Written Author Interview
Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
I’m Alekhya, a passionate writer and a software engineer by profession. Writing is my way of expressing emotions and connecting with others, but I have several other interests that keep me inspired and refreshed. Outside of writing, I enjoy watching movies and series, which often fuel my creativity and storytelling. I also love coloring pictures—it’s a therapeutic activity that brings me joy and energy when I see vibrant colors come to life.
I’m always curious to learn new things, and platforms like YouTube are my go-to for discovering stories, listening to podcasts, and exploring topics that broaden my perspective. A typical day for me starts with quiet moments to plan my tasks, followed by work. Evenings are a mix of unwinding with my favorite shows, spending time coloring, or diving into new stories and ideas. Every day is an opportunity to balance my professional life with my creative passions.
What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
What got me into writing was my need for self-expression. I’m someone who usually shares my thoughts only with those closest to my heart. However, there are times when certain feelings can’t be shared with anyone, no matter how close they are. During such moments, I found writing to be my best outlet—a safe space to pour out everything I felt. I’ve always had countless thoughts swirling in my mind daily, but I rarely expressed them.
It was during the COVID-19 lockdown that these thoughts began turning into words. I started writing small quotes and lines, which I shared on Instagram. That’s where my journey began. Over time, I realized my potential as a writer. I climbed small steps—from posting on Instagram, to being a co-author in anthologies, participating in online writing competitions, and finally becoming an author.
My first novel was inspired by the incredible life of my parents. It starts with a question: What is success? This question arose as I reflected on my parents’ lives. To me, they are the best couple and role models—my dad is the best father, son, son-in-law, and brother, while my mom is the best mother, daughter, sister, friend, and more. Despite not being financially well-settled, they are the epitome of success in my eyes.
Through this book, I wanted to convey to the world that success isn’t defined by material wealth. There are countless people like my parents who embody love, sacrifice, and integrity. My goal is to motivate them, pat their shoulders, and say, “I’m proud of you all.
You are the most successful person!”
How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
When it comes to creating characters, I mostly draw inspiration from real-life people around me. The world is full of incredible stories, and I believe that the people we interact with—whether family, friends, or even strangers—are a treasure trove of inspiration.
Most of my characters are a reflection of real emotions, struggles, and personalities I’ve observed in others. While some characters are spontaneous and take shape as the story flows, others are meticulously planned to represent a specific emotion or journey. I aim to make my characters relatable and authentic, so readers can connect with them and feel as if they’ve known them all along.
What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
I mostly prefer self-help books that inspire personal growth and help us better understand ourselves. Some of my favorite reads include The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy and Mind is Your Business and Body the Greatest Gadget by Sadhguru. These books offer profound insights into the mind, body, and the limitless potential within us.
I’m also a big admirer of Sudha Murty’s writings. Her stories are simple yet powerful, often carrying heartfelt messages that resonate deeply with readers.
For first-time readers or anyone looking for something new, I’d recommend starting with self-help books that encourage self-discovery or exploring Sudha Murty’s works for their relatable narratives and life lessons. Both genres have something timeless and meaningful to offer.
What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
As a writer, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for my words. Words are powerful—they can uplift, inspire, or even change lives. I see my writing as a tool for positive change, and I believe that if my words can create any kind of positive impact, that becomes my contribution to society and my true achievement.
The most challenging part of being a writer is ensuring that my words don’t cause any harm. I am conscious of the fact that words, when misused, can mislead or negatively influence others. I feel responsible for creating content that encourages growth, positivity, and self-improvement, steering people towards the right path. It’s a constant balancing act to ensure that what I write can help, rather than harm, the readers.
What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
For me, completing a novel is a step-by-step process that combines initial structure with room for creativity. I begin with an idea or question that ignites my curiosity—like the one that inspired my first book: What is success? This question became the core of my story.
Once I have the central theme, I create an outline that helps guide the narrative, though I don’t rigidly stick to it. I believe that the story and characters sometimes develop in ways that I don’t anticipate, so flexibility is key. For example, my first book was inspired by real-life experiences. They were my guiding stars, but as I wrote, I let the characters breathe and evolve naturally.
