Interview with Jyoti Gopal, Author of “Desert Queen”

Desert Queen is a biographical children’s book, told succinctly and beautifully. What was it like to try to capture Queen Harish’s identity and experience in so few words?

Thank you so much! When I saw Queen Harish perform in Jaisalmer, I was mesmerized by her talent, charisma, and her sense of fun.  She cast a spell on us all. Though I met with her only briefly after, I was struck by her grace and kindness, and I decided then and there that I was going to write about her.  It took many drafts to find the right voice to tell Harish’s story. Those first drafts were all in narrative prose, but they felt flat, boring and uninspiring. I was frustrated by my inability to capture the story that I knew Harish deserved. So, I went back to my research, read the interviews Harish gave and watched videos of performances to try and figure out what narrative thread I was missing. But surprisingly, it was when I was taking a break from the writing process and listening to music that the idea of using lyrical verse to tell the story came to me. And of course, how fitting to use poetry and lyricism to narrate the journey of this amazing dancer! Once I had that epiphany, the words flowed onto the page. 

What do you hope readers of all ages and roles will take away from learning about Queen Harish’s story through Desert Queen?

I hope that readers will recognize that despite the hardships and struggles, and the negativity that was thrown his way, Harish chose to embrace love and joy – and ultimately that was what won over the haters. The town of Jaisalmer, that initially rejected Harish for performing as a woman, grew to idolize him. I hope that readers also appreciate Harish’s inner strength in believing in himself and his identity. This was not easy to do given all that he had to deal with! He knew nothing of drag when he performed as a female dancer for the first time. He just knew that doing so fulfilled something in his soul, opened the way for gender fluidity in his life, and enabled him to care for himself and his family. 

You have spent time visiting schools, libraries, and more. Can you tell us about a particularly meaningful moment or conversation you’ve had with a reader (child or adult) during a visit?

I always hope that my stories resonate with young readers, but I never really anticipated reactions from older readers who are not teachers or librarians. The first time a group of desi (South Asian) teenagers ran up to me and told me that they love my picture books, I was so delighted and honored! There have now been many such moments and it always touches my heart. It reinforces my belief that picture books are for all ages.

You have multiple books coming out in the next year. What should readers be looking forward to in your upcoming books?

I have three picture books coming out next year and a few more after that, which I am so excited about!

Many of my stories center community, connection, and possibilities and I write both fiction and non-fiction.  Some reflect my Indian American heritage, like last year’s AMERICAN DESI (LBYR) and MY PAATI’S SARIS (Kokila), and this year’s DESERT QUEEN (Levine Querido).  

Others encompass broader themes. ONE SWEET SONG (Candlewick, 2024) is a counting book about a community coming together in song. SISTER DAY (FSG, 2024) is about two sisters and what happens when a perfect day is almost ruined by a fight. I have a picture book lullaby, called LOVE IS HERE WITH YOU (Candlewick, 2024) which weaves deities of the Hindu pantheon into the bedtime routine of an adorable little baby and a nonfiction book titled THIS LAND (Viking, 2025) about Sikh immigrants and their experience in late-1800s America.  

I am also very excited about a couple of unannounced titles that focus on environmental and conservation themes that are also very close to my heart.

I hope readers enjoy the range of subjects I delve into and my different writing styles.  Ultimately, the subject matter and the structure of the story usually dictate whether it ends up in rhyme, lyrical verse, or prose. Sometimes it’s a fun journey to discover what the structure and style is going to be and sometimes it’s quite tortuous. Each story I write has its own journey into the world!