Exclusive Interview With Devina Awasthi, Author Of ‘Choose Me’

Lucknow born Devina Awasthi Singh is a talented young author. A Lawyer by profession, Devina is currently working with CPA Global. Previously she had worked with PepsiCo. Devina is an active thinker and loves creating stories in her mind.

‘Choose Me’ is Devina’s debut novel.  We, at Spectralhues got in touch with the author. In a candid interview with Susmita Bose, she talks about her book, her dreams and her journey.

Congratulations on the release of your first book “Choose Me”. What kind of response you are receiving from the readers?

Honestly it has been a mixed reaction. Some people have loved it and some did not find the end convincing and certain section of the book. But that’s ok…this book was more than just a fantasy tale for me. So even if a small section loved the book I feel blessed. The sales have been very encouraging and I hope it continues like this. I also got an opportunity to gift the book to Ranbir Kapoor which was the crowning glory.

Is this book a pure fiction or a diary of an author?

The Characters are all inspired by the people who are and were in my life. The story is something that I wished my friend’s life to be when I was 19. I can neither say it’s pure fiction nor a diary. It’s a product of a very depressing afternoon.

What motivates you to write this particular story?

When you are growing up you plan a lot of things, however not many come true. But just the thought in our mind at that age of ‘what if’ is fascinating. You build in your own story of what end you wanted, to comfort yourself. And that is how the story was woven.

How was your experience with your publisher?

It  was good not great, however they are my first publishers and they will always be special to me.

Devina Awasthi

There are uncanny similarities we found between the protagonist Mansi and you? So how much Mansi is Devina in real life?

Mansi is Devina. We think the same things, we over think as well. It was very easy to write about her because I was also filling my characteristics in her.

Are the central characters like Adiitya, Arun or Niharika  – based on real persons known to you?

Aditya is pure fiction. He is the guy every girl dreams to be with. Arun shares little traits of a person I used to know and Niharika is a culmination of many friends I have had in my life.

What kind of support you are getting?

My family was more emotional than me when the news broke out. My grandmother was more delighted since now there is another author in the family; my great grandmother was a novelist. My father in law loved the book and has been really going gaga about it. He loved the entire wedding scenario and my father was very emotional since he is deep into literature. My husband also, who has zero interest in reading was an amazing support.

If you are given chance then what book, specially a love story, you want to re-write? And why?

I think l’ll be killed by this, but I wish Eric Segal could have written another ending for love story. I would love to re-write it with my own ending.

What is your idea of perfect love?

The sense of being complete is my idea of perfect love and it is a surreal feeling. I never really knew however, if it existed, until I met Shiven; my husband. It was just so amazing to say to him, where were you before? The happiness, the unconditional love that I had been craving for a long time got fulfilled.

How do you manage time from your busy schedule to sit and write?

I don’t get time now. Life has become a little busy. However every once in a while I do scribble in things here and there to relax me. I love writing poems more and I have diaries and short stories of them.

With Ranbir Kapoor

Who are your favourite authors? What kind of books you read?

I don’t really have a favorite author.   But I like Noveneel Chakraborty’s style of writing and how he develops the characters in his books.

As for books, it ranges, it could be a love story or a suspense. It’s all about a good story. These days its 50 shades that I am addicted to.

Tell us little bit about you. What interests you other than writing?

Cooking. Its my passion and a stress reliever. I am at my happy space when I am cooking, and love to try out new things.

Tell us something about your future plans? Have you already started planning for your next book?

Yes and no. there are many plots in my head but I am not getting time to develop it. Lets see…. but soon enough I will start this or may be publish my poems and short stories.

Any message to Spectralhues readers?

Big thank you to the people who picked up the book to read. If you have not already do try to. I hope there are more amazing books coming up for all of us to read.

That was Devina Awasthi Singh! Dedication, hard work and honesty have made Devina to achieve success in life. Spectralhues is wishing her all the best for her future endeavors.

• About the Author

About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!