It’s been approximately six weeks since my debut novel The Little Light made it’s way from the Cosmic Womb and into the world… Last weekend, my book hit the bestseller chart on Amazon. I must say, it was quite something to see it as a #1 in two categories: metaphysical fiction and teen myths and legends. It’s already been an incredible journey and as things build momentum, I’m excited to see what’s coming next.
You never know where the wind can blow you.
In the interim, my very first author interviews are out. If you’re interested in hearing more about my literary influences as well as the journey that led to the making of The Little Light, check out these links.
As a teaser, I’ve included a question from each interview in this post.
Bookish Elf
What brought about the idea for The Little Light and why did you want to write it?
The idea came to me when I was lying in bed alone in my apartment in Japan. I was contemplating the vast nature of the universe when I suddenly thought, “How nice it would be if I could invite the planets over for a discussion on life, love and the larger purpose for our existence.”
I promptly opened up my notebook and drew a sketch of what the mythological Nine Celestial Beings would look like if they were ‘updated’ for the modern era. The idea ruminated in my head for four years before I finally sat down to write the story.
Writer Interviews
How have your readers responded to the book so far?
Many of my readers have said that The Little Light is a unique book in the spirituality genre. My novel handles themes like reincarnation, mythology, cosmology and folklore. There’s nothing else like it available in the market. Titles in the spirituality genre are typically non-fiction and intended for an adult audience. I’ve written The Little Light with younger readers in mind. My goal is to inspire their curiosity in these topics in a fun and accessible way.
Dr Mel’s Message
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
The well-meaning ‘advice’ of my friends and family.
I’d say a vast majority of them would prefer that I live a ‘stable and secure’ life where I conform to societal norms. However, the heart wants what it wants. I’ve met way too many people who make the mistake of projecting their own fears and expectations onto me.
One thing I’ve learned is that it is unwise to stand between a soul and its heart’s desire. The soul always chooses the heart’s desire.
International Book Promotion
What marketing works for you?
I’d say that unlike other ‘products’ available in the market, a book is different – especially when we’re talking about fiction. We can do our best to hustle and get it out there into the hands of reviewers and readers, but we never know when the story will take off and find its way into the public imagination. It’s not a linear path.
Awesome Gang
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Kindle… I know – cheating right? Then again, knowing my luck, the battery will probably die just as the story is reaching its climax. So in all seriousness…
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Witches by Roald Dahl
Leader: 50 Insights from Mythology by Devdutt Pattanaik
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
Can I sneak in a fifth book? I know… cheating, right?
The Indie Children’s Author’s Connection
What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
I loved going to the local library as a kid. A place filled with books where you can read for free? For a long time, that’s what I thought heaven looked like.
Whenever I opened a book, I entered magical worlds, travelled far far away and went on grand adventures without leaving my bedroom. Books inspired my curiosity, fired my imagination and broadened my horizons.
These days I travel a lot and create my own magical worlds. I hope my books can give readers what my favorite authors once gave me.
Available on Amazon:
The Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu – Celestial Beings from world mythology – bicker and squabble, just like any family. But they’re going to have to put their differences aside to help the Little Light – a wise soul, imbued with insight and curiosity – prepare for its birth on Planet Earth, where it has a great and far-reaching destiny…
The Mercantile 
Congratulations on your success! That must be such an amazing feeling to see your book ding so well 🙂
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Indeed it was 🙂 thank you for your kind words.
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