At the young age of 23, Nikita Singh is a best-selling novelist, with her latest book, After All This Time adding the enviable tally of eight published novels to her name. The young writer spoke with us about her new book, and certainly managed to make a great impression with her candour and her unapologetic stance on feminism:
Being a writer at such a young age, was it difficult for you to first be taken seriously at the beginning of your career (for instance while publishing and promoting Love @ Facebook)?
Fortunately, when I started off in 2011, the market was welcoming young talent with open arms. So there wasn’t much struggle trying to get published. It was afterwards when I was making a place for myself that I realised nothing was going to be served on a platter to me. There is no alternative to hard work.
Where do you get your inspiration for your novels?
I draw from my own experiences-first and second hand. I observe things around me and when something clicks and I feel like I can pursue it and turn it into a book, I do!
Could you tell us a little about After All This Time…
After All This Time is the story of two very old friends separated by circumstances, now coming back together by a twist of fate. Several years have passed and their dynamics change completely. Also, they are both dealing with some personal demons and make a deal to help each other overcome them.
Which writers influenced you while growing up?
I only read children’s fiction growing up, Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. In my late teens, I read Harry Potter.
Your writing often has very strong and well-written female characters. Do you consider yourself a feminist?
Definitely. I think everyone should be a feminist. My definition of feminism isn’t that women are superior to men. I am for equality.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
There’s no cure to writer’s block but to get over yourself and sit down and write. It’s very easy to get caught up in one’s own head. Procrastination is what I struggle with the most in my writing.
What genres of writing would you like to experiment with in the future?
I’m going to take it as it comes. I’ve always been interested in writing fantasy, but there’s no concrete plan for it.
Do you have any advice for young writers looking to start a career?
Don’t worry about the current trends and think about what people want to read-be true to yourself and write what you feel like writing. Your work will be strongest when it comes from within.
What do you think contributed most to your success as a writer?
The fact that I kept writing regularly. And that I have always strived for my next book to be better than my last one-my personal ambition.
Since you’re famous for your writing on romance, I have to ask - what is your own opinion or experience with romantic love and relationships? Are you a romantic at heart?
I am a romantic at heart, yes. I believe in happy endings!
Do you have any other novels planned as yet?
I’m working on a concept right now. I hope to finish this book over the summer. — Aneessa Madan
