At an age when most children are still discovering their favorite books, 11-year-old Nishika has already written one.
Her debut fantasy novel — which follows a magical girl named Isolde caught in a web of trust, betrayal, and self-discovery — is a powerful testament to the imagination and emotional depth of young creators. We caught up with the Bangalore-based prodigy to understand what drove her to write, how her characters took shape, and what lies ahead for her in the world of words — and beyond.
Order Her Book Here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0F8VDFLNC
Q: Nishika, congratulations on publishing your first novel! When did your writing journey begin?
Nishika: Thank you. My writing journey began when I was around 7 or 8. I’ve always loved storytelling and creating new worlds, so writing feels like a natural way to express that.
Q: What was the inspiration behind the story of Isolde, Cassian, and Vale?
Nishika: I was inspired by stories and movies with interesting friendships. I wanted to write about what it’s like when people you care about also cause problems. That’s how Isolde, Cassian, and Vale’s story came to life.
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Q: Did you know how the story would end when you started writing?
Nishika: I had a general idea about how the story would end, but the characters definitely surprised me along the way. Sometimes they made choices I didn’t expect, which made writing even more exciting.
Q: One of the lines from your book really stood out — something about power, love, and trust. Can you tell us more?
Nishika: That line really sums up the story’s heart. To me, it means that having power can make people scared of me, love can be risky, and trusting the wrong person can cause the biggest problems. It’s a reminder that everything is not as simple as it seems.
Q: Isolde is such a complex and relatable character. How did you create her?
Nishika: I wanted Isolde to feel real, with both strengths and doubts. I thought about what it’s like to face hard choices and feel caught between people you care about. Her struggles and bravery come from those moments of figuring out who she really is.
Q: Vale is a fan favorite — dark, mysterious, and layered. What was it like writing his character?
Nishika: Writing Vale was really interesting because he’s not just a villain—he’s complicated. It was fun to explore his cold and powerful side while showing there’s more to him beneath the surface. Characters like him make the story more exciting.
Q: Your fantasy world feels rich and vivid. How did you go about building it?
Nishika: I started by imagining a world where magic feels real and has limits, so the story stays exciting and believable. I didn’t make maps or drawings at first—I built the world mostly in my head as I wrote, figuring out the rules along the way.
Q: Did you base any characters on real people?
Nishika: Some characters have little parts inspired by people I know—like their kindness, bravery, or even their stubbornness. But mostly, I made them up by mixing different traits and imagining how they’d act in the story.
Q: How long did it take you to finish the book?
Nishika: It took me about a year to write the book. I didn’t always write every day, but I tried to set aside time regularly. Sometimes inspiration hit, and other times I just worked through ideas even if I wasn’t feeling really inspired.
Q: Did you ever experience writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
Nishika: Yeah, I ran into writer’s block sometimes. When that happened, I’d take a break or do something else creative. Sometimes just stepping away for a bit helped me get new ideas and get back to writing.
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Q: What was the hardest part of writing the story — and your favorite?
Nishika: The hardest part was writing the tough scenes where Isolde has to make big decisions. Those were really emotional. My favorite was the moments when the characters really connect and show who they are — those parts felt really special to me.
Q: Did your family read your book?
Nishika: My sister was the first to read it, but she didn’t finish the whole thing. She liked parts of it though, and that still meant a lot to me.
Q: Who are your favorite authors?
Nishika: I really love Lauren Roberts — Fearless was so emotional and unforgettable. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard hooked me with its intense story, and Shannon Messenger’s Keeper of the Lost Cities series is amazing. These books really inspired me to write my own fantasy.
Q: Do you prefer reading eBooks or physical copies?
Nishika: I prefer reading physical books. I love the feeling of holding a book in my hands and turning the pages — it just makes the story feel more real to me.
Q: If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?
Nishika: I haven’t really thought about the full cast yet, but so far I’d pick Katherine Langford for Isolde and Joe Keery for Cassian. For Vale, I want someone who gives off a really powerful vibe, and haven’t really found a perfect fit for him.
Q: Will there be a sequel? Or are you planning something new?
Nishika: Probably not a sequel since the ending wraps things up, but I’m definitely planning to write new stories and explore different magical worlds. I love creating fresh characters and adventures!
Q: What do you dream of becoming when you grow up?
Nishika: I hope to be a well-known author one day, but I also want to work in the food and beverage industry someday, maybe creating my own restaurants.
Q: Finally, what’s your advice to other kids who want to write?
Nishika: My advice? Don’t give up. Keep going no matter what.
A Young Voice with Big Dreams
Nishika’s debut isn’t just a story — it’s a message. That young minds can imagine deeply, feel fearlessly, and create with meaning. With her clear vision, creative spark, and determination, she’s already lighting up the path for a new generation of storytellers.
And if her advice is anything to go by, her journey has only just begun.
