Interview With Author Vanja Skoric
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in former Yugoslavia, now Croatia, and wanted to become a journalist because they were ones exposing all the injustice daily. I ended up studying law and volunteering in civic initiatives, and ultimately became a human rights lawyer. I lived in different places and lately, I live with my family near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. We have two kids, age 10 and 5, who ask a lot of question and inspire my writing. I have written the first book of the series about my children’s questions, all connected to different aspects of activism. Children can quickly recognize injustice and unfair situations and tapping into that interest is essential in helping them understand their potential role in bringing about positive change. After learning about an issue, even if it is complex, children may ask what they can do right away to make an impact.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tasha, A Little Activist! It all started with real life questions from my daughter, a curious and incredibly observant girl who, like many children, is eager to know why certain situations arise, even if they feel unfair.” In the book called “Tasha, A Little Activist”, the main character, Tasha, feels confused when boys tell her that soccer is not for girls (as it happened to my daughter and I’m sure, many other girls). She wonders, “Why do people say that girls shouldn’t do certain things?” She is curious: has it always been this way? Tasha’s dad tells her a story about women and girls fighting for their rights. In the book, I connected direct experiences with important historical events to help my and other children understand the power of activism and how to cope with the change. I invite curious children to come with Tasha to find out more about activism! Sometimes adults may feel that issues are too complicated for children to handle. The good news is that all the small steps and actions make a difference. I hope this book will inspire honest conversations and dialogue about experiences, fairness, emotions – including anger and frustration – and what opportunities are there for children to do something about that.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Essentially, my children are my inspiration – I only write or plan to write topics that interest them and what they ask about. And they ask a lot!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fantasy books, and writers like JRR Tolkien, L. Carol and his Alice in Wonderland, Patrick Rothfuss, Kristin Cashore for young adults, and similar. I also get inspiration from children’s authors who bring in activist perspective, like Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson with her book My Life With Rosie (about Rosa Parks).
Sometimes adults may feel that issues are too complicated for children to handle. The good news is that all the small steps and actions make a difference.
What are you working on now?
My next book will be about climate activism and children, inspired by the question – Mom, will our country “drown” in sea? What do you say to 8-year olds when they ask such profound and important questions about our future as a humanity?!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still looking for one! But I like spaces that allow for a more personal touch and getting to know the authors and stories behind the books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write even if you don’t have a clear plan or outline. Something will come out of it for sure, and your brain will thank you for putting it out on the paper.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid you have nothing interesting to say – just say (write) it!
What are you reading now?
Good Different, by Meg Eden Kuyatt – its for young adults but really, anyone who sometimes feels at odds with different (unspoken) social norms – we’ve all been there!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing writing a limited series of books based on my children’s difficult questions, and see where that leads me!
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