Yashraj Srivastav Talks About His Book “PUZZLE ”

About the Author:

Yashraj Srivastav is an 11th-grade student diligently preparing for further examinations abroad as well in India. Passionate about literature, he co-founded ‘The Orwell Thinkers’ at his school to foster a love for reading and writing among his peers. In addition to excelling academically, Yashraj is working on an ambitious screenplay for a future project. An enthusiastic reader and avid movie enthusiast, he continuously seeks to broaden his creative horizons.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A:The women around me and in this world, inspired me to write this book; you know I have heard many cases of single parenting in India, this provoked me to write about this sensitive topic but as a perspective about a single mother. The inspiration to write something can come from any place and mine was the people around me, I knew I have a talent in writing and I just wanted a story that can prove this thing and the beautiful people around me told me, “Life grants you just one chance, a single journey to showcase every hidden talent within you. Make it count, for once your time is up, there’s no second act.”

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: My book “PUZZLE” is a story about Anvita, a young woman in her 20s and she explores her life, it’s a tale of love, resilience, a ray of hope, trust, abuse and redemption and the fragments of “PUZZLE” plays an important role in this thing which explores and narrates the whole setting in a different way.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: “PUZZLE” stands as a metaphor, which co-relates, the whole story and with backdrop of puzzle, explaining the whole scenario of the novel. Puzzle stands for our life too, we never know if your puzzle is solved, our incidents in life are fragments which later joins and then our puzzle get complete.

Q: Was The Character Inspired By A Real Person?

A: I can’t say that my character is inspired by a real person, but the idea of the story came through an incident. The character “Anvita”, which I showcased in the novel, is a collection of thousands of women around our world their helplessness and their philosophy, the color of Anvita’s character is not feministic but an empowering one and If my novel gets a sucsess I hope that women around me and in this world in India they will learn from the character of Anvita that what a true women is.

Q: How Long Does It Take You To Write A Book?

A: As a student, balancing academics with writing a debut novel isn’t easy. When I began writing this novel, I was in 10th grade, back in 2023. What started as a single page in my diary quickly grew, eventually moving to Google Docs. Writing every day was a challenge, and at times it felt overwhelming, but there was something inside me that pushed me to keep going. I couldn’t find peace until I completed my first draft by December 2023. February brought the intensity of board exams, and I had to pause writing. Those were some of the most difficult days—I felt like a part of me was withering without the creative outlet of writing. But by March 2024, I picked up where I left off, diving into the second draft and completing it within three weeks. After revisiting my work and making changes, I began drafting the third version in April. I finished it within a week but had to set it aside for a while due to my studies. It wasn’t until after a transformative trip to Mangalore that I resumed writing. The trip shifted my perspective on life, and when I returned, I felt more inspired than ever. By July 2024, I finally completed the final draft.

Q: Where Do You Get Your Information Or Ideas For Your Books?

A: I draw inspiration for my books and stories from the world around me. Whether it’s a friend’s experience of failing an exam or a casual conversation, every moment holds the potential for a story. For me, ideas can come from anywhere; the source doesn’t matter as long as it sparks something creative within me.
Q: Do You Have Any Suggestions To Help Others To Become A Better Writer? If So, What Are They?

A: To become a better writer, I suggest focusing on cultivating original ideas. Look closely at your own life—your experiences, challenges, and observations—and draw inspiration from them. Authenticity in storytelling comes from reflecting on what you know and feel deeply. Keep a notebook handy to capture these moments of inspiration as they come. Writing them down immediately helps you preserve the rawness of the idea, which often leads to more genuine and impactful stories.

Q: What, In Your Opinion, Are The Most Important Elements Of Good Writing?

A: In my opinion, one of the most important elements of good writing is the depth of the characters, particularly their psychology. Understanding and conveying a character’s inner thoughts, motivations, fears, and desires adds layers to the story, making the characters feel real and relatable. When you explore the psychology of a character, you give readers a glimpse into their mind, allowing them to connect on a deeper level. This emotional connection is what often makes a story memorable and impactful.

Q: What Is The Most Difficult Part About Writing For You?

A: The most difficult part of writing for me is conveying emotions during an argument scene. Capturing the intensity, tension, and underlying emotions in such moments can be challenging. To make it feel authentic, I often draw from real-life experiences, tapping into how I or others have felt in similar situations. This helps me bring a genuine emotional depth to the scene.
Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?
A: To me, success means establishing a connection with new readers, earning their respect, and becoming a source of inspiration for them. It’s about making an impact through my writing, where my work resonates with others and encourages them in some meaningful way.

Q: Do You Believe A Book Cover Plays An Important Role In The Selling Process?

A: While it’s often said that “you should never judge a book by its cover,” the reality is that a book cover plays a significant role in the selling process. It serves as the first impression and can attract potential readers by reflecting the book’s tone and content. A compelling cover can grab attention and entice readers to explore further.

Q: Where Do You Get Your Greatest Ideas For Writing?

A: I find some of my greatest ideas for writing from reading the works of influential writers like Charles Bukowski, Franz Kafka, George Orwell, and Rabindranath Tagore. Their unique perspectives and storytelling techniques inspire me and spark new creative ideas.

Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?

A: My advice to aspiring authors is to follow your passion and not worry too much about what others think. Stay true to your voice and vision, and let your love for writing guide you.