The first draft is where I pour out all my ideas and emotions onto the page. Afterward, I take time to step back, reflect, and then start the editing process. This is the phase where I refine the story, ensuring that it aligns with the message I want to communicate. Editing also gives me the chance to ensure the pacing and characters are compelling and true to the essence of the story.
Finally, after a few rounds of editing and feedback, I feel ready to call it complete. For me, the journey of writing is one of growth—not just for the characters, but for myself as a writer.
What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
In my novel, the most unhinged thing I’ve written would probably be the emotional depths my characters dive into. There are moments where raw vulnerability and intense emotions take over, and they act in ways that might seem unpredictable or out of character. But to me, these moments are essential to show the complexity of human nature—how we sometimes break free from what’s expected or rational to truly express what we feel deep inside.For instance, there are moments when my characters make bold, almost reckless decisions, driven by their emotions or past traumas. These unhinged actions might seem extreme, but they serve as turning points in their journeys. I believe these kinds of moments help make the story more compelling and real, showing the struggles we all face as we try to navigate life’s complexities.
What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
One thing about being a writer that challenges me is the constant drive to improve and push my boundaries. Writing is my passion, and I’m always striving to make my work better. There’s always this desire to create something that feels both original and impactful. At times, I feel the pressure to ensure that I’m not being repetitive or falling short of my potential.
However, I don’t view this as frustration, but rather as an opportunity for growth. These challenges are part of the learning process, and each step teaches me how to refine my craft. It’s a journey of continuous improvement, and I embrace it as a way to elevate my writing to new levels.
What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
To me, being a successful writer means being able to convey my vision clearly to my readers, making them understand the message I want to share. True success, in my view, is when a writer can inspire or convince their readers to adopt or reflect upon that vision, even if just for a moment. It’s about creating a deep connection where readers not only appreciate the story but also take something valuable from it.
As for the life I want to lead as a writer, I hope to live in a way that allows me to continue learning, growing, and challenging myself. I want my writing to have meaning and purpose, and to touch lives in a way that inspires positive change. Being able to balance creativity, personal growth, and the impact I have on others would be the ultimate goal for me.
Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
My writing journey has been a gradual and fulfilling evolution, starting from a place of quiet reflection and a love for capturing thoughts through short quotes and lines. What began as small posts on Instagram has grown into a path full of learning, growth, and discovery. Each step, from being a co-author in anthologies to writing my first book, has been a progression of pushing myself further and embracing the challenges that come with it. Along the way, I’ve learned to listen to my inner voice and trust my instincts, even when doubts crept in.
If I had to write a story centered around my writing journey, I believe I could definitely pull it off. It would be a story of persistence, growth, and the pursuit of purpose. It would highlight the struggles of self-doubt, the triumphs of small achievements, and the power of believing in one’s own potential. There would be moments of reflection, moments of doubt, but ultimately, the story would convey that the journey itself, with all its ups and downs, is what shapes a writer into who they are.
Follow and Connect with Alekhya Turlapati
About
Alekhya Turlapati is a software professional by day and a passionate writer by night. After starting her writing journey by sharing motivational quotes on Instagram, she expanded her reach as a co-author for few anthologies, contributing to the world of words with every chance he got. Today, she has taken the leap into authorhood, with her debut book(“The Silent Compass”) now available on Amazon.
Drawing inspiration from the experiences of life—whether personal or societal, crafts stories with a philosophical touch. Her writing aims to leave an emotional impact, motivating and encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and find the strength to create positive change. Her first book offers a blend of deep insights and heartfelt encouragement, and she hopes it sparks inspiration in everyone who reads it.
As a writer, Alekhya is committed to connecting with people through her words, hoping to inspire, uplift, and contribute to meaningful conversations that could lead to small, yet significant, changes in society. Whether you’re seeking motivation, a fresh perspective, or simply the encouragement to take the next step in life, Alekhya invites you to join her on this journey of personal growth.
Looking forward to connecting with you !
Join me on Instagram and Threads : alekhya_turlapati
Book
The Silent Compass: https://a.co/d/iOSZOba
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