“I grew up visiting the Hyderabad Book Fair every year with my family. It was something I always looked forward to—walking through the stalls, picking out books, and imagining the worlds they held. Back then, I thought I’d always just be a reader. I never imagined I’d return to this same place years later, holding my own book.
Books have always been a big part of my life because of my dad. Even though he’s a software engineer, he has a strong interest in literature. Our house has over a thousand books, and I started reading when I was five. By the time I was seven, I had already moved on to novels both fiction and non-fiction. My dad also introduced me to classical literature, black-and-white films, and books in different languages. Those experiences shaped my thinking and how I approach storytelling.
Because of my dad’s job, we moved around a lot, and I studied in different schools across India. Each place brought something new into my life, and I think that diversity reflects in my stories. My dad would often take me to libraries wherever we lived, and that’s where my bond with books really grew. Even now, while e-books and audiobooks are convenient, I still prefer reading a physical book.
My first book titled ‘Angel’ is a political romance. It’s about two childhood friends who grow apart due to misunderstandings but reconnect as adults. Writing it wasn’t easy. I was going through a lot emotionally at the time, and writing became a way for me to process everything. I finished the manuscript in a month, but the publishing process took eight months—it was challenging as a first-time author.
My family and friends supported me every step of the way. My parents were always there to encourage me, and my best friend—who is also my biggest critic helped me fine-tune the book.
There’s an element of feminism in the story too. For me, feminism is about equal opportunities and understanding—not about one gender being better than the other. It’s a concept that often gets misinterpreted, and I’ve tried to explore it in my writing.
“For anyone dreaming of becoming a writer, I’d say—start small and keep going. The journey isn’t easy, especially when it comes to finding a publisher or facing criticism, but it’s all part of the process. Right now, I’m working on my second book, and I’m excited to keep sharing the stories I’ve been holding on to for so long.”
- Susmitha Manasa, Author