One of the themes I constantly return to, whether I’m writing romance or fantasy, is the question: What truly makes a good ruler?
In my daily life, I’ve always been fascinated by government and policy. In my writing, I find that medieval India provides the perfect “laboratory” to explore these ideas. Setting my stories in this era—specifically emulating the rich culture and laws of the 9th to 11th centuries—allows me to examine leadership and the “human heart in conflict” without the interference of modern political biases.
Medieval India possessed such complex layers of governance that it creates a fantastic playing field for my characters. This is why my protagonists are often of royal blood; it places them at the intersection of love, duty, and the ultimate test of character. I love placing these characters in difficult situations to see how they learn to survive and lead, even when their own power is fragile.
For me, a great leader must be able to sacrifice their own desires for the good of the kingdom. We see this struggle throughout the Prophesied Princetrilogy as Prince Atul grapples with his identity and the weight of his future. He follows in the footsteps of his mother, Meera, from the Land of Magadhaseries, who had to choose between her heart and her land.
I’d love to hear from you: If you could choose just one quality for a leader to have, what would it be? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!
As an author, I am constantly living in the minds of my characters, but sometimes the modern world breaks through with a fascinating bit of trivia. The other day, I heard a segment on the radio about the term “Hat Trick.”
Coming from a background where I appreciate the nuances of cricket, I’ve always known it as that rare, celebrated phenomenon where a bowler takes three consecutive wickets. But I never knew the literal origin! Apparently, in 19th-century England, a bowler who achieved this feat was actually presented with a new hat bought by his club. It’s a bit funny to imagine, considering cricketers usually wear caps, yet the tradition demanded a proper hat. There is no hat given to cricketers in modern day games but they are well compensated by other means.
Even more interesting? The tradition migrated to Ice Hockey. When a player scores three goals, spectators throw their beanies and headgear onto the rink in celebration. While “hat tricks” and ice rinks are completely useless for medieval Indian fiction, I enjoy learning the history of words and it helps me understand how traditions evolve—much like how I enjoy exploring the ancient customs of the Swayamvara in my romance series.
I am absolutely delighted to finally reveal the cover of my upcoming novel, Curse of the River, the second installment in the Prophesied Prince trilogy.
This cover has quickly become one of my favorites. To keep the visual thread tied to the first book, Child of the River, I have returned to the imagery of the crown of Kashgar. However, as the story evolves, so does the symbol of its power.
What to Look For:
A Muted Legacy: While the first cover featured a crown surrounded by cascading water, this crown is a much muted gold.
Darker Omens: You’ll notice something dark dripping from the crown—a nod to the fact that this sequel is a significantly darker journey than the first.
New Symbols: Instead of the swan, we have introduced a winged horse. This rakshasa (demon or monster) and other mythical ones play a pivotal role in the story, and I can’t wait for you to encounter them.
The Blades: In the center, you’ll see two blades crossing. They hold significance to the difficult path Prince Atul and Sugandha must walk together.
This cover perfectly captures the heart of this book and the growing danger lurking in the lands of Kashgar. Let me know in the comments what you think about this cover.
One of the greatest joys of being part of the author community is coming together to share our worlds with you. I’ve joined forces with several other writers to group our stories into themed collections, making it easy for you to find your next great read.
Since many of you are following along as I prepare for the launch of Curse of the River in April 2026, these collections are a perfect way to catch up on my previous works at a great value.
✨ Sci-Fi & Fantasy in Kindle UnlimitedChild of the River (Book One of the Prophesied Prince Trilogy) is currently featured in this massive collection of otherworldly tales. If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can dive into the world of Kashgar right now!
Act Fast: This promotion ends March 16, 2026.
📜 Historical Fiction: Kindle Unlimited February Edition If you want the full epic experience, the entire Land of Magadha trilogy ebook boxset is featured here. Follow the Malla siblings, Princess Meera and Prince Jay, through three decades of royal secrets and shattered hearts.
Act Fast: This promotion ends March 6, 2026.
🥀 Historical & Literary Fiction Lovers For those who appreciate the lyrical side of historical storytelling, the Land of Magadha ebook boxset is also part of this specially curated group. It is the perfect companion for readers who love exploring the human heart in conflict within medieval India.
As I look toward 2026, my writing path feels both clear and a little daunting—in the best possible way. My primary goal is to publish Curse of the River, Book Two of the Prophesied Prince trilogy, and then keep my momentum going straight into writing Book Three, the conclusion of Sugandha and Atul’s journey.
This trilogy has always been a coming-of-age story at its heart—about power that is inherited, power that is chosen, and the cost of both. I’ve been planting seeds for the ending since Book One, even when I didn’t fully understand what they would grow into. Now, as I write deeper into Book Two, I can see the shape of the finale forming on the horizon.
I know this much: the ending will be bittersweet. How much bitter and how much sweet? Even I don’t know yet. My characters certainly don’t. They’re still making choices, still stumbling, still hoping. And I’m following them, page by page, trusting that the story will reveal exactly the ending it demands—whether it breaks my heart a little in the process or not.
What I do know is that I want to give this world, these characters, and you—the readers who’ve walked this road with me—the most honest ending I can write. One that lingers. One that feels earned.
Here’s to a year of rivers that refuse to stay calm, prophecies that don’t behave, and stories that insist on being told.
Sugandha is the quiet heartbeat of the Prophesied Prince trilogy. I’m deep in Book Two right now, so I’m living in her world every day—and she’s definitely taken up long-term residence in my head.
When we first meet her in Child of the River, she’s grieving the loss of the only family she’s ever known: her grandfather.
“Sorrow and grief filled my heart when I realized I would receive no more guidance from my grandfather. I had never known my parents, and my grandfather had raised me from birth.
Usually, I would stir into wakefulness at this time of day. From my cot, I would hear my grandfather in the kitchen, pulling down pots, grinding an array of herbs, and brewing them.
Those small sounds would bring me peace, and I would snuggle into my sheets and close my eyes… He would grin at me as if I brightened his day just by existing, his wrinkled face glowing.”
One of my favorite chapters featuring her is Chapter 31 (Summer, Year 1). There’s a certain innocence to Sugandha there—one that still survives even as she’s fighting for her life. She stumbles through chaos guided only by instinct and heart, doing what she believes is right, even when she has no idea what’s really happening around her. That combination of bravery and bewilderment is exactly what makes her so compelling to write.
Book Two lets me deepen her dynamic with Atul. These two couldn’t be more different—each carrying their own scars, their own expectations, their own definitions of who they should be. Watching them learn to trust each other, challenge each other, and sometimes collide spectacularly has been one of the joys of drafting this book. This moment between them is from earlier in book two:
“Look at me,” I said, and her eyes fluttered open.
“Imagine what it would mean to master that power,” I said, my voice low. I let the oars still in my hands.
She clenched her jaw, then closed her eyes again. Her breath evened out, arms stretching forward as if reaching for something unseen. I waited. But the river stayed calm.
Then she gasped—clutching her throat like something had seized it—and coughed, harsh and broken.
“Nanda—”
“No.” Her voice came between sobs, ragged and raw. “Stop. You think you understand what it’s like—to carry this wild, flickering thing inside me—but you don’t. You can’t.”
This trilogy is, at its core, a coming-of-age story. Through Sugandha, I wanted to portray a deeply human young woman—strong yet unsure, resilient yet overwhelmed, someone whose magic feels as dangerous as it is wondrous. Her journey isn’t neat or easy, and it mirrors the hardships a girl on the run would face in a world shaped by myth, patriarchy, and the weight of expectations. These are truths often left unexplored in traditional Indian mythology, and Sugandha gives me the space to write into those gaps.
She grows slowly. She stumbles often. But she keeps trying. And that, to me, is what makes her unforgettable.
I feared that the men who revered me as the Heir to Malla would abandon me if they knew the truth about my birth. That was the reason I had urged my uncle, King Jay of Malla, to send me on this mission. Uncle Jay wanted me to wait until our soldiers had secured Kashgar, but I itched to prove myself.
Atul’s journey in Child of the Riveris a tangle of identity, duty, and the quiet ache of wanting to be enough. When his ships crossed the Nira Sea, he didn’t just bring soldiers—he carried the weight of his own questions about who he is… and who he desperately hopes to become.
One of my favorite moments to write is his exchange with the fake prince in Chapter 26 (Spring, Year 2). Those scenes crack Atul open a bit. The fake prince’s doubts mirror Atul’s own, and you see him slide into that big-brother role so naturally—steady, protective, and sometimes wiser than he realizes. And then, just as quickly, he’s unmistakably a teenager again: impulsive, earnest, and brave in ways that don’t always make sense but feel undeniably true.
Being Meera’s son (yes, that Meera from the Land of Magadha trilogy) gives me a chance to explore the complicated corners of his heart—respect tangled with resentment, admiration overshadowed by old hurt. His mother’s secrets shaped him, and in many ways, he’s still deciding what parts of that legacy he wants to claim.
Through Atul, I get to return to one of my favorite questions: What truly makes a good ruler? Birthright? Choice? Sacrifice? Something quieter and harder to name?
Atul doesn’t have the answers yet—but he’s determined to earn them.
Book Two of the Prophesied Prince series is inching toward 50,000 words! In the latest chapters, we encounter descendants of characters from my Land of Magadha trilogy—members of the Malla army who came to Kashgar with Atul. Writing those scenes felt like coming home. After ten years in the world of Magadha, revisiting its legacy through new generations has been deeply satisfying.
Meanwhile, Sugandha is beginning to uncover the truth about her family and her powers. Something tells me she won’t be happy with what she learns.
Magical creatures continue to hunt our protagonists—but as always, the real danger lies in human heart.
Here is a snippet from Chapter two written in Atul’s POV:
“The rumor of your death has reached our ranks. The commander… he neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he told us—your five guards—to find you.”
I nodded. “Clever of him. That gives you a reason to follow me north.” I kept my voice steady, calm, though the thought of the others—young men who had followed me across the sea—believing I had fallen before even drawing my sword unsettled me. Still, I had to trust the commander. Trust that he’d keep them loyal without revealing the truth. That I was alive. For now.
If you haven’t yet read Child of the River (Book One), now’s the perfect time. The audiobook, narrated by two incredible voice actors, brings Kashgar vividly to life. Book Two is slated for release in 2026.
On August 23, a warm Saturday, I had the joy of participating in the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival, presented at the University of San Diego. From the moment I walked in with my festival badge proudly stamped Author (a word that still makes me blink in disbelief, even after all these years), I knew it was going to be a special day.
Meeting Readers—and My Best Marketer Yet
The best part of any festival is meeting readers, old and new, and sharing my books with them. But this time, I had an extra-special helper—my daughter. She has read all my books (a feat in itself!) and turned out to be the most enthusiastic and persuasive bookseller at the table. Watching her share my stories with visitors, speaking with such conviction, was both humbling and heartwarming.
Connecting with Authors Old and New
One of the joys of festivals is reconnecting with fellow authors.
I caught up with Jolie Tunnell, who writes delightful mystery novels. Jolie and I have shared a tent before at the Encinitas Street Fair, and it was such a treat to snap a photo together again, swapping stories about books