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Interviewed during April 2023
1. Hello! Please tell me about yourself! You may start wherever you’d like.
Answer: Hi! I’m Risha Chaurasia, a 15 year old bestselling author from India, having published 2 books, Tales of Twinkling Tweens and TRUCE: Novis Initiis. I published my first book at 11 and my second at 13. I run a financial literacy blog called @straight.from.my.pen on Instagram and advocate for the love of reading among the youth.
2. When did you start writing, and what makes you enjoy it?
Answer: I’ve always been an avid reader and have spent my entire childhood with my nose in a novel and this love for reading sparked my love for writing as well. I always dreamt of seeing MY NAME in a book and began writing at age 8 via a Facebook blog. I then went on to write and perform 2 plays and published my first book Tales of Twinkling Tweens at age 11.
I love the freedom writing gives me. Writing is therapy to me, allowing me to build my own little world, a paracosm and also express and understand my emotions. Writing also allows me to create stories and people and gives me the ability to change lives. Stories made me who I am, and now I want to write stories that inspire others.
3. What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Answer: The most difficult yet rewarding part is conceptualizing and building on a story. It is tough to think about characters, plot twists which are original and fresh yet are also relatable. A writer builds their own little world and to build this world that I share with my readers is tough yet rewarding.
4. Now, you have published two of your books, Tales of Twinkling Tweens and TRUCE: Novis Initiis. So, How does writing this make you feel and how does being published make you feel?
Answer: Publishing both my novels has been the most gratifying experience for me and to be living the life 8 year old me dreamt out is humbling. Seeing your work come to life, be accessible to the masses and being loved and appreciated makes you feel on top of the world and writing does put me on top of the world.
5. Can you tell me the story behind those books? What gives you inspirations for your work?
Answer: My stories are primarily inspired from real life and from my own personal experiences, making them raw and relatable. My primary inspiration was my own reading need when I realized that there were no books targeted to tweens ie. kids between games 9 to 12. Tweenage was ignored in mainstream literature and I wished to change that.
The story behind TRUCE is a whirlwind, as I got the idea of the novel while watching the movie ‘Spies in Disguise’ with my friends. Talk about random! The title came to me out of the blue as while watching a Disney show, a character said TRUCE and it struck me! TRUCE has been a string of Eureka events. TRUCE was inspired by my friendships and was created to be relatable for teenagers. Everyone can find themselves in at least one character as the novel deals with issues like body image, self esteem, breakups and betrayal.
It is my ambition and drive to change lives via my writing that keeps on inspiring me.
6. Is there any future writings in the works? If so, What is it about?
Answer: Yes! I am currently working on a 3rd novel based around an Indian high school drama.
7. Writers can experience some level of writer's block, which could stem from fear of failure or criticism that prevents us from writing. As a Blogger and an author, How do you deal with that? And do you have any tips for others on how to overcome this?
Answer: The best way to deal with writer's block, in my opinion, is to take a break and recharge. Often our mind is saturated to the point of blockage wherein ideas and words just don't click and at such times stepping away for a while can be really helpful. I can’t stress enough on the importance of breaks and a well rested mind! If you’re dealing with writer's block, step back and look onto the project the next day with fresh eyes. 4
As far as failure is concerned, I believe that it all stems with self belief. I’ve also failed countless times and at times have felt demotivated and wanted to give up. However, I’ve learnt that you have to believe in your capabilities. WHEN YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, SO DOES THE WORLD.
8. What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?
Answer: READ, READ AND READ! Reading and writing are interchangeable and you have to read 10 pages to write 1 good page. It was my reading habits as a child that inspired me to write and the best way to be a good writer is to first be a good reader.
9. If you could spend a day with a famous author, whom would you choose?
Answer: I would spend the day with Sudha Murthy. Aside from being a fabulous children’s author, she’s also a stellar business woman and she is everything that I want to be.
10. Have you read anything that makes you think differently about life? Can you share some of your favorite books so far?
Answer: Yes. I read the book ‘Finding Alaska’ by John Green and that book inspired me to pursue Young Adult writing. It made me feel a different way about my relationships and how I nurtured them and also the sheer shortness of life. Life is unpredictable so live the moment while you have it!
My favorite books are Paper Towns, And then there were none and As you Like It.
11. Finally, what would you say to young creatives trying to craft their ethic?
Answer: I have 2 tips-
1) Practice makes perfect. Write everyday, even if it's just a few lines. The more you practice your craft, the better you get, and make sure that you know what you do. The spark and fire when you're following your passion is unparalleled to another.
2) Believe in yourself- The world will pull you down, you will feel demotivated on certain days but the key is self belief. When you believe, the world believes.
That’s the end of our interview session, thank you so much for your participation
We recommend everyone to check out and buy her novels! https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/8194913748/ref=cx_skuctr_share?smid=A1F4E1SNONKABEhttps://amzn.eu/d/cpGEzbe
Interview by Saufa Natzira
Cover page by Brianna Paulino
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