Sonam Tenzin Talks About His Book “Unfinished Prayers”

About the Author:

Sonam Tenzin was born in Bhutan and raised between quiet mountains and louder questions. He is currently studying Buddhist Philosophy at the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute in Mysore and works as a Tibetan-English translator with the Padma Mani Translation Committee. His writing explores themes of memory, longing, and inner stillness—drawing from both Himalayan tradition and his own lived experience. Unfinished Prayers is his first novel, written for anyone who’s ever carried quiet questions, unfinished goodbyes, or prayers left without answers.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A: Honestly? I didn’t set out to write a book. I was just trying to make sense of memories that wouldn’t leave me alone. Some felt too heavy to carry, others too tender to forget. One night in Bodhgaya, I sat with a notebook and scribbled, not knowing I was beginning a novel. I think Unfinished Prayers came to me because I was finally quiet enough to hear it.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: Unfinished Prayers is a story told in fragments—just like how we remember life. It follows Sonam, a boy shaped by separations, secrets, and sacred places. There’s love, longing, and a lot of quiet questions that don’t have neat answers. It’s not a book that shouts. It lingers. It hums. And hopefully, it stays with you after the last page.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: I’ve always believed some prayers never end. We leave them mid-sentence, mid-tear, mid-dream—and life just keeps moving. The title Unfinished Prayers reflects that: the idea that healing, love, and even growing up can feel incomplete. And maybe that’s okay. Maybe it’s beautiful.

Q: Tell Us About Your First Published Book? What Was The Journey Like?

A: Wild. Terrifying. Magical. There were nights I was sure no one would care, mornings I felt unstoppable. The publishing world was new to me—I asked too many questions, made embarrassing typos, and probably annoyed my publisher with my emoji-filled emails. But the heart of the book kept pulling me forward. And here we are.

Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?

A: Write badly. Just begin. Don’t wait for some divine signal from the universe. The words won’t always sound wise or beautiful at first, but they’re yours. Trust them. And don’t be afraid to write from your scars. That’s where the light seeps in.

This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.