What inspired you to weave the concept of the 'invisible
red string' into a contemporary love story?
Just as the ink flowed, destiny introduced Peter, a maestro
of publicity, who breathed fresh vitality into my beloved tomes. Our
partnership outdid mere professionalism, as we ventured into profound
discussions.
Though oceans and cultures separated us, our bond defied all geographical and societal limits. An extraordinary friendship bloomed, soaring beyond continental boundaries and perceived disparities. We harmonized like yin and yang, merging our creative sparks. Our motto- ‘Healing Hearts, Breaking Barriers’ Amidst our carefree banter and ceaseless conversations, knowing Peter's incredible writing talent, I proposed the idea of blending our creative energies, giving birth to 'The Invisible Red String.' Much like our friendship, which effortlessly traversed racial, cultural, and continental divides, this timeless love tale stands as a testament to the force of breaking barriers. Through our words, we shattered the constraints of time, space, race, culture, and class, birthing a literary masterpiece: 'The Invisible Red String: A Love Story That Transcends Time, Place, and Circumstance.' It's an epic of boundless love, etched into the threads of destiny."
How did you approach the challenge of blending diverse
cultural backgrounds and experiences in your characters, especially considering
the varied backgrounds of John, Anna, and Jake?
Having been brought up across three continents - Africa,
India, and America - my fascination with anthropology and its influence on the
human mind began at a young age. I was captivated by how culture and diverse
traditions shape our thoughts, perceptions, and overall outlook on life. The
experiences and observations I gathered during my upbringing have greatly
influenced my ability to craft characters from various cultural backgrounds and
traditions.
Can you share insights into how you developed John's
character, particularly his journey as a single father with a son who has Down
syndrome?
John's experience of being raised in a foster home and his fear of abandonment added depth to his character. This fear could have influenced his relationships and interactions with others, making him guarded and hesitant to form deep connections. However, his encounter with Noah, who had Down syndrome, provided him with a unique opportunity for growth and understanding.
Noah's presence in John's life allowed him to witness and
experience unconditional love firsthand. Despite any challenges or differences,
Noah's love and acceptance were unwavering. This experience could have
challenged John's preconceived notions and beliefs about love, trust, and
acceptance.
Anna's story highlights the struggle against forced
arranged marriages and physical abuse. What research or personal experiences
influenced your portrayal of her character?
Arranged marriages were a familiar concept in my upbringing,
where a prescribed script dictated the lives of many young women. However,
beneath the facade of elegance and acceptance, a heartbreaking tragedy often
unfolded. Not everyone was meant to follow that script, and some endured the
devastating consequences of abuse and trauma that remained shrouded in silence.
I didn't need to delve into research to understand this, as I witnessed
firsthand the tragic aftermath of such arrangements
In what ways do the characters' personal growth and transformation reflect your views on love and destiny?
Love has a mysterious way of finding its way into our lives, often defying logic and societal expectations. It is true that not all love stories follow the traditional fairy tale narrative. Some love stories are meant to challenge us, to push us out of our comfort zones, and to help us grow and evolve as individuals.
Destiny plays a role in bringing certain people together, and these connections can have a profound impact on our lives. They may teach us important lessons, help us discover new aspects of ourselves, or guide us towards our true purpose. These predestined love stories often require us to confront our fears, overcome obstacles, and make difficult choices.
While not every love story is smooth sailing, it is through these challenges that we learn and grow. Love has the power to transform us, to shape our character, and to bring out the best in us. It is a force that can inspire us to become better versions of ourselves and to embrace the journey of self-discovery.
So, whether our love story resembles a fairy tale or takes a
more unconventional path, it is the growth and evolution that love brings that
truly matters. Destiny intertwines with love to guide us towards our true
selves, and it is up to us to embrace the journey and allow love to shape our
lives.
The book transcends geographical boundaries. How did you
decide on the specific locations featured in the novel, and what significance
do they hold in the story?
This book transcends geographical boundaries, as it draws from our personal experiences of living in different locations. New York City serves as Peter's hometown, while Africa and Kerala are the places where I was raised. These specific locations hold deep significance for us, as they have shaped our identities and influenced our perspectives on life.
By incorporating these locations into the story, we are able to explore the cultural, social, and geographical aspects of each place. This adds richness and diversity to the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the unique settings and experience the story through the lens of these different locations.
Furthermore, our personal connection to these places infuses the narrative with a sense of authenticity and detail. We can draw upon our own memories and experiences to create vivid descriptions and bring these locations to life on the page. This helps readers connect with the characters and their journeys on a deeper level, as they are able to visualize and experience the settings alongside them.
Overall, the inclusion of these specific locations in the
book adds a layer of personal connection and authenticity. It allows us to
share our own lived experiences and perspectives, creating a rich and engaging
narrative that transcends geographical boundaries.
Jake's character appears to undergo a significant transformation in the novel. What do you hope readers take away from his journey?
Jake's character underwent a profound transformation
throughout the story, and it was his encounter with Maya that served as a
catalyst for his personal growth and self-discovery. In Maya, Jake found not
only a connection but also a mirror that reflected back his true self.
The concept of destiny plays a central role in your
story. How do you balance the idea of fate with the characters' agency in
making choices?
The concept of free will versus predestination was a topic
that Peter and I often debated. We both acknowledged that there are certain
people we are destined to meet in our lives, but we also believed that how we
choose to approach these encounters is a matter of free will and personal
choice.
What were some of the challenges you faced while writing
a story that intertwines the lives of such distinct characters?
We were fortunate to have characters who took us on a
journey and shared their stories with us. There were no challenges in bringing
them to life; they seemed to have a life of their own, guiding us through their
experiences and revealing their deepest thoughts and emotions. It was a
privilege to be a part of their world and to witness their growth and
transformation.
Finally, if there is one message you hope readers will
carry with them after reading The Invisible Red String, what would it be?
The message Peter and I aim to convey to our readers is a simple yet profound truth: at our core, we are all human. We all experience the joys and challenges of falling in love, we learn and grow from our life experiences, and we share the limited time we have on this earth.
It is important to recognize that the divisions we perceive, such as appearance, race, and geography, are often self-imposed barriers born out of insecurity and fear of the unknown. In reality, we are all interconnected by a common consciousness, bound together by an invisible red string of love.
By emphasizing the power of love and connection, we hope to inspire our readers to look beyond these superficial differences and embrace the shared humanity that unites us all. Through empathy, understanding, and acceptance, we can break down these walls and foster a sense of unity and compassion.
Ultimately, our time on this earth is fleeting, and it is
through love and connection that we can make the most of our journey. Let us
remember that we are all connected by this invisible red string, and let love
guide us in our interactions with others.
The story unfolds in New York City, the hometown of Peter. For the setting of Anna's home, I drew inspiration from my ancestral house in Kerala. Lilly's character and some events in the book are influenced by my partial upbringing in Africa, incorporating real-life experiences into the narrative.