Risha Chaurasia

Risha Chaurasia is an Indian tween author who loves writing. She is multi-talented and has a wide array of interests ranging from binge-watching to spending hours with her nose in a novel. She is an avid reader and takes her academics with utmost sincerity. A keen quizzer and a movie buff as well, she is a dreamer and aspires to become India’s Prime Minister someday. She is sporty and swims.

She enjoys chilling with her BFFs, and she craves movie marathons on a lazy afternoon. She is a die-hard Buddy Holly fan and literally knows the lyrics to every possible song. She adores pranking her friends and seeing them cringe. An expert at lame jokes and puns, she can make you laugh any time.

She is chirpy and bubbly by nature, and lives her life to the fullest. She is quite a risk-taker and always thinks of crazy stuff to do. Tales of Twinkling Tweens is her first novel, but she plans to write more. She is raised by inspirational and open-minded parents with a cute twin-sister Radhika.

I’m excited for you to connect with Risha, check out her work and books, and follow along as she continues to spread positivity through her writing, encouraging youth to read, and also making the world believe in youth's abilities.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

Sure! I am Risha Chaurasia, a 14 year old author, blogger and literature advocate from India. I have published 2 books so far called TRUCE and Tales of Twinkling Tweens. I also run a blog on Instagram called Straight. From. My. Pen, hosting over 3.6k followers, through which I spread positivity through stories and empower the youth.

Being a literature advocate, I have advocated for the love of reading among the youth on national and international platforms, including the Indore Literature Festival, Central India’s largest literary meet.

Currently, I’m working on a high school centric 3rd novel.

How did you get started?

I have loved reading ever since I was a kid. I practically spent my entire childhood with a nose in a novel, having read my first book at age 3.

At age 8, I decided to make the switch to writing and started off by writing plays which were later performed in my school.

I had always wanted to publish my own book and finally got that opportunity at age 10. Soon, I started work on my first novel, Tales of Twinkling Tweens, which got published in 2019.

It was my love for books and reading in my childhood that got me started.

What Inspired the work you’re doing?

I get my inspiration practically from everywhere!I can write anytime, anywhere. But a cool breeze and colorful sunset are the best inspirations. I also turn to my friends, family and own life for inspiration.

I write realistic YA fiction and my books are mostly about incidents that me or my loved ones have faced.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I do! I have never felt more passionate about anything else. Writing, reading and books are my biggest and first passion and they’re something I give my soul out to.

Working on my 3rd novel, which is high school centric makes me feel more passionate and happy than I ever was.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

My friends and family! And these include my books and characters too. I feel that every character I’ve written is a part of my family and my family brings me the biggest joy.

Adding to that, I love what I do! I love being a student and an author.

My work, writing, friends and family are my joy blueprint.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

Yes. I am an Indian, and we Indians have deep rooted cultural values and ethics. My grandparents have played a pivotal role in my value development and their ethos keep me grounded.

One thing that I do to keep me grounded is to encourage the youth to read. Helping kids find their passion in books is a gratifying experience.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

I think 8-year-old Risha who always dreamt of seeing her name on a published book would be extremely proud of me. She would be extreme;y happy to see her name on 2 published pieces of work. And I believe I have achieved everything my younger self wanted to.

Now, I’ll work on achieving what my teen self wants to.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

Yes. My mom said one day, ‘That you write for yourself. Not for us, the world, or the publishers, you write for you. And that’s what matters.”

So, do everything for you. Please yourself, not the world.

What is your biggest dream?

To be a bestselling author, hands down. And I will leave no stone unturned to achieve that.

To learn more and connect with Risha check out her Linktree here and on Instagram @rishachaurasia_ LinkedIn here Twitter @RishaChaurasia and her blog Straight. From. My. Pen here and her website here and you can find TRUCE here and Tales of Twinkling Tweens here

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Risha Chaurasia - Indian Teen Author and Blogger