How did “One Day in the Afterlife of Detective Roshni Chaddha” originate? What inspirations did you draw on?

I enjoy paranormal detective stories and shows, especially those set in the afterlife. But I hadn’t read one set in India, drawing on Indian mythology. I had been reading Hindu mythological texts on the road to hell, the different kinds of hells, the messengers of death, and the god of death. This story was born from that research. It was great fun to write.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write what you love, and only if you love it, because this is a hard and often lonely business to be in. If you loved what you wrote, that’s already a win, whether or not it gets published. But if you are passionate about a particular story, your passion and your voice will shine through, and that’s what will make your story unique and stand out in a slush pile. The writing is all that’s in your hands. Focus on your craft. Get yourself a writing group or critique partners you can rely on. That makes the process less lonely—at least it did for me!

What are you reading lately? What writers inspire you?

I’m on the tenth and final collection of The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. Such brilliant writing! I’m also reading The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) by Katie Mack because I like torturing myself with imagining how the universe will end, and this book does it so well. The writer I most admire is Sofia Samatar for her gorgeous, lyrical writing. A Stranger in Olondria is one of my favorite books. I also love Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. They are my comfort reads when I’m feeling low.

Other than writing, do you have any other creative pursuits? What do you do to relax?

I love cooking almost as much as I enjoy eating. Food is special to me, a way to bond and a way to express caring. Experimenting with new-to-me recipes and ingredients gives me a lot of joy, as does feeding my family. It also helps me think. While my hands are busy chopping onions and tomatoes, my brain drifts to story ideas and the problems in my current WIP. I find it quite relaxing, but only as long as no one else enters my kitchen.

What are you working on lately? Where else can fans look for your work?

I have a new book out! Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove (bit.ly/3Fo4LyT), a YA fantasy set in an alternate medieval India, which released on October 18, 2022. You can check out my other books and short stories on my website at ratiwrites.com. Currently, I am working on a new book: a paranormal fantasy set in my hometown. Hopefully, one day in the not-too-distant future, I’ll actually finish writing it.