Sita is an architect by training, a homemaker by choice, a food enthusiast and reader by hobby, and a
Children’s Author By Passion.
When Sita is not reading or writing picture books, she enjoys reading adult fiction, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and experimenting with food photography. She loves wearing saris, and listening and dancing to Bollywood music. She also finds great joy in walking with her dog, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors.
Dance Graduation ceremony from when Sita was 14 years old.
Oil on Canvas from Sita’s early teenage years.
Some of the myths and fables that have traveled with Sita from India over the years.
Born and raised in the historic city of Ahmedabad, India, Sita lived in a multigenerational household and grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. While growing up, Sita didn’t know someday she would become a writer, but
This Is What led Her to write.
When she thinks of stories, Sita’s first memory is of her Ba telling her and her brother one story every night. Their grandmother didn't know how to read or write, but she spoke of her experiences and beliefs, and narrated many myths, legends, fables, and folktales. Although Sita’s parents are not highly educated, they gave her access to books at an early age and encouraged her to read. They also loved to travel and the family went on adventures every holiday season. By the end of her 20’s, Sita had visited America, Kenya, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
While in school, Sita learned to paint and draw. She also completed seven years of training in Indian Classical dance and Indian Classical music. Sita didn’t realize then, but many stories are told through both these art forms.
In college, Sita graduated with a Bachelors in Architecture. That’s where she met her husband and after getting married, they immigrated to the United States. Sita worked as an Urban Design Consultant for a few years before deciding to stay home for their three children.
While raising her children across two cultures, she searched for books that would help them understand their heritage. Unfortunately, there was a lack of representation in children’s literature, and so, books traveled with them from India—once every year, in large quantities, packed in suitcases along with pickles and spices. With every trip, their collection of heroes and legends, kings and demons, gods and goddesses, and myths and fables from India grew larger and larger. As Sita raised her children to become ravenous readers, she also told them stories that were passed on to her by parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Surprisingly, they had stayed with her through all these years. That’s when Sita realized the power of storytelling. This realization, the lack of representation on the bookshelves, and her understanding of living in the East and West inspired Sita to write for children.
Sita learned a new medium to tell her stories. She joined SCBWI. She read hundreds of picture books. She studied them. She participated in 12x12, PiBoIdMo (now Storystorm), Making Picture Book Magic, Children’s Book Academy, and attended several workshops and conferences. The SCBWI, the Kidlit community, and her critique partners became Sita’s constant support, and they continue to help her grow as a writer. Sita writes heart-warming stories set against a South Asian backdrop.
Sita is represented by the amazing Natalie Lakosil of Looking Glass Literary & Media.
