Interview With Author Pearl Sankhla
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I am Pearl Sankhla, a university student and a dreamer who believes that the best stories are the ones that take us on a journey—both literally and emotionally. I have written one book so far: The Long Way to You. It is my debut novel, born from a love of travel and the idea that true love is worth fighting for. While this is my first published work, I have been crafting stories in my head for years, and I am thrilled to finally share this world with readers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called The Long Way to You. While it is a romance at heart, it was largely inspired by the beauty of travel and the kindness of strangers. I wanted to write a journey where the hero survives not because he is tough, but because he is kind. It’s inspired by the idea that even when we feel lost and alone in a foreign land, humanity has a way of guiding us to where we need to be.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I cannot write in silence. I tend to pick one specific song that matches the mood of a chapter and listen to it on repeat—sometimes for hours—until the scene is finished. For The Long Way to You, I spent a lot of time looping ‘The Night We Met’ to get the emotional tone just right. It helps me stay completely immersed in the character’s headspace.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am deeply influenced by Paulo Coelho, particularly The Alchemist. His ability to weave wisdom into a simple journey really inspired the road-trip aspect of my book. I also love John Green—especially Paper Towns—for the way he captures the feeling of chasing a mystery and the bittersweet transition from youth to adulthood.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am balancing my MBA studies with the launch of my debut novel. It’s a busy time, but I’m enjoying the challenge of applying the marketing strategies I learn in the classroom to my own book release! Between assignments and exams, I am also sketching out ideas for my next story, which might take a slightly darker, more thrilling turn than my first one.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a debut author, I find that curated book newsletters (like Awesome Gang!) are the most effective tool. I believe the hardest part of finding a new book is trust, and readers trust these newsletters to filter through the noise. I combine these features with Amazon’s ‘Free Promotion’ days to remove the risk for new readers and get my story into as many hands as possible.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice is: Don’t wait for perfection, just start. I used to think I needed to be older or more experienced to write a novel. But I realized that your voice matters now. You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank page. So, write the story that is keeping you up at night, and worry about the polishing later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Growth begins at the end of your comfort zone.’
This resonates deeply with me, both as an MBA student and as an author. It is also the central theme of my book, The Long Way to You. My main character has to leave the safety of his quiet life to find the girl he loves, proving that the best things in life only happen when you are brave enough to step into the unknown.
What are you reading now?
I am actually re-reading ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. Even though I’ve read it before, I find new meaning in it every time. Since my own debut novel is about a journey across a continent, I wanted to revisit the master of travel fiction to see how he handles the spiritual side of leaving home.
What’s next for you as a writer?
While I love the romance genre, I am actually experimenting with something a bit darker for my next project. I’m currently outlining a psychological thriller. I want to take the same emotional depth from The Long Way to You—the secrets, the intensity—and apply it to a mystery where the stakes are life-and-death. Stay tuned!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I’m stranded, I need stories that give me hope!
‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho – To remind me that the journey is part of my personal legend.
‘Life of Pi’ by Yann Martel – It feels appropriate for a survival situation, and I might pick up some tips on how to handle tigers!
‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Because the writing is so beautiful I could re-read it forever and notice something new every time.
‘Harry Potter’ (The Complete Collection) – My comfort read. If I’m stuck on an island, I’ll need a little magic to keep me sane.”
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.