Q1. Would you like to introduce yourself to your readers?
Of course! My name is Samyuktha Prasanan, a content writer by profession, engineer by degree and writer by heart. I’ve been venturing into writing for the past several years, I remember starting out when I was 8 years old. It all started with poetry about my favorite chocolates, nature, and even people, then reading books made me want to create worlds just like many amazing authors did and I’m so happy to be sharing my first step towards that journey with my readers.
Q2. What’s the significance of the title “Count My Lucky Stars”?
As mere humans we all have secrets and pasts that we desperately want to erase, we often wish and fish for luck in the weirdest places. This book is the journey of the protagonist through hardships of her own and through it all she tries holding on to instances of luck in hopes that they could heal her. When everything goes south people can only count on their
lucky stars and that’s what makes the title an extension of her emotional cycle.
Q3. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
Initially, the book came from a place of darkness and as my own outlet, but the more invested I got into the protagonist and her life, I wrote with so much care, love and hope. I wish that my readers can take the essence of these emotions away as they read because the final result of this book comes from a place of love and search for positivity. We’re all taking baby steps at making the world a better place and this book is my attempt at spreading optimism for a brighter day.
Q4. If you had three wishes, what would they be?
I love this question! Well, first I’d wish for the world to go back into being healthy, green, and happy again. Next, I’d wish that I never get another writer’s block again because that is super frustrating! Finally, I’d wish for my readers to find happiness in their hearts and never lose the will to keep trying.
Q5. What was the first thought which came to the mind that actually persuaded you to write your own book?
Society’s way of judging survivors of abuse and making it seem like it was really alright for them to keep all their feelings wrapped up within themselves was one thing I noticed since a young age. The amount of news that we all see about child abuse and the way close to no
severe action was being taken bothered me a lot. From personal experiences to those of people around me, it was like I was meant to write about how a survivor truly feels.
It takes more than a heart full of courage to get back into the normalcy of life, it’s a journey nobody really sees and that’s why I started writing this book, to bring visibility into what really happens and how coping with abuse really happens.
Q6. What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
Rick Riordan and Mary Pope Osborne are authors whose works I’ve really enjoyed. Their works were some of the earliest books I remember reading, the way they transport you into their universe is simply magical and I would love for one of them to be my mentors. Their suave of writing is something I’d love to learn from them.
Q7. What did you learn while writing this book?
Oh, there were so many things! I discovered things about myself and things about writing, but the most important lesson I learned was that creativity cannot be rushed. This book was under the works for about 3 years. Writer’s blocks and creative blocks to the question of wanting to scrape this entire book down, there were so many reasons for the prolonged process, but even if I could have it any other way, I’d choose to finish it in the same 3 years.
Q8. What were the difficulties you faced while writing this book?
One thing I do while writing is that I live as my protagonist, so there is this layer of imagination I live in while writing. Every time the character faces her demons it affects me too, the various breakdowns and depression episodes were mentally exhausting, but maybe that’s what helped me bring the plot to where it is today.
Q9. If not writing books, how would you express your creativity?
I’ve loved depicting my feelings with art for the longest time, so maybe I would have painted to express myself or even would have done it musically (not that I play any instruments, but I have always been interested in learning to play to guitar).
Q10.Any message for your readers?
There will always be something to run from, to hide from and it gets exhausting, but please don’t give up on the things you love. There is a day waiting for you when the sun will shine
brighter and you’ll have the prettiest smile on your face because your heart will truly be happy. Until then, hold onto the things that make you feel alive, protect yourself because there isn’t anyone else who will do it for you. Before you chase for love, please love yourself, only if you love yourself will you have enough love to give another person.
I hope you will take the optimism I hoped you would from this book and finally, I hope you fall in love with yourself because you are unique and amazing.
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