Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest book? What was the spark that set the story in motion?
We had just wrapped up our first book when the idea for this one took shape, right as the fog of COVID was beginning to lift. During the lockdown, we stayed in touch with friends and acquaintances who opened up about how emotionally taxing the period had been for them.
Their stories stayed with us. We absorbed those emotions and channeled them into a narrative that gave voice to the feelings so many experienced but struggled to articulate. In many ways, the book became a form of collective catharsis, our tribute to those unspoken moments.
How did your journey as a writer begin? Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realize this was your path?
Both of us have been writing for as long as we can remember—even back in school. Mehak truly found her voice as a published author with her debut, Bound By Blood, which she started penning in college. It was a testament to her ability to weave magic and meaning into words. This was her fifth book.
For Trupti, this marks her second book. Her connection with storytelling runs deep. One of her cherished pieces is a story just 60 words long, proving that even brevity can be powerful. As an avid reader, she’s always believed that the best writing makes readers feel what the author imagines.
That shared love for storytelling is what brought us together, and that’s how it all began.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?
One of our biggest challenges as a team was simply finding the time to write.
Our previous book was written during the peak of the lockdown, when life had slowed down. But we began working on this one around mid-2021, when everything had picked up again—our careers, families, and day-to-day responsibilities were all in full swing.
Still, we carved out time. Every few weekends, we’d bounce ideas off each other and write whatever we could. For us, it wasn’t just about reaching the goal—it was about walking the path together and enjoying the process, no matter how sporadic it was.
How much of your personal experience or worldview is reflected in the themes or characters of your book?
The world today is vastly different from what it was a decade ago, politically, socially, technologically. And yet, the essence of people remains the same. We all still crave connection, empathy, and understanding. The emotions are unchanged. With this book, we wanted to reflect the feelings of those who often go unseen and unheard.
Humanity, in many ways, is a tightly woven web of invisible connections—half of which we’re not even aware of until something forces them to light. That truth became glaringly clear during recent times, when help often came from the most unexpected places. It reminded us just how deeply intertwined we all are.
What does your typical writing routine look like? Do you follow a strict schedule or write more intuitively?
Mehak prefers a structured writing schedule, while Trupti writes more intuitively, it was definitely a balancing act.
Some chapters flowed quickly, others took their time. Once we had a chapter outline in place, Mehak would often take the lead in turning it into a cohesive narrative. Trupti, on the other hand, finds inspiration on the move. She’s the kind of writer who’ll pull out her laptop at airport gates or in trains and just start typing. Mehak, being the more seasoned writer, is consistent and writes regardless of the setting.
Together, this contrast worked in our favor. You see, it was the perfect blend of planning and spontaneity.
How do you approach writer’s block or creative fatigue, especially during long projects?
To be honest, this book was riddled with writer’s block—for both of us.
It didn’t always stem from the same cause, but it felt the same: staring at a half-finished draft, unsure whether to delete it all or unable to write another word. Having a co-author made all the difference.
As friends, we knew when to push each other and when to take a step back. The key was persistence , just showing up again and again. As Mehak always says: ‘Write first, progress matters. We can make it perfect later.’
What role did editing and feedback play in shaping the final version of your book?
Editing is such a crucial part of creating any book, and like most writers, we approached it with a bit of skepticism at first.But we’d also gathered valuable feedback from a few early readers, which helped us see the story from different perspectives. The editing phase gave us the clarity to define what truly mattered in the narrative and what we could let go of.
Constructive criticism, when taken in the right spirit, can really sharpen your vision and strengthen your work. It certainly did for us.
How has publishing this book changed your perspective—on writing, on readers, or even on yourself?
Publishing The Black Saree has been a turning point for both of us. It challenged us to be more vulnerable in our writing, to dig deeper, and put real, unfiltered emotions on the page. That honesty ended up resonating with readers in ways we hadn’t fully anticipated.
It also changed how we view ourselves as writers. We learned to trust not only our instincts but also each other’s strengths. This book wasn’t just about telling a story, it was about growing through it. And in doing so, we discovered how powerful storytelling can be when it’s rooted in truth and collaboration.
What advice would you offer to aspiring writers who are trying to find their voice or get published?
The first of anything is always the hardest—the first chapter, the first plot twist, the first attempt at fleshing out a character. But then again, or even picking the right first line. But, what first time isn’t?
It’s supposed to be difficult, that’s what makes the journey worthwhile. Writing your first book is like a metamorphosis. You wrestle with doubt, push through the chaos, and eventually, there it is—a paperback in your hands with your name on the cover. There’s no feeling quite like it so, just keep pushing through. Don’t give up!
What’s next for you—are there upcoming projects or ideas you’re excited to explore?
Right now, we’re in a space of reflection and growth. Mehak is always brimming with creative ideas, it’s just part of who she is, but she’s still waiting for that one concept that sparks the urge to pick up the pen again. Trupti is taking a well-deserved break from writing, focusing on other aspects of life for the moment.
We’re both giving ourselves the time to evolve. We’re working on being better friends, supporting each other through the everyday, and trusting that when the right idea comes along—one that excites us equally—we’ll know it’s time to start the next book. And when that moment arrives, we’ll be ready.
We thank Mehak and Trupti for taking out moments from their busy schedule to give us this interview and share these exciting insights about their life.
Team Thinnk.in