The sixteen year old author

While most kids her age are busy preparing for board exams, sixteen-year old Anushka Arvind, Class X, (Tejashree Vidyalaya) has authored a book titled “The Letter and the Hit List”. Her short story “The Bunny Story” has also made its way to a web based magazine.

Young Hans spoke to the young prodigy and here’s what she had to say. (Excerpts from the interview)

What inspired you to write this book?

I love to watch movies. Hollywood spy movies and thrillers are my favourite .They were my inspiration to write this book.

How long did it take you to finish this book?

It took me at five-six months since I was simultaneously handling my academics.

Why did you choose this genre?

I think detective novels or thrillers are easier to write as the description for every character does not have to be in detail. Also I personally enjoy such genres as I find it interesting and also I see that the readers also would want to finish the book as the story creates curiosity with its progress.

Did you experience a writer’s block while writing this book?

Yes, sometimes I did and during those times I had the urge to leave all the books that I was reading and start to read a new one. Usually, I resist the urge and just wait for that period to pass by and go through the chapters I have written. At times, something strikes me and I continue with my writing.

How did you manage both writing and academics?

My school never pressurised its students with heavy amount of homework or study material. They balance it quite well and thus provided me time to complete my book.

Did your teachers support you?

At first, I didn’t share the concept of this book with my teachers. It all started with a group of friends who were interested in writing and we started writing fan fiction. This gave birth to my book as I considered going full throttle. The teachers dint know about it until the book was published.

Any character in the book close to your heart

The character of the uncle in the book is close to my heart as it reminds me of my Dad. Although the book is pure fiction

Are we looking at more books to come?

Definitely, but first I need to concentrate on my studies. I would however dabble with another idea in a couple of years.

Who are your favourite authors?

Many actually, I like JK Rowling, Enid Blyton, Siddarth Oberoi. Particularly, I believe my style of writing is similar to Oberoi’s.

What are your hobbies?

Writing, Singing Hindustani Classic music, Kathak and Basketball

Is technology killing the hardcover or the paper back?

To a certain extent, I think that it is not true. There are a lot of people even today who would go down to a bookstore and spend a few hours to buy a good book and I am one of them.

What according to you is the difference between creativity and imagination?

I think creativity is to relate a lot with real life characters. But imagination is about creating your own characters which may or may not exist in our daily lives.

By:Navin Pivhal