Love, they say, deserves another try. And the author of Hashtag: It’s Complicated proves just that through a story that explores hope, timing, and the inexplicable pull of destiny. We sat down for an insightful chat about her journey as an editor-turned-author, her faith in fate, and what it truly means to believe in second chances.
Let’s dive right into the conversation!
“Hi Ritu, I am glad to have this conversation with you.”
1. What inspired you to write a second-chance love story? Do you believe in second chances in real life?
“Hi, it’s my pleasure. To answer your question, yes, I absolutely believe in second chances, both in life and in love. Over the years, I’ve edited countless manuscripts for other writers, and somewhere along the way, their stories began to stir something in me. I realised that every narrative, no matter how different, carried a common thread of hope and redemption. That belief inspired me to write my own story. A reminder that sometimes, what’s meant for you finds its way back, just at a different time.”
“What a poetic take on life and love and that line, “what’s meant for you finds its way back,” captures the essence of every great romance.“
2. Does this story have any real semblance, or is it purely fictional?
“The story is purely fictional, though it draws subtle inspiration from people and experiences around me. The characters aren’t based on any one individual, but rather a blend of traits I’ve observed over time. The name of the school in the book, SLK International, is a heartfelt tribute to my grandfather, Sham Lal Khurana, who has been my greatest inspiration and guiding force in my writing journey.”
“A tribute like that adds so much emotional depth; it’s beautiful how a piece of personal memory finds its place in fiction.“
3. Since fate has a lot to do in your novel, do you believe in destiny and the notion that Fate works in mysterious ways in our lives?
“Yes, I firmly believe in fate and destiny. They play a significant role in shaping our life’s journey. Sometimes, no matter how carefully we plan or how hard we try to control the outcome, life has its own design. I think fate often steps in when we least expect it, guiding us toward people, moments, and choices that ultimately define who we become. It’s that quiet orchestration of coincidences and timing that fascinates me, and it’s what I wanted to explore through my story – how destiny can redirect lives in the most unexpected yet meaningful ways.”
“I am also a true believer in cosmic timing! It’s refreshing to see fate treated as a quiet yet powerful character in her story.”
4. Why did you choose Gurugram as the setting of this novel?
“Since this is my debut novel, I wanted to begin with something close to home, something I know well. I’ve lived in Gurugram for years and am familiar with its rhythm, its contrasts, and its unique energy. It felt natural to set the story here. Being a modern-day love story, it needed a backdrop that reflected contemporary life, ambition, and connection and what better place than the ‘Millennium City’ itself, where tradition and modernity constantly intersect?”
“I have also been to Gurugram a few times this year, with its fast pace and modern spirit, it fits this love story perfectly.”
5. Since you have been in the field of editorial yourself, what was your writing process like?
It was definitely not as easy as I had imagined. The story itself came to me quite naturally, but the real challenge began after the first draft. At first glance, it looked perfect, until I stepped away from it for a month and returned with fresh eyes. That’s when I realised how many mistakes I’d made as a writer. When you’re caught up in the creative flow, you often wear blinders and miss things you’d otherwise catch instantly as an editor. The process was humbling and eye-opening. It gave me a deeper respect for the authors I work with and, in many ways, made me a more patient and empathetic editor.
“The honesty here is admirable; it’s not easy for an editor to step into the author’s shoes and admit the learning curve!”
6. What is that one suggestion you will give our aspiring writers before they begin their first draft?
My biggest advice would be: just start writing. Don’t wait for the perfect idea, mood, or sentence to appear. The first draft is meant to be messy; it’s supposed to be raw. That’s where the magic begins. Too many aspiring writers get stuck chasing perfection in the first go, but writing is really about rewriting. Get your thoughts on paper first. Structure and polish can come later. Most importantly, trust your voice. No one can tell your story the way you can.
“That’s gold.”
7. If there’s one thing you could tell your past self before writing and publishing your first book, what would it be?
If I could speak to my past self, I would say, ‘Trust the process and be patient with yourself.’
Writing a book is as much about discovery as it is about discipline. There will be moments of doubt, frustration, and self-critique, but every step, every draft, and every edit shape your story and hone your voice. I’d also remind myself to celebrate the small milestones along the way, because the journey of bringing a book to life is just as important as the finished product.
“That’s such a gentle reminder, patience and self-compassion truly are the unsung heroes of creativity.”
8. How was your publishing experience? Was it what you had imagined, or is it different from what it looks like from afar?
My publishing experience was both enlightening and humbling. From the outside, it often appears to be a straightforward process: write, edit, publish. However, in reality, it’s a journey filled with unexpected challenges, learning curves, and moments of growth. Every stage, from refining the manuscript to collaborating with cover designers and marketing personnel, taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of trusting the team around me. It was different from what I had imagined, but in the best way. It deepened my appreciation for the craft and for everyone who works behind the scenes to bring a book to life.
“A peek behind the curtain, it’s heartening to hear such gratitude for the teamwork that goes into every book’s success.“
9. Speaking of debut novels, do you plan to go forward in this writing journey, or will it be one and done?
Absolutely! Now that I’ve experienced the thrill of publishing, I’m eager to continue this journey. I already have several ideas brewing, particularly as a continuation of the Hashtag series. I’m currently working on the first draft of the next book in the series, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds. Fingers crossed!
“That’s exciting news, readers. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s next in the Hashtag universe!”
10. Extending on the previous question, if you were to make a sequel to this book, or an alternative ending, where do you see your protagonists?
“I’m not planning a direct sequel for this particular book. However, as I mentioned earlier, I do plan to continue with the Hashtag series. The upcoming books will remain in the same genre: contemporary romance, second chances, and, of course, happily-ever-after stories. I’ve always loved reading these kinds of stories, and over time, several ideas have been brewing in my mind that I’m excited to explore further.”
“Looks like romance readers are in for a treat: more hope, more heart, and a lot more love coming soon!”
11. Since you are a reader yourself, give our romance fanatic readers some recommendations of books you swear by.
“As a reader and romance enthusiast, I love stories that are heartfelt, character-driven, and leave you with a sense of hope. Some of my favourite reads that I often recommend include:
• “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover: a beautifully emotional story about love, resilience, and making difficult choices.
• “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary: a quirky, heartwarming contemporary romance full of humour and charm.
• “Second Chance at Never” by Elle Casey: for those who love second-chance love stories with depth and relatability.
• And, of course, my all-time favourite: Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. It’s the quintessential romance of its era, full of wit, social insight, and timeless charm.
These books all have one thing in common: they make you laugh, cry, and believe in the magic of love.”
” I love them all. A perfect reading list for anyone who believes that love, no matter how complicated, always finds its way.“
Thank you, Ritu, for your time, and thanks to all our readers. Hashtag: It’s Complicated is more than just a love story, it’s a reflection of life’s second chances, the invisible strings of destiny, and the courage it takes to begin again. Through this candid chat, the author reminds us that while love may not always be simple, it’s always worth the risk.
Here’s to stories that heal, inspire, and remind us that sometimes, it really is complicated but beautifully so.
If you are interested in reading this excellent Novel, grab your copy from Amazon or Flipkart.
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