they will in yours too.
Thank you, Grace, for interviewing this fine writer. Vijaya has a light all her own and brings light to others
Mirka, thank you. I have prayed to be light and salt.
I loved this interview! And I chuckled at your first bit of advice, Vijaya, but it’s totally true. Having a supportive spouse makes all the difference in the writing life. Supportive friends are golden, too–so thank you for being that to me!
Thank you, Faith. I often think of that CS Lewis quote when I think about us: Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .” Deo gratias!
It’s really good to learn more about Vijaya – a fellow scientist, mom, writer, Catholic…
Including how different our writing is – from much of the same base!
Always good to see her comments.
Thank you, Alicia. Yes, the same foundation but different flowers. I discovered true diversity in the Catholic church.
“God places a dream upon your heart, surely He will give you the means to accomplish it. Don’t let fear get in the way.” Thank you for this encouragement, Vijaya – it’s been a tough year in many ways and I’ve struggled to write, even though I know it is my calling, and even though I find it energizing when it’s going well. Perhaps I need to focus my perspective more on the dream, and not solely on the series of tasks necessary to accomplish it.
I would echo the advice about marrying well. I couldn’t have done half of what I have, publishing-wise, without the emotional and technical support of my husband. Marry for love but marry wisely, I say!
Oh Deborah, I’m so sorry to learn that you’ve been having such a tough year. I won’t lie–it’s been hard for me too, but to the world I present a brave face. Even when we are called to write, it can be difficult. I’ve let go of a lot and am journaling more because so much of the world is not making any sense at all.
Music has saved me this year and the last. I literally forget myself because I have to focus so intensely on not only the notes (I’m not good at sight-reading) but the timing and flow and phrasing. And yet it is in losing myself that I’m saved. Such a paradox but it’s true. Prayers ascending for you and for all who are sick, suffering, and dying.
I’m so pleased that marriage advice is resonating with so many. A big THANK YOU to all the supportive spouses who make our writing life possible.
Thank you for this interview, Grace. I was so pleased to see Vijaya here.
I knew only a part of your story, Vijaya. I enjoyed learning more about your life and how you got into children’s writing. Thank you for sharing the ways you’ve grown and the reason for your pivot to publishing BOUND through Bodach Books. Such a good choice for your beautiful YA novel. I still remember interviewing you for my blog Dreamwalks when BOUND came out.
Your spirit, strength and flexibility open the way for many of us to see our creative choices. There’s more than one way to bring our stories out into the world. Thank you, Vijaya.
Dear Janet, it’s so lovely to see you here. Thank you for all you do. I really enjoyed chatting with you about BOUND (and just went back to re-read it and so fun to see all the old family photos). Hard to believe that was over three years ago. I am so grateful for the many avenues open to bringing forth our stories. I love being a dreamwalker.
Thank you for this wonderful interview! I admire Vijaya so much and appreciate her insight about the creative life.
I needed to hear this today: “When God places a dream upon your heart, surely He will give you the means to accomplish it. Don’t let fear get in the way.”
Thank you, Sarah. I’m so grateful that you took away what you needed. God bless you and all the works of your hands. Btw, I love that quote of Richard Bach: What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.
Wow! I didn’t have a chance to read this when it came out earlier this week – the real world beckoned with tasks. But I was fortunate to read it this morning. Your path is inspirational, Vijaya – life-affirming as well as a boost to the creative spirit, which is much the same thing for writers.
Thank you for sharing your journey, Vijaya! And thank you Grace for capturing it so well! My best to you both.
Thank you, John. I had to laugh over the real world tasks–why yes, I’m taking a break from them at this moment. The outpouring of love and affirmation has been so healing. So thankful to Grace for inviting me. My hope is for all to be like children and be absorbed in our play. I read a very interesting book that has helped me with pain management, Back in Control by David Hanscom, and he mentions that creative is the anagram of reactive. It’s a fun little thing that I try to remember when I’m reacting to something (noise or flashing lights triggers migraines) to turn away from it and focus on making something, whether it’s a song or a story. I knew that writing was healing but had no idea how much. Creative blessings to you.
This is such a wonderful conversation. Thank you, Grace and Vijaya! Vijaya, I really loved reading about your journey across these many different realms. It is inspiring.
Thank you Yuvi. I enjoyed this so very much. I just got your Brilliant Novel for my kindle but I dare not open it…until Christmas.
Lovely interview and nice to hear about what you are doing, Vijaya!
Thank you, Kevan. I always enjoy your posts on PBB
Vijaya, it was such a delight to read this interview! Even though I’ve known you for many years, I gathered some new tidbits. Thank you for your generosity in sharing and in helping other authors. I love how your faith shines through what you do. I’m wishing you continued blessings with your writing and publishing.
Thank you, Ev. We have the same heart, no? God bless you.
Vijaya, I haven’t been on the internet much of late, but I’m so happy to come across this interview. You have been a glowing spark in the comment section for a long time, and I’m delighted that Grace saw fit to shine the spotlight on your worthy story. I feel like I have finally met you, and the experience is delightful. xox
Thank you Jan. Therese and Kathleen created a wonderful community and I’m so grateful I found it. I hope to meet you in person.
Grace, thank you for this wide-ranging and thought-provoking interview. Vijaya, your story is so encouraging. Every time I face a chasm of doubt, a message like yours appears: “When God places a dream upon your heart, surely He will give you the means to accomplish it.” Thank you for your generous spirit, and for the wisdom in WU.
Thank you so much. I chuckled when Grace pegged me as a cheerleader because I can’t jump high or do the splits but oh how I do in my heart, with big pom-poms too! This writing life takes courage and I’m grateful to encourage.
What an inspiration you are sweet little sister of mine. I am so so proud of you. Loved the interview. You’ve always been a great inspiration to me. If there is one thing I know about you is that you have such a passion for life and you are not afraid to stand up for your beliefs and for the truth and you don’t give up just because things get difficult. Bound has been my favorite book and a thought provoking novel. It hits you right down to the core of your own values, the sanctity of life, of humanity, of love and sacrifice. It’s a shame that publishers would rather promote popular culture over some good substance. And Ten Easter Eggs is a favorite with my grandkids. Oh and so true about having the right spouse. You sure hit the jackpot on that one! Wish you success in all that you do.
Baby! So great to see you here. Thank you, thank you a thousand times over for everything. I am so blessed you are my big sister. All those games we played, imagining the life stories of people or What If? were good practice for the writing life. I love how God has been working in our meandering paths toward Him. You know, although it chafed me that Bound wasn’t picked up, it led to Bodach Books, so I’m not sorry. Who knows, one day it will be Bodach Books, Brews and Barbecue. And bees too! Love you. God bless you.
Vijaya, you always bring a smile to my face, and I’m so happy to have this opportunity to learn more about you! What a life you’ve led, what a writing journey — and there’s still much more to go! <3
Thank you, Kristan. It’s been wonderful and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us. I always enjoy your essays and I smile thinking of the joys and challenges of being a writer-mama.