1. What drew you to the specific themes of identity and mental health in your book?
The themes of identity and mental health are deeply personal to me. I’ve alwaysbeen fascinated by the way we shape our sense of self, especially when faced with
adversity. In The Warrior Owl, Advay’s journey is about navigating his own internal
struggles—finding who he truly is amidst trauma, pressure, and uncertainty. Mental
health plays a big role in that, because so many of us face invisible battles with our
emotions or past experiences. I wanted to show that confronting these struggles,
and learning to accept and heal from them, is a powerful and universal journey.
These are themes that resonate with so many people, and I wanted to create a story
that feels real and relatable to anyone who’s ever questioned their identity or
struggled with mental health.
2. Can you describe a character or scene from the book that was especially fun or
rewarding to write?
One of the most rewarding scenes to write was when Advay faces a turning point
in his journey, where he begins to embrace his true self and let go of the
expectations others have placed on him. It was a moment of real empowerment for
him, and I loved crafting the emotional depth of that realization. It felt like a victory
not just for him, but for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or the
pressure to conform. Writing that scene felt like a catharsis, both for the character
and for me as a writer.
rewarding to write?
One of the most rewarding scenes to write was when Advay faces a turning point
in his journey, where he begins to embrace his true self and let go of the
expectations others have placed on him. It was a moment of real empowerment for
him, and I loved crafting the emotional depth of that realization. It felt like a victory
not just for him, but for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or the
pressure to conform. Writing that scene felt like a catharsis, both for the character
and for me as a writer.
3. How do you stay motivated and inspired throughout the writing process?
I stay motivated by focusing on the characters and their journeys—thinking about
how they evolve and what they’re trying to overcome. Every time I get stuck, I
remind myself of why I started the story in the first place: to explore themes that
are personal to me and that I think will resonate with readers. I also draw inspiration
from the world around me—whether it’s nature, people, or conversations I
overhear. Writing is a way for me to process emotions and ideas, so even on tough
days, it feels like something I need to do to keep moving forward.
I stay motivated by focusing on the characters and their journeys—thinking about
how they evolve and what they’re trying to overcome. Every time I get stuck, I
remind myself of why I started the story in the first place: to explore themes that
are personal to me and that I think will resonate with readers. I also draw inspiration
from the world around me—whether it’s nature, people, or conversations I
overhear. Writing is a way for me to process emotions and ideas, so even on tough
days, it feels like something I need to do to keep moving forward.
4. What kind of research, if any, did you undertake to ensure the accuracy and depth of
your story?
Research was not much required as most of Advay’s journey has been structured
based on my own experiences including the emotional and psychological
challenges that come with service. I did bit of research about the unique
landscapes and traditions of the Melghat region to ensure the setting felt true to
life. Beyond that, I immersed myself in literature and stories about resilience,
identity, and personal transformation to deepen the themes I was exploring. It was
important to me that everything felt grounded in real-world experiences while still
allowing for the creative freedom of fiction.
your story?
Research was not much required as most of Advay’s journey has been structured
based on my own experiences including the emotional and psychological
challenges that come with service. I did bit of research about the unique
landscapes and traditions of the Melghat region to ensure the setting felt true to
life. Beyond that, I immersed myself in literature and stories about resilience,
identity, and personal transformation to deepen the themes I was exploring. It was
important to me that everything felt grounded in real-world experiences while still
allowing for the creative freedom of fiction.
5. How do you handle writer's block or creative hurdles when they arise?
When I hit a creative hurdle, I try to step back and give myself some space.
Sometimes, it’s about shifting focus—taking a walk, reading something unrelated,
or even working on a different part of the story. I also find that writing through the
block, even if it feels imperfect, helps keep the momentum going. And when all else
fails, I remind myself that writing is a process, not a product. It's okay to have rough
patches, as long as I keep moving forward.
When I hit a creative hurdle, I try to step back and give myself some space.
Sometimes, it’s about shifting focus—taking a walk, reading something unrelated,
or even working on a different part of the story. I also find that writing through the
block, even if it feels imperfect, helps keep the momentum going. And when all else
fails, I remind myself that writing is a process, not a product. It's okay to have rough
patches, as long as I keep moving forward.
6. What is one thing you learned about yourself while writing this book?
I learned that I’m more resilient than I gave myself credit for. Writing this book was
a long and sometimes challenging journey, and there were moments when I
doubted myself. But seeing it through taught me that perseverance and trust in the
process are key. It reminded me that even in moments of uncertainty, I can push
through and create something meaningful
I learned that I’m more resilient than I gave myself credit for. Writing this book was
a long and sometimes challenging journey, and there were moments when I
doubted myself. But seeing it through taught me that perseverance and trust in the
process are key. It reminded me that even in moments of uncertainty, I can push
through and create something meaningful
7. Do you have a favorite passage or quote from your book?
If so, why is it special to you?
Yes, there’s a passage where Advay reflects on the idea of “finding strength in the
cracks.” It’s special to me because it encapsulates the heart of his journey—how
his struggles and imperfections, rather than breaking him, ultimately make him
stronger. It’s a reminder that growth often comes from the hardest moments, and
that’s something I hope resonates with readers as well.
cracks.” It’s special to me because it encapsulates the heart of his journey—how
his struggles and imperfections, rather than breaking him, ultimately make him
stronger. It’s a reminder that growth often comes from the hardest moments, and
that’s something I hope resonates with readers as well.
8. How do you connect with your readers, and what kind of feedback has touched you the
most?
I connect with my readers through the themes and emotions in the story—by
sharing universal experiences like struggle, growth, and self-discovery. The most
meaningful feedback I’ve received has been when readers tell me that a character
or moment in the book made them feel understood, or helped them see their own
challenges in a new light. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work can
resonate with people on such a personal level.
most?
I connect with my readers through the themes and emotions in the story—by
sharing universal experiences like struggle, growth, and self-discovery. The most
meaningful feedback I’ve received has been when readers tell me that a character
or moment in the book made them feel understood, or helped them see their own
challenges in a new light. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work can
resonate with people on such a personal level.
9. What role does humor play in your writing, and how do you incorporate it into serious
topics?
Humor serves as a way to humanize my characters and provide relief in the midst
of heavy moments. It’s often used as a coping mechanism, a way for characters
to navigate the tension and complexity of their situations. I think humor makes
serious topics feel more relatable and accessible, offering readers a balance
between the weight of the narrative and the lightness that comes with the small,
unexpected moments of life. It’s important for me to show that even in dark times,
there’s always room for a little levity.
topics?
Humor serves as a way to humanize my characters and provide relief in the midst
of heavy moments. It’s often used as a coping mechanism, a way for characters
to navigate the tension and complexity of their situations. I think humor makes
serious topics feel more relatable and accessible, offering readers a balance
between the weight of the narrative and the lightness that comes with the small,
unexpected moments of life. It’s important for me to show that even in dark times,
there’s always room for a little levity.
10. Can you share a behind-the-scenes detail or fun fact about the book that readers
might not know?
One fun fact is that the setting of Melghat forest was inspired by a real trip I took
to the region. I spent time hiking through the area, observing the landscape, and
talking to locals to capture its essence. Some of the smaller details in the book,
like the sounds of the forest or the way the sunlight filters through the trees, are
based on my own experience there. It was a magical place, and I wanted to bring
that sense of awe and mystery into the story.
might not know?
One fun fact is that the setting of Melghat forest was inspired by a real trip I took
to the region. I spent time hiking through the area, observing the landscape, and
talking to locals to capture its essence. Some of the smaller details in the book,
like the sounds of the forest or the way the sunlight filters through the trees, are
based on my own experience there. It was a magical place, and I wanted to bring
that sense of awe and mystery into the story.
Comments
Post a Comment