Q&A with Alekhya Turlapati  – Author Interview

In this exclusive Q&A with Alekhya Turlapati, we delve into the creative mind of the author behind The Silent Compass. Alekhya shares insights into her writing journey, the inspirations for her captivating stories, and the process that brings her characters to life. With a sneak peek into her future projects, this interview offers a unique opportunity to understand the passion and dedication behind her literary work.

About The Author

Tell us more about you

I’m Alekhya Turlapati from Andhra Pradesh, India—an engineer by profession and a writer by passion. I’ve contributed to a few anthologies and recently completed my first book, which reflects my journey, emotions, and insights.

A fun incident from my childhood? I used to sleep a lot! One day in my intermediate class, I was so sleepy that I went under the bench, resting my head on the seat. Suddenly, our HOD walked in to inform me about a call from home. The entire class went silent, and all eyes were on me as I crawled out from under the bench. He asked, ‘What are you doing under there?’ Without missing a beat, I replied, ‘My pen fell down.’ And just like that, I escaped! 

I often find inspiration in the most unexpected places—whether it’s a conversation with a stranger, a quiet rainy evening, or even a simple coin flip deciding my next move.

I grew up in such an environment, where stories were always a part of my life, shaping my imagination. As for my favourite colour, it’s Pink and Green which suits me well.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

If I go to a deserted island, I’d take sunscreen cream because I’d rather not turn into a roasted coconut under the hot sun! Second, lots of water and food—because survival is important, but let’s be honest, I get hungry way too often. And third, a satellite phone, because as much as I’d love an island adventure, I’d also love a quick way out if things start feeling too ‘survival reality show’ for me! Oh, and fun fact—I’ve never been to an island before, so let’s hope I don’t end up making friends with a volleyball!” 

Who is your biggest role model?

I’ve never really thought of having a specific role model, but my parents’ lives have always been an inspiration to me. Their strength, sacrifices, and unwavering support have shaped who I am today. At the same time, I believe our own life is the greatest teacher—every experience, every struggle, and every failure and success molds us into who we are meant to be!

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

I don’t have a specific favourite author, but I enjoy reading self-help books that offer deep insights into life. I like Sadhguru’s books, especially Mind is Your Business and Body: The Greatest Gadget, as they provide a unique perspective on Life. I also admire Sudha Murthy’s books for their simplicity and wisdom, making life lessons feel so relatable and heartwarming! 

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobooks?

I love physical books because nothing beats the feel of turning pages and the satisfaction of seeing a bookmark move forward. But when traveling, e-books are a super convenient —no extra baggage! As for audiobooks, I haven’t explored them much yet, but they seem like a fun way to ‘read’ without actually reading. Maybe I’ll give them a shot someday!

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

As of now, writing isn’t my full-time profession—I’m a software employee by profession. But writing is my true passion, and I hope to turn it into a full-time career someday. Until then, I’ll keep weaving words and chasing that dream!

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

I enjoy using Instagram the most because it’s a great platform to share my thoughts, writings, and connect with like-minded people. Whether it’s through posts, stories, or engaging with readers, it allows me to express myself creatively. Also, a good scroll through inspiring content never hurts! Plus, my writing journey started from here so a small personal connect. Recently, I also started my Threads to engage with authors and readers on a deeper level. You can find me on both Instagram and Threads—let’s connect! 

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

Every day, I get thoughts and ideas, and I make sure to pen them down. If an idea feels interesting and meaningful, I start researching it, gathering information, and creating a rough outline. From there, I begin writing, constantly modifying as new ideas come in. This process continues until the story takes full shape. Once the writing is complete, I move on to editing, finalising the manuscript, designing the book cover, and then—finally—the big release! 

Where do you like to write?

I mostly write at home, where I can fully immerse myself in my thoughts. But sometimes, a change of scenery helps—so I wouldn’t mind writing in a quiet café or even while traveling. New places bring new inspirations, and who knows? The next great story might just come from an unexpected moment!

What do you like most about writing?

I love how writing lets me express emotions, thoughts, and stories in a way that connects with people. It’s like creating a world where feelings turn into words and words turn into experiences. The best part is knowing that my words can inspire, comfort, or resonate with someone, even if we’ve never met. That’s the true magic of writing!

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Till now, nothing has really stopped me from writing—as long as I’m in the right mood, the words just flow. The only time I pause is when deciding what to write, but I see that as part of the process. Writing isn’t just about filling pages; it’s about creating something meaningful, and taking the time to choose the right idea makes all the difference!

What genres do you like to write and why?

As of now, I’ve written one book in the self-help and philosophical genre. However, I don’t limit myself to just one genre. For me, the most important thing is that whatever I write should be meaningful and offer something valuable to the reader. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or any other genre, I always aim to leave a takeaway that resonates!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

I don’t but this as advice this is my experience: Just start writing! Don’t wait for the perfect idea, the perfect mood, or the perfect words. Writing is a journey—you learn, improve, and discover your voice along the way. Most importantly, write with honesty and purpose because when your words come from the heart, they’ll always find the right readers!

Showcase your books!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I have written one book (“The Silent Compass”) so far, and since it’s my first, it holds a special place in my heart. Every chapter reflects my thoughts, experiences, and learnings, making it truly meaningful to me. But I believe every book an author writes is special in its own way, and I’m excited to create many more in the future! 

How long did The Silent Compass take to write?

The Silent Compass (my book) took me a significant amount of time (5-6months), not just in writing but in shaping the ideas, refining the message, and making sure it truly resonated with readers. From brainstorming to the final edits, every step was a journey of self-reflection and growth. It wasn’t just about finishing a book—it was about creating something meaningful. I want to improve this timing for my next book while still making sure each word holds meaning!

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

My favourite thing about being an author is the power of words to connect, inspire, and make an impact. Knowing that my thoughts can resonate with readers, spark emotions, or offer a new perspective is truly rewarding. Writing isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about creating something meaningful that stays with people long after they turn the last page!

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