Clue #5:
Ideas: Uma Krishnaswami finds story ideas ____________.
The word that you are looking for is the opposite of "nowhere."
If you have a guess already, write it down next to clue #5 on your sheet. Either way, scroll down this page for more information.
As you may have guessed, Uma Krishnaswami, like most authors, finds story ideas everywhere! Add the word "everywhere" to your sheet next to Clue #5 if it's not already there.
Many of Uma's writing ideas come from her memories of life in India. Others come from older stories that she has read and wants to tell differently. Some ideas come from her conversations with people too. One of her book ideas even came from a conversation with a fifth grade student when she visited the student's class!*
Authors pay attention to everything that they see and hear because there are so many story ideas around us.
Ms. Krishnaswami is very careful about describing real places and cultures correctly in her books, even though her books are fiction. She uses her memory, travels to the places where her stories are set when possible, or does research. By adding in some true information, she helps us learn about India and other settings while we enjoy her stories. As you read her books in class, see what you can learn about India and Indian culture!
In the meantime, go on to Clue #6!
*Source: Smith, Cynthia L. "Interview with Children's Book Author Uma Krishnaswami." CynthiaLeitichSmith.com. 29 Dec. 2007. <http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/authors/interviews/UmaKrishnaswami.html>.
.