UnCensored Ink Interview – Mitra De Souza

Hey everyone,

Ian Tan here, lead editor and project coordinator of UnCensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology, set to release this October 29. Here is the UnCensored Ink interview series to introduce you all to the incredible writers, as well as the local bookstores and libraries that gave them safe creative spaces. Hopefully you can put these incredible places on your to-visit list, and feel inspired to support your own local bookstore, library and indie authors.

Today I am with Mitra De Souza from California. She has loved to write for as long as she can remember. In elementary school, she used to tape her short stories to the back of her chair for her classmates to read. She is drawn to stories that encourage people to view the world from a new perspective. Mitra resides in San Diego County with her husband, two kids and two big rescue dogs who think they’re still puppies. Her favorite banned book is Jay Coles’ Things We Couldn’t Say.

1. You’ve written a fine piece for UnCensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology. Can you give us a synopsis? How did the idea for this piece come about?

When I saw the call for submissions, I was excited because book banning is an issue I feel strongly about. That night I lay in bed thinking about the anthology and the idea came to me, so I wrote it the next morning. The short story is about a community impacted by book burning and a young boy who is forever changed by what occurs. It’s also about the importance of telling our stories despite efforts to censor our voices.

2. Now, we would love to know you more! What do you enjoy doing in your free time, what is your favorite book quote, and how did you get into reading and writing?

I love reading, writing, and going for walks in nature. I also love to laugh. I’ve enjoyed reading and writing for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite things to do as a child was to lie in bed by the window and read. I loved the feel of being in my own little world absorbed in a book. My favorite book quote is from Animal Farm when the pigs write “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” I love irony, and the simple language makes such a brilliant political statement about the warped view of equity that is still held by many in power today.

3. Do you have a favorite local library or bookstore? Also can you remember bookstores and libraries from your childhood, if they are not the same as the ones now?

My favorite library as a child was the Encinitas Library. We never bought books at stores but would go to the library on a regular basis. I loved the freedom of browsing the aisles and being able to pick out whatever I wanted without having to worry about cost.

My favorite library now is the Oceanside Public Library (Civic Center Branch). It’s amazing. They renovated the outdoor courtyard with a beautiful fountain, lush landscape and lots of outdoor seating for events. It’s a wonderful hub for communal activities, like author talks, cultural events, and story time sessions for children. Inside the library there are high ceilings and plenty of light (things that I love).

4. Tell us more about this bookstore/library. What do you love most about it?

Aside from its architectural beauty, it has tons of functional spaces including private study rooms, larger rooms for special events and a colorfully decorated children’s area. Prior to getting my publishing deal for my debut novel, I attended a local author event there. The guest speaker spoke about their publishing journey which was very inspiring. It makes me happy that this beautiful space exists to support our community.

5. What do you have to say on the importance of sustaining bookstores and libraries?

In the age of Amazon providing everything with the click of a button, there is still immense value in bookstores and libraries. Personally, I love browsing the aisles of a bookstore and being able to hold the books in my hands. Librarians and booksellers also provide that personal one-on-one contact that you can’t get from a website. I remember going to the library and asking the librarian for a certain type of book and their eyes lighting up with excitement as they led me to the section. Amazon can’t replace that.

6. Do you have any projects that your current and future readers can look forward to?

My debut YA novel, The Fragile, was released in July 2024. I’m currently working on the sequel to The Fragile and a near future sci-fi YA novel called Amity’s Daughter that addresses issues related to censorship and civil speech.