Author Interview: Richa Sambhy Mediratta, author of #GoanChase

Hello Everyone! Today I’m happy to share the interview with Richa Sambhy Mediratta, author of Goan Chase: Take Three Mysteries.

You can read about book and my review Here⇒⇒⇒  Goan Chase: Take Three Mysteries by Richa Sambhy Mediratta.

I penned my first story about a magical crystal ball at the age of six and went on to finish a couple of novelettes by the time I was a teenager. As life would have it, writing fiction could not make it as a “career” choice. My passion for writing kept trickling through all of my career choices though! I began as a freelance writer and have been a contributing editor, advertising copywriter, technical writer, and an award-winning instructional designer.

When finally, my love for writing fiction started bursting at its seams, I learned the ropes of writing children and young adult fiction (my favorite genre) from the Institute of Children’s Literature, United States. Years later, I was selected as one of the winners in the nation-wide Write India contest organized by the Times of India group. And now, I’m an author who shares her journey, and her characters’ journeys, through literary festivals.

Not to forget, I double-up as a hands-on mother to my adorable daughter and am a true-blue book nerd. I love connecting with readers and authors.

Q. When and why did you begin writing?

I wrote my very first story at the age of six. It was about an evil witch with a magical crystal ball … how I wish I’d saved it! I don’t think there’s any specific reason why I started writing except that it happened instinctively. I started reading and writing at a very young age and it continued through my formative years.  

Q. How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Truth is, my characters came to me before the idea for the book! Jai, Nirvaan, and Ayesha came to me over a span of a few days, demanding I tell their stories! At first, I had a rough idea of what they’d be like, but as the book progressed, I developed them into fully-formed, relatable characters. Everything pertaining to the book—idea, plot, conflict, and resolution—stem from my characters and their journey.    

Q. What sort of research did you do to write this book?

Jai, the main protagonist of Goan Chase, is a stutterer. So, a big part of my research involved learning about stuttering and the challenges faced by stutterers. The other part of my research involved researching technical details—the what, where, when, and how of the crime(s)—and ensuring they’re realistic and plausible.

Q. What book(s) have most influenced your life?

In my toddler years, Enid Blyton influenced me a lot. In my teenage, it was Agatha Christie, and as an adult, it was Ayn Rand! Also, I read books in different genres all the time, so my book shelf is an assortment of Young Adult, literary, thriller, horror, romance, and other genres!   

Q. What draws you to this genre? Do you think writing will stays in the particular genre?

What I absolutely love about the Young Adult (and Middle Grade) genres is the fact that they offer tremendous scope for showing character change and growth. As a middle-grader/teenager, you’re evolving every week, every month, every year and that evolution makes for riveting, engaging, and inspiring fiction.

Yes, I see myself writing in this particular genre for a long time. All my future book ideas are of YA/MG books, so I’m definitely in it for the long haul. 

Q How did you break in publishing world? How many rejections did you go through before finding publisher? If so, what did you do to keep yourself hopeful?

Believe it or not, I did not get rejected by any publisher. Rather, what I got was no response, which is rejection of a different kind, only more frustrating. It gets taxing and feels belittling to keep sharing your work and be ignored. It would have been so much better to get a “No!” rather than go unnoticed.  

However, in hindsight, it was the best thing to happen to me. This experience gave me the courage and the motivation to self-publish and make my book available in every corner of the world. Today, Goan Chase has not only got rave reviews but has also been nominated for the 2017 Readers Choice Awards in the YA and Middle Grade Book Category. So, no regrets!

P.S.: If you’ve read the book, and enjoyed it, do vote for it @ www.tckpublishing.com/readers-choice-voting under the Young Adult and Middle Grade Book Category!

Q. What was your favorite chapter (or part) of writing this book and why?

My favorite chapter in the book is Showdown. It’s the chapter in which all the three characters—Jai, Nirvaan, and Ayesha—end up revealing their innermost demons and fears. You’ll have to read the book to know what happens after that, but them coming to terms with their vulnerabilities is my favorite part in the book.  

Q. What was the hardest part of writing the book? Was there anything that you deleted or altered?

I wouldn’t call it the hardest but showing character arcs/growth within a mystery is always a challenge. One that I love, though! You want to do justice to the character as well as the mystery, and it is extremely gratifying when you’re able to do it right.

Q. Is there a message in your book that you hope readers will grasp?

Absolutely. And for the record, each of my future books will have a message for readers, which I hope will help them in their life!

Goan Chase has some very strong messages about self-doubt and self-worth, which I hope readers will be able to relate to and imbibe in their own lives. 

Q. If you could spend one day with character from your book/ any other book who would it be? And what would you do during that day?

I would simply love to spend the day with all three characters of my book and series – Jai, Nirvaan, and Ayesha! I imagine spending the first half just lounging and joking around with them, most probably in a café. After that, I would like to spend the evening with each of them, one-on-one, to discuss their innermost thoughts and fears and desires. What a fantastic day that would be! 

Q. Do you read book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad ones?

Yes, absolutely. I think book reviews are critical in getting an idea of what your readers are liking/not liking, and areas of improvement, if any. This is why I don’t differentiate between reviews as “good” and “bad”. Each review offers you an insight into the reader’s mind, which is invaluable. You might not like the way a reader has described your book, or you may find them rude, but if you want to grow as a writer, put your feelings aside and really try to understand what the reader is trying to say through their review.  

Q. What are your future project(s)? What’s it about? (*if relevant)

I’m currently working on Book 2 of the Take Three Mysteries series (Goan Chase was Book 1). Like the prequel, this book too promises to be a thrilling mystery with a soul. The three protagonists, Jai, Nirvaan, and Ayesha, return to solve another baffling mystery, while they deal with teenage angst, and their own unique insecurities. Quite a handful!

Q. If your novel made into movie which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead characters?

This is a tough one! If Goan Chase is ever made into a movie, we’ll have to hunt for talented 14-year-old actors, or at the least, actors who look fourteen-year-old! I think finding the right people to play these characters would be super fun.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Two things—improve and persist! Improve your writing skills on an everyday basis. Be persistent for the journey you’re about to take is a long, and most likely, arduous one. However, if you improve and if you persist, you’re bound to achieve your writing and publishing goals one day. 

Q. What is your favorite motivational phrase?

We will either find a way or make one 😊.

Q. Currently reading

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas.

Q. Favorite foods / Colors/ Music/ TV show/ Film

Food: Everything; I’m a foodie!

Colors: Purple and black

Music: Alternative rock

TV Show: Re-runs of Friends! My all-time favorite and I can watch all the episodes of all the seasons over and over again.

Film: Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful

Q. Describe yourself in 5 words.

Philosophical, optimistic, imaginative, honest, brave 

Q. Whom you will recommend your book?

Though the book is great for pre-teens aged 12 and above, I’m noticing that people from all walks of like and all ages are reading and enjoying Goan Chase. Having said that, this book is a great read for pre-teens and teens. 

Q. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I would recommend readers to read across genres. We all have our favorite genres, but try reading books from different genres. Trust me, it will change your life.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

No, thanks so much for asking!

Q. How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter: @RichaWriter

Goodreads / LinkedIn 

Book Link: Amazon India / Amazon International

P.S.: Goan Chase is available on all international Amazon sites like Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.gr, Amazon.au, Amazon.ca, Amazon.es, and Amazon.cn.

Big thank you to author for taking the time out of her busy schedule to take part in this interview.

Thank for reading!! Hope you all enjoyed reading the interview. You can comment if would like to ask questions to author below.

Happy Reading! 🙂