Interview Questions
Books Chharming
(The first time I answered. I switched
between tabs and it got deleted, perhaps I
had not saved it.
Silly me!)
Name - Arnav Agrawal
Please give us a short intro of yourself in 3rd
person – Arnav has written 4 books - The
Stars of the Flag, Espionage, Chenyasha and
LIFE. He is best known for Chenyasha, which
features AI generated images. His books
dives into history, sports, war and politics
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not
many people know.
A. I had Atrial Septal Defect. I went to
Bengaluru, in 2019 to get it operated
when it failed, and Mumbai, in 2022 when
it succeeded.
Another incident, many people don’t
know, is when I cried too much for a
lunch. It was Director’s Lunch, an honor
in our school, my friend, Arav Khabiya,
who inspired me to start writing was also
selected alongside a newcomer, Parinita
from our class.
Q.2 When should we expect your next book?
What will it be about?
A. You should expect a thriller of politics,
etc. Somewhat, unique and inspiring. It
will be about ‘India’ and her brave
children. Fun fact, it took me 20 - 23 days
to write the first two chapters of my new
novel, while it took only 5 - 6 days to write
the whole Chanyasha.
Q.3 What inspired you to write Chenyasha?
A. A friend of mine, the story, I’d like to
keep to myself (not Arav Khabiya - the
friend referring to here).
Q.4 At just 13 years old, what challenges did
you face while writing the book, and how did
you overcome them?
A. Nothing, while writing Chenyasha.
With LIFE and my latest book, managing
time with school, and managing my
impatience of writing, to control and help
me to study.
Q.5 Can you share your writing process? Do
you follow a routine, or do you write whenever
inspiration strikes?
A. I write whenever inspiration strikes. I
write with the flow. Everytime, I myself
don’t know the ending, as I just write with
the flow. The book appears as a movie in
my head while writing.
Q.6 What is the best piece of advice anyone
has ever given to you?
A. My favorite English teacher, Richa
Ma’am said during the Director Lunch
thing, ‘Don’t be disheartened, try and try,
you earn it!’
Q.7 What were your feelings when you first
saw the cover page of your book?
A. I felt good as I myself instructed AI to
make it.
Q.8 Do you read your book reviews? How do
you deal with good or bad ones?
A. I read them. Good ones - I fell
uncomfortable when someone praises me,
so, nothing, just good and uncomfortable.
Bad ones - thanks for your valuable and
valueless feedback.
Q.9 What was one of the most surprising
things you learned while writing this book?
A. The pressure a sportsperson has on
his or her shoulders while playing for his
or her country in a big tournament.
Q.10 How did you develop the character of
Chen Yi? Is he inspired by anyone in real life?
A. Yes, The same friend who inspired me to
write Chenyasha.
Q.11 Chenyasha features AI-generated
images. What was your experience using this
technology in storytelling?
A. It was alright. Sometimes, frustrating.
But its a new technology, so I don’t expert
it to be perfect.
Q.12 Looking back, is there anything you
would change or add to the story now?
A. My narration and pacing, its too fast.
People say my ending, but no, it sets up
perfectly for a potential second part, I
think.
Q.13 Who are your favorite authors or books
that influenced your writing style?
A. Elisabetta Dami, I like her books, the
Geronimo Stilton Series. Ruskin Bond,
and Willaim Shakspeare, his Merchant of
Venice was simply too good. My writing
style, is mine, I don't think its been
influenced.
Q.14 Who designed your book cover? What
was the selection process?
A. I did it myself.
Q.15 Do you have any advice for young,
aspiring authors who want to publish their
work?
A. I don’t think I’m Mature enough. But I
think, just go with the flow.
Q.16 Do you believe in writer’s block? If yes,
how do you deal with it?
A. I have never experienced it.
Q.17 How do you balance writing with school
and other activities?
A. I usually write in Summer Vacations,
one can write on alternate days, or at
night after dinner.
Q.18 How do your friends or family feel about
your book or writing venture in general?
A. Family - Proud. Eager. Excited
Friends - I usually never tell them. When I
tell or they get to know, they are very
curious.
Q.19 What was your experience working with
BriBooks? Would you recommend them to
other young writers?
A. I wouldn’t recommend it. You can’t
control the price, making it too expensive.
Their editor/word processor is too
annoying. Their cover designer is not
good. If you want to import one yourself,
you need an extra subscription. Plus less
credibility.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing
journey so far.
A. I don’t know. Ask this after 7 - 10 years. I
would be fit to answer this question. I’m too
Immature, I think.
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LinkedIn -
Instagram – arnav29102011
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Website/Blog -
[Link]
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[Link]
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