Where are you from?: Mumbai (currently an NRI residing in the Netherlands)

Tell us the story of how you got into writing: I have been a lover of the English language and reading for as long as I can remember. I used to pen down my thoughts and poetry in a diary as a teenager. So the 'writing as a hobby' part began in childhood itself. However, I was of the belief that being a writer cannot be a successful profession. So, writing remained a hobby till I became an adult and started working. I have done jobs in various industries right from Marketing to Teaching and Content Writing, only to realize that my professional calling is different from what I had so far believed. Hence, I started blogging and creative writing in 2016. In 2017, I decided to quit full-time jobs completely and have since then been taking up freelance writing as well as editing work. For my own content which includes poetry, flash fiction, and microtales, I slowly developed a steady social media following, which eventually led to book publishing and later, editing. Currently, I have four solo books, two co-authored books, and one edited book (for another author), under my name. I'm proud to say that four of these books have been Amazon bestsellers at one point or another. In fact, my short story in one of the co-authored books helped me win the Best Short Story Award in 2019. So, I would say, things have been looking good so far. The writing has been consistent in all formats, and I intend to write and edit many more books in the coming years. Not to mention, continue blogging and writing articles for various online and offline platforms as well.

What was your favorite book growing up?: I've read ample books in my childhood and teenage. So, it is kind of hard to choose one. However, I believe Enid Blyton, would be one author whose books I enjoyed the most.; especially her The Famous Five series,

What is your favorite book as an adult?: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

What is the name of your new book?: Love (Try) Angle. 
It is my debut novel in the Romantic Comedy/Contemporary Romance genre.

What inspired you to write the book?: Honestly I have been wanting to write a novel ever since my first book came out. The idea for this particular story came to me early morning one day and I knew that a short story wouldn't be able to do justice to this particular one. Hence, it became a novel.

Tell us more about your new book: The story revolves around Ayesha, Abhi, and Viren. Ayesha is a confident teenager and school topper who has just moved to Mumbai. Viren lives in the same society where she has moved in and they soon become friends. Abhi is a senior in the college which she joins. Ayesha and Abhi's relationship begins on a rocky terrain but they soon became good friends too. Ayesha is attracted to both of them but is not sure if it's love or just a passing crush. Both the boys find themselves drawn to her too. Who will Ayesha end up with, is the question that the book will answer? 

The three of them have distinct personalities and are all high achievers. They have clear goals about what they want from life. However, when it comes to matters of the heart, they're still figuring things out. Not unlike, most of us in our teenage and early 20s.

Where do you go to get into writing mode?: There is no particular spot that gets me into my writing mode. Generally, any place where I can be isolated (even a crowd sometimes) works for me. In my home, this place is either my work desk or a chair on the balcony.

Who needs to read this book?: Young Adults and Romcom Lovers. Actually chuck that, I think anyone who is looking for a refreshing and laugh out lead read, especially those who like movies, will like the book.

Who inspires you?: I'm not inspired by one particular person per se. I am of the belief that every person who comes into our life has something to teach us. This is why I get inspired by everyone around me, right from my parents, to my friends and extended family.

How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?: I believe books and documents (whether physical or virtual) form a major source of information. If not for books, how would we know about evolution or how the world came to be what it is today? The best and most authentic way to gain knowledge about anything is by reading. And if you are not literate, how will you read? This is why literacy is important. Literacy and education are two different things here. Literacy makes you smart and capable. It also instills confidence. To win with facts, reading and literacy are you two major tools.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to create something they dream of?: Focus on the small everyday things that bring you happiness. These will lead you to your purpose.

Where can people find your new book?: https://www.amazon.com/Manali-Desai/e/B087PD47GZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arusticmind/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindRustic

Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/arusticmind

Website: http://arusticmind.com/

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