- What inspired you to write this particular book, and how did the idea for the story come to you?
It was right at the start of the pandemic, when everything felt so chaotic and uncertain. Writing has always been my way of finding peace, so I naturally turned to it. I remember journaling during that first week of lockdown, just trying to make sense of everything, when this random thought hit me: How long would it take to find an antidote if something like this happened in a fictional world? What would it take to actually stop it?
That one idea wouldn’t let go. I started scribbling down notes, playing around with scenarios, and before I knew it, a story was taking shape. I didn’t have a grand plan at the time—I just followed the curiosity, and somehow, it all came together. Fiery ended up becoming a much bigger adventure than I initially imagined, but it all started with that simple “what if.” The rest became history.
- Could you elaborate on the steps you use when writing? Do you adhere to a set schedule or have any special customs that facilitate your ability to be creative?
Since Fiery is my debut book, I didn’t start with a well-defined writing routine. At the time, I was more of an aspiring writer figuring things out as I went along. Thankfully, I had the time and space to develop a process that worked for me.
I quickly realized that knitting a deep mystery wasn’t just about the writing—it required a lot of research. Mornings became my “prep time,” where I would dive into research, gather references, and create mood boards for the storyline. By the afternoon, when the world felt a little quieter, I would sit down for 3-4 hours of focused writing. Noon was the perfect distraction-free window for me to immerse myself in the story.
Of course, like most writers, I faced my fair share of writer’s block and imposter syndrome. To push through, I created a few rituals that helped me get into a creative flow. I started every morning with 30 minutes of meditation and visualization to clear my mind and set the tone for the day. I also created my own cozy writing nook with comfortable seating (essential for long hours) and made it a little ritualistic by lighting a scented candle every time I sat down to write. Choosing a new candle each week was a small way to keep things fresh and exciting.
I also set personal milestones to track my progress. Writing has always been cathartic for me, but writing an entire book felt like an entirely different adventure—it required discipline, patience, and constant self-check-ins to stay on track. Looking back, it was challenging but deeply rewarding, and I’ve grown so much through the process.
- Your book’s characters stand out and are memorable. Did they develop entirely from your imagination, or are they based on actual people?
A little bit of both, honestly. I think every author pulls inspiration from their experiences and the people they’ve crossed paths with, even if it’s not always obvious. Since this is my debut book, I’ll admit that some of the characters, including the protagonist, were influenced by a few real people who’ve left a lasting impact on me. Others, though, are more of an idealized version of the kind of people I’d love to meet or even be like.
Creating strong, memorable characters was really important to me because, as a reader, I’ve always gravitated toward stories with characters that feel real and complex. Mira and Ryan, for instance, started off as these fictional creations with bits of real-life inspiration thrown in. But as the story progressed, they really grew into their own people—by the end, they felt like they were just themselves, no longer tied to anyone or anything else.
- Your book delves into [specific theme or issue]. What motivated you to explore this theme, and what messages or discussions do you hope readers will take away from your work?
Fiery falls into the Romance Mystery genre, which has always fascinated me—I’ve had a hyperactive imagination for romance, danger, and adventure for as long as I can remember. When I started writing this book during the pandemic, my goal was simple: to give readers a safe escape. At a time when reality felt overwhelming, I wanted to create a world they could dive into, full of passion and mystery.
Looking back, I’d say the deeper message in Fiery is that life doesn’t feel complete without a bit of passion, adventure, and creativity. I hope when readers pick it up, they sign up for a few hours of excitement that takes them out of their daily routines. It’s my way of reminding them that there’s always space for a little thrill, even when life feels predictable or challenging.
- Your novel’s world-building is engrossing and extraordinarily rich. Did you get any ideas for the setting from historical events or actual places? How did you go about constructing it?
Since Fiery is set against the backdrop of the lockdown pandemic, I focused on creating detailed, immersive environments that captured the isolation and intensity of that time. The characters spend much of their time indoors, so I paid extra attention to describing their surroundings—their homes, workspaces, and even the little corners where they retreat for safety or reflection.
While the mapping of the world loosely aligns with real-world locations, every architectural detail was something I imagined. I’ve always had a fascination with design and spaces, and I think these ideas had been simmering in my mind, just waiting for the right moment to be written down.
I also believe that every great book creates a world of its own—a place readers can step into and get lost in. That’s what I aimed for with Fiery: a setting that feels tangible and alive, where every corner has a story to tell.
- How do you, as a writer, strike a balance between the genre’s expectations and the necessity for originality? Did you find it difficult to add your own twist to well-known elements?
As a debut author, finding that balance was definitely a challenge. There’s nothing truly new under the sun, but the key is to spin familiar elements in a way that feels fresh. For me, it was about weaving originality into the plot, character development, and overall writing style. I drew a lot of inspiration from western romance writers, but the challenge was making sure my characters felt real and relatable, not just like clichés. It was important to me that they didn’t fall into the trap of being too generic while still staying true to the genre’s expectations. Finding that sweet spot between familiar and unique was definitely one of the most exciting parts of the process.
- The story’s well-written flow keeps readers interested from beginning to end. Could you describe how you keep the story moving forward and creating tension?
I’d definitely credit a lot of my pacing insights to binge-watching shows during the lockdown! Netflixing during those months taught me a lot about how to build tension and keep readers hooked, chapter by chapter. I structured the story in a way that alternated between key scenarios and storylines. The chemistry between the protagonists was a central focus, but I also made sure to drop subtle hints about the bigger mystery, keeping things layered and unpredictable.
My approach was to break the plot down into what I call “turning points”—those moments where big revelations come to light or the romantic tension ramps up. That way, the story kept unfolding with enough surprises to keep readers on their toes, while still building toward that final payoff.
- How do you envision the function of conventional storytelling changing in the era of quickly shifting media and reader preferences, and how do you modify your work to appeal to modern audiences?
I think traditional storytelling is evolving right alongside the cultural shifts we’re seeing around the world. The classic, cliched “Beauty and the Beast” type of narrative is becoming less relevant, especially as readers crave more diverse and nuanced stories. Characters no longer fit into neat boxes defined by gender, age, social status, or nationality. Today, audiences want to see themselves reflected in stories, with characters who feel authentic and relatable.
To connect with contemporary readers, I think writers need to embrace inclusivity—not just in terms of cultural backgrounds, but also in mindset. Incorporating the technologies, social changes, and real-world issues that shape the present is key to making stories resonate. The world is moving forward, and our storytelling should reflect that—otherwise, it risks feeling out of touch.
When I wrote Fiery as an Indian author in the Romance-Mystery genre, I was conscious of the need to make my writing resonate with today’s global audience. It was important for me to strike a balance between creating relatable characters and building the kind of chemistry that readers from different cultures and backgrounds could connect with.
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