Picking up a pen to journal one day in sixth grade, Sreeja Kuppam never planned to publish a book. As she cranked out diary entries and short stories, Sreeja eventually began writing what would become a three-part science fiction spy series.
Later this year, the final installment in the informatics and Plan II junior’s “Ancient Dynasty Chronicles” trilogy, the title of which is not yet publicly available, releases on Amazon nearly seven years after the first book’s release. Inspired by Hindu mythology, the series follows twins Sameera and Ray and their cousin Maddie on adventures around the world.
“A lot of the inspiration when it comes to the soul of the book came from my connection to Hinduism,” Sreeja said.
Sreeja said she grew up watching TV shows and reading books about the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two Hindu epics.
“I read those growing up with my grandma, and that’s how we would bond,” Sreeja said. “It was an integral part of my childhood. I got my love for storytelling and stories (themselves) from how complex these Indian epics were.”
Sreeja said author Rick Riordan also influenced her writing, having grown up reading his series, which draw heavily from mythology. She said she published her first book just days before her 13th birthday.
“Writing has always been a catharsis for me,” Sreeja said. “Whenever I’d be too stressed or I couldn’t make sense of things going on around me, I would lean on this book series a lot.”
Upon the publication of her first book, Sreeja said she donated half of the proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and half to her middle school. She later donated the proceeds of her second book to her high school after witnessing the impacts of COVID-19.
“A lot of my middle school teachers, especially in literature, were really inspiring during my journey,” Sreeja said. “I wanted to have some connecting thing back to the place that gave me the inspiration to do what I’m doing.”
Sreeja said her dad, Dr. Vara Kuppam, was a great influence during her middle school years, arranging calls with publishers and encouraging the development of what was initially a six page story.
“She thinks (about) what is happening in real life and how she can help the community,” Vara said.
Thierry Chu, an English and Plan II junior, said she connected with Sreeja through their shared love of literature and stories. Chu said they share the dream of writing and publishing their work.
“You have the backdrop of her writing a book and finishing a trilogy,” Chu said. “You’re like, ‘Okay, she’s actually a superwoman.’”
Sreeja said newer character Ria plays a more integral role in the latest book, often becoming a reflection of Sreeja herself and her changing mindset. She said her characters have grown throughout the years along with her writing skills.
“The characters in this series are my children at this point,” Sreeja said. “I grew up with them for the past seven years.”
