Q.1 What inspired you to create Maya James’s character and her challenging journey of loss, fear,
and resilience?
I started reading actively in 2018 and reading different books made my imagination even more
active. I decided to write something at first not sure how it would go and with not many ideas in
mind I started writing. It was as if the story came to me just like that. I wrote about Maya and her
journey on the go without any outline at first, but ideas didn’t pop up much after a while. I took a
break, gave it a try, and imagining all the scenes in mind first, I wrote again.
Q.2 How was your experience with Paper Towns?
I found Papertown when I was searching for publishers. At that time, I wasn’t aware of how these
things work. But when I talked to them, they helped me understand the whole process. They made
all of it very easy and convenient for me. They helped me with any doubts or concerns I had
throughout. I had a great experience throughout.
Q.3 Maya’s journey touches on themes of resilience and survival. What message do you hope
readers take from her story?
Maya’s characters suffer loss and hurt in this book and it’s the story of how she survives and
accepts the challenges that life throws at her. What I think we should take from her journey is that,
no matter how many challenges life throws at us, with wonderful friends and family and a strong
determination we can face anything and overcome any shortcomings.
Q.4 The story mixes psychological thriller and emotional drama. What were some challenges you
faced in blending these genres effectively?
There were many instances when I faced writer’s block, but one thing I learned during the writing
process was that we need to give it time and constant practice when writing. Reading various books
helped me understand different topics and tropes and that also helped me in my writing and ideas.
Q.5 If you had to describe Maya’s story in three words, what would they be and why?
Life, Survival, and Love; This story is my book baby, and very close to my heart. It’s difficult to
bracket it in three words but if I had to choose, these three words would do it. Simple yet
meaningful.
Q.6 If your book ever gets selected for a movie, which actors would you cast for each role?
Well, that is a difficult question. There are wonderful actors all around the world and choosing a
few among them is difficult. But if I have to, I’d like to have a few actors – For Maya – Priyanka
Chopra/Deepika Padukone, For Liam- Ian Somerhalder/Ranbir Singh, For Joshua – Shahid
Kapoor/Paul Wesley, For Amy- Shraddha Kapoor/Nina Dobrev, For Neil- Rana Daggubati/Joseph
Morgan, For Dan- Daniel Gillies/Ram Charan
Q 7 Describe a lesser-known aspect of Nupur.
The lesser-known facts about me – I love Dark Romance and Fantasy books. I love Horror movies a lot
and also horror books. I love to make Macrame products. I am a moody cook; I cook different items
when I am in a mood but some days, I don’t cook at all.
Buy the book- https://www.amazon.in/dp/936185688X
