Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 21-year-old girl from New Delhi, studying at Stanford University. I’ve written two books – Tides Don’t Cross and There is a Tide. My penchant for storytelling was sparked as a child playing make-believe games. When I’m not curled up on my blue beanbag with a book, you can catch me doing Muay Thai or cuddling with all things furry.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tides Don’t Cross is my latest book. It is a love-story, touching upon the existence of islamophobia today and the emergence of the new-age, ambitious woman. Set in New Delhi and Paris, the story follows the lives of three individuals as they wade through choppy of life, demonstrating resilience in the face of failure, plumbing love in its best and worst forms and laying bare the intricacies of relationships. I hope that after reading the book, the readers are able to fall in love with each of the characters, and maybe through that process, put aside their unfounded prejudices.
The seed for all my stories comes from some sort of injustice I see in the world, be it sexism, corruption or religious intolerance. My stories don’t necessarily solve the problem but establish them as issues we need to start caring about. This book’s inception was triggered when I constantly noticed the existence of an anti-Islamic sentiment even in well-educated, globalized households. It bothered me that even education, considered the biggest equaliser, couldn’t bridge this gap. I wanted the world to see a Muslim who was like them. Who had dreams and aspirations far from his religion. Whose identity wasn’t his faith. And so spurred Tides Don’t Cross, from a single seed of wanting to show the world that prejudices were just that. Prejudices. Unfounded, unfair and unnecessary.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm, I’m not so sure. I almost always start writing after midnight and I can’t write on a desk, ever. I like there to be absolute quiet when I’m working because I’m very easily distracted and the silence helps me listen to my thoughts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading a lot of Enid Blytons, Meg Cabots, Judy Blumes. Today, my inspirations are Jhumpa Lahiri and Jennifer Egan. I love love love their writing style. They’re pretty much goddesses in my opinion.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a collection of short stories. It’s still a work in progress and there’s a long way to go.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m so new to this whole world of promotions and marketing. So far social media channels are all I have.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That practice can truly make perfect.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Toni Morrison’s Mercy.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Stolen by Lucy Christopher and Lolita by Nabokov are two of my favorite books (very different genres lol).
Author Websites and Profiles
Simar Malhotra Website
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