Interview with contemporary romance author Simi Rao

Today’s hot seat is filled with contemporary romance author Simi K. Rao. She’s sharing a little about herself and her debut novel, An Incurable Insanity.

Bio:

Simi K. Rao was born in India and has been living in the United States for several years. An Incurable Insanity is her debut novel. The inspiration for the story came from what she has seen transpire among and within the immigrant community. Some of the experiences included are her own; some have been garnered from friends and casual conversations with acquaintances. She also writes poetry, is an avid photographer, loves to travel, and is a practicing physician. She currently lives in Denver with her family.

Welcome, Simi. Please tell us a little bit about, An Incurable Insanity.

Shaan is a recent 27 year old aerospace masters grad, who lands the perfect job in a leading aeronautics and space exploration company in Los Angeles. At the urging of his parents' he goes down the traditional arranged marriage route, leaving behind a lover and a complicated relationship in Los Angeles. As a result, Shaan and Ruhi's marriage has an awkward and uncomfortable start. The begrudging spouses make a pact: Ruhi will stay with Shaan in the United States only long enough to avoid embarrassment from their family and peers. Ruhi, remaining optimistic thinks that she can use this time to try and win Shaan's heart, but to no avail. Follow Ruhi and Shaan on a roller coaster ride as they attempt to be “friends without benefits” and expose their true selves to each other in search of love and happiness. While An Incurable Insanity provides fascinating glimpses into traditional Indian culture, it is an intriguing love story with universal appeal.

What inspired you to write this book?

I came across a few unfortunate incidences in my community that started me thinking and inspired me to write a story about a similar situation but with a positive outcome.

Excerpt:

"Here... lunch." She pushed a box towards him.

"I don't want it."

"Why?"

"I feel awkward."

"But you never felt that way before, so why now?" You took me for granted. She stared reproachfully at him.

"It's different now." My perspective has changed. I behaved like a slave master, it's humiliating. He stared right back.

She pretended to appear disinterested, "you can eat it, give it to your friends or throw it away. This is all I can do to pay you back right now."

"You don't have to worry about paying me back. It's the least that I can do to make up for what I've put you through."

Her chair knocked sharply against the wall, as she jumped to her feet. "What? You think that's compensation enough? Nothing you do will give me back what I've lost! Yes, I agreed to marry you because I was blind and innocent! But who gave you the right to destroy my life, especially since you were having an affair and there was no hope for us? You treated me as if I was a disposable object! Why? Tell me why?"

"Yes I know I'm the worst kind of cad! But my hands were tied! My grandfather was on his death bed, I had no choice!" He snapped back gripping the counter till his knuckles turned white.

Walking up to him, she said softly, "Yes you had  a choice. You could have walked away. You could have been a man."

What exciting story are you working on next?

There are a few: a sequel of An Incurable Insanity, and a couple of others I'd rather not divulge at this time.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

About a couple of years ago, when I saw the wonderful response generated by the stories that I had published on my blog, I began to believe that I could write.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

No, I don't write full time. I am a practicing physician and have a very busy routine. Somehow when I can, I squeeze in time to write- creativity cannot be curbed.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write anywhere and at anytime: in a bustling restaurant, movie theater, at 3 a.m...

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a doctor.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Do what gives you emotional fulfillment. Express yourself. Nothing is impossible. :)

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Thanks, Simi!