Ask the Author: Mitali Perkins

“Ask me a question.” Mitali Perkins

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I just read Bamboo People and I love it. I'm telling others to read it, too. Please tell me, in "Daw Widow", is widow the English noun or is it her name? Does Daw mean "Aunt"?

Mitali Perkins Hi, Pamela! So glad you like the book. “Widow” is the English noun. “Daw” is a term of respect for older women. All the best, Mitali.

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I am so excited to read "Forward Me Back To You". I won it through the goodreads giveaway section but I haven't received it yet. Just following up to see if those were shipped out? Thanks :)

Mitali Perkins Hi Keshia. I just saw this. Did you get your copy yet?

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I saw that you liked my GR review of Between Us and Abuela. I really loved how straightforward it was. Thank you for writing it. Also, I wanted to let you know that I reviewed it on my "Monday Morning Book Report" on our library's facebook page. I'm the children's librarian. Hopefully, there will be lots of readers. Apparently, I need a question mark? https://www.facebook.com/SummitCountyLibrary/videos/117125446857

Mitali Perkins That's wonderful! Thank you so much.

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Hello Ms Perkins, I wanted to ask about the upcoming film based on your novel - did you work with the writers directly? Did you get to decide about any other things, like the casting for example? ~ Miriam

Mitali Perkins Hi Miriam. Thanks for your question! I didn't work with the writers, and I had no input on casting. The fact that the story is being adapted and directed and acted by Bangladeshis gives me a lot of confidence. I hope you enjoy the film!

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You're my favorite author and I love "You Bring The Distant Near." Will you ever create an accompanying book/sequel where we see the characters again?

Mitali Perkins Thank you so much, Patty! I hadn't thought of that, but there is a very, very slight possibility it might be adapted for television. Let's see what happens. The odds are slim. If that doesn't happen, I'll definitely think about a sequel.

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Hi Mitali, a quick question - have any of your books been translated into Arabic?

Mitali Perkins Hi Libby. Yes! SECRET KEEPER is in Arabic from Kalimat publishers.

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Hi Ms. Perkins, I'm reading your book Bamboo People for a history project, more specifically a Critical Analysis Essay, and I was wondering about the sources you used, your qualifications, experiences, etc? I looked on your websites about it, but there weren't many details about your stay in Burma. Thanks! -Sondrine

Mitali Perkins I lived in Chiang Mai for three years and spoke firsthand to Karenni refugees on the border.

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Mitali Perkins I will try! Thank you for the suggestion!

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Hi Ms. Perkins, My students are in the midst of reading Bamboo People, and they are really engaged in the story. My students had a couple of questions for you. First, do you think you will write a sequel? And, did you have a particular person in mind when you wrote about the character Tu Reh? (my students loved his struggle) Thank you, Kelli Saenz The Piedmont School

Mitali Perkins Hi Kelli! No, no sequel planned! Tu Reh is based a bit on my grandfather as a boy -- he, too, lost his family land and struggled with anger. Thanks for writing! My greetings to you students.

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I Matali, Do you remember when you first wrote Secret Keeper & Cecil Murphey hired me to help promote your work on social media? It is with joy that I've watched (and read) your progress and I just wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed your latest book You Bring the Distant Near. It is a lovely charming book, with characters that are real and intriguing. Congratulations and keep up the good work ~ Gail P. Smith

Mitali Perkins Thank you so much, dear Gail!

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Hi Ms. Perkins, I just read "You Bring the Distant Near" and was reminded of "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth. That book is thousands of pages long. Your saga was an accessible, rapid read for a young audience yet it still spanned generations. It made me wonder how many scenes you wrote for the Das family compared to how many actually made it into the final book?

Mitali Perkins Hi Emily! Actually, none. In the revision, I had to add scenes, such as Tara's audition and Chantal's visit to Martin's apartment. I usually write spare and have to add. I really loved A SUITABLE BOY when I read it years ago, so thanks for the wonderful compliment.

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Dear ms. Perkins,Is tiger boy one of your famous book?

Mitali Perkins If you like it, I'll say yes! Thanks for writing.

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Ms. Perkins, I am a teen librarian interested in organizing an author Skype visit for my summer reading program. I am looking at several different authors right now, and was wondering: Would you be interested in doing a Skype visit? If so, what would you charge for this service? Thanks!

Mitali Perkins Hi Liz! I love doing Skype visits! If you're interested in dates and fees, would you mind contacting my booking agent via Booking Biz? Her name is Sarah Azibo, and her email is saraha@thebookingbiz.com. Thanks so much! Mitali

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