Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Risha Chaurasia, a 14 year old Indian author, blogger and literature advocate spreading positivity through writing. I have published 2 books so far, TRUCE and Tales of Twinkling Tweens. I hail from Indore, India.
TRUCE is a novel exploring themes of friendship, love and self discovery, which I started writing at age 12. It even made it to the Kindle Bestseller list at 24 rank.
The story revolves around 5 protagonists-Tiya, Ron, Udit, Cayra and Edi, with each one of them facing their own challenges.The story takes you through their journey of tackling their problems and blooming into confident young adults.
I began writing at age 8 and started off with plays performed in my school. I wrote my first novel Tales of Twinkling Tweens at age 11.
This book touched various aspects of a tween’s life. It took the readers through school experiences—teachers, relationships with friends, experiencing bullying, examination pressure, annoying habits of tween boys and girls, their complex emotions and embracing many changes they undergo.
Both novels have received much love and admiration from the readers .
Currently I’m working on a 3rd novel, which I started writing at age 13.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is To My Homies and its inspired by my own life and friends and their experiences. It is a story of friendship, love and self love, detailing the journey of a group of young adults to become confident people.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yess! I can go months on end without writing, or write like crazy everyday.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always been a voracious reader and have loved reading. Enid Blyton and John Green have influenced me. I also loved reading Geronimo Stilton as a kid.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my 3rd novel and 4th novel, which are young adult novels.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use social media to promote my writing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
2 pieces of advice:
To keep on writing and write everyday.
To believe in yourself and never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My mom said this to me, ‘You write for yourself, not the world.’
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Rick Riordian’s Heroes of Olympus Series
What’s next for you as a writer?
My third novel To My Homies and my 4th novel.
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?
TRUCE (my own)
Turtles all the way down
Unbreakable
Sun is also a star