Akriti Duggal is a high school student and the author of the book, ‘Candor. ‘ Her poetry works have been published in various anthologies, and she has also had the privilege to be a published author with Scholastic under the book ‘Trapped Sunshine’. She loves dabbling in the genres of mystery, romance, and thriller. Born in India, the land of colors, traditions, and culture, she hopes to advance further with her literary works and publish her writing in various forms.
Let’s dive into the interview with the author to know the journey of “Candor”.
Can you tell us a little about your book?
I wouldn’t want to give away a lot, but this book revolves around three best friends who go on a trip to an island. But the catch is that it’s not any ordinary or mundane island. Once one arrives there, their phones are taken away which leaves them entirely detached and aloof from the real world. It’s just the three of them, and while they’re there, Claire Abrams mysteriously dies. The death is treated as an accidental and unexpected drowning, but something seems wrong. The rest of the characters are sure of it. Read along to find out!
Is there a specific event that inspired this story or was this an out-of-the-blue idea?
This was definitely an out-of-the-blue idea. There wasn’t really any inspiration for this story. All I knew was that I wanted to write something in the genre of mystery and thriller, with many twists which would leave the reader yearning for more.
What got are you writing in the first place?
I’ve always loved to read, but writing began in 9th grade when my English teacher told us to write a poem. I did a fairly good job at that; since then, it’s been one of my interests and passions. Over the years I’ve always thought of writing a book, and now that’s finally accomplished!
What was your impression of your first draft when you read it?
Horrible. I loathed my first draft. I feel like nearly every author hates their first draft.
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I thought I could make the story more intriguing, introduce more characters, or even write much better. But at this time, I was more concerned with getting the words out of my head and onto the blank page. I knew I could hone and polish what I had written later on. It was important for me to complete my first draft to move forward, and whether it was good or bad did not bother me all too much.
Which part of your story connects the most with you? Why?
I think the part where the reader gets to know everything and the plot lines start to connect with each other is what identifies most with me as I am a person who needs to know what’s going on and any uncertainty and unawareness about things irritate me.
What makes your book the one to read?
I think what makes my book on to read is the suspense in it. I tried to create suspense and anxiousness which would grip the readers and leave them wanting more.
What was the best advice you got while writing?
The best advice I got while writing was to listen to songs while writing. It may not work for everybody but it worked for me. I made a playlist with many songs and would play it while writing. Every time I would play those songs, I could associate it with writing which would get me in the headspace to think and write with a flow.
Who’s your all-time favorite author? Which book of his/hers made you fall in love with them?
My all-time favorite author keeps changing all the time. I cannot stick to one. Right now I really like colleen hoover. Her writing style is so good and her plots are really different. Her romance books keep you hooked throughout the story and also make you reach for the tissues multiple times.
What is your evergreen tip to the writers out there?
I don’t think I’m qualified enough to give tips, haha but I would want all writers to be authentic, which means they should write what they love and enjoy. And also write a little every day even though it seems scary to look at a blank page as without writing the book it definitely not going to write by myself.
What was your hardest scene to write?
My hardest scene was the last part of the book where everything comes together. It was hard to step into the shoes of each character and show the emotions they were facing. There were so many different ones, from anger to grief to hurt.
Do you have another plot brewing?
Definitely! I always have some story in my head, be it really dumb or something really interesting.
On that note, we can’t wait for what comes in this author’s story.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9395868821
