Escape Reality: In Converstation with Shilpa Suraj

Today we have Shilpa Suraj, author of two brilliant Romance novels, who is capable of spinning magic through her words and bringing characters alive through her writing. Her eloquent articulations, her ability to paint vivid images and her sense of humor are just few of the many things that will keep the readers hooked to her novels. I am glad to have got an opportunity to interview her on my blog.

Hi Shilpa,

Welcome to Escape Reality – A Book Lover’s Paradise. I am glad to have you here on my blog today. First of all, congratulations on the success of your books – 'The Girl He Left Behind' and 'Rescued by Love'.

Hi Swathi. It’s a pleasure to be hosted on your blog today. Thank you for the congratulatory wishes and hope you’ll enjoy all my future books as well.

Please tell us something about yourself.

I’m a very simple person. I love family, friends, reading, writing, dancing, good food and my dog who is also a member of my family. (That list is not in any particular order) I’ve also recently discovered Zumba which is my latest obsession. My version of heaven is being allowed to stay tucked away in a little corner with a good book, either reading or writing one.

‘The Girl He Left Behind’ is one of the finest debut novels I have read so far. How did you come up with the idea? What prompted you into writing?

I’ve always wanted to write. I’ve had stories spinning in my head, especially the story of The Girl He Left Behind, for years but with working full time, I never got around to actually writing. Then I got married and my husband announced that he was going to Chennai on a six month work sojourn. In all my newly-wed enthusiasm, I decided to take a sabbatical from work and follow him so we could spend quality time together. Only once I got there, I realised he was crazy busy with work and I was just crazy bored. So I opened up the laptop, started typing and haven’t stopped since!

(I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I am super glad you took the decision to follow him to Chennai and then started to write)

Lt Col Arjun Rathore, the protagonist of your 2^nd novel ‘Rescued by Love’ has stolen the hearts of many readers (I am one of them too!) and so did Ryan Mathur. Are these characters just a figment of your imagination or are they inspired by any real life person?

They’re completely a figment of my imagination. If either Ryan or Arjun existed in real life, I’d keep them for myself and refuse to share them with the world! J

If you have to pick one favourite character which you like the most from either of the books, then who will it be and why?

Oh that’s a tough one! I know everyone loves Arjun but I think Ryan has a special place in my heart. I love his bruised and battered heart that beats so powerfully for Sia and Sia alone. Also, Ryan’s lived in my head a lot longer than anyone else has! J

Are you satisfied by the response you have received from the readers so far for your books?

I am thrilled with the response both the books have got from readers. People have written into me with such lovely feedback and kind words. The first time a reader wrote to me saying they loved my book, I squealed so loudly I sent my dog running for cover. As you can see, he isn’t exactly the fiercest guard dog.

I hope the books continue to entertain everyone and reach an even wider audience in the coming months.

So far you have written 2 romance novels which were both well received by the readers. When can we expect the third book? Tell us something about your next project?

I currently have two books that are in varying stages of completion. One’s a contemporary romance and the other a romantic thriller. I don’t have a fixed date for when either will be out as there are a lot of variables when it comes to traditional publishing and not many of them in my control. I will, however, keep everyone posted on both books when I have concrete news to share.

Is there any particular style of writing you prefer? Would you be sticking to the ‘Romance’ genre (not that we are complaining!) or is there any other genre you are interested to write in?

I think no matter what genre I dabble in, a strong romance will always be at the core of it. I love reading romance and writing it is just effortless pleasure. I doubt I’ll ever stray too far from it.

You mentioned that you started reading at a very young age. Who is (are) your all time favourite author(s) and which is your favourite book?

My favourite authors are Nalini Singh, Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas and Suzanne Brockmann and my all-time favourite book is Nalini Singh’s Heart of Obsidian (Psy Changeling Series) Kaleb, the hero in that book, is to die for!

What do you have to say to your readers and to the aspiring authors who are reading this interview?

To my readers, thank you for all the love you’ve shown me and my books so far. Do reach out and tell me what you think of the books. I’d love to hear from you!

To aspiring authors, write with both your heart and head. Write the story you want to tell. The one that spins in your head like a broken film reel. Write a story you would love to read. The rest will, God willing, fall into place.

Thank you so much Shilpa. It was fun talking with you. Wish you all the best for your upcoming books.

You can stalk Shilpa Suraj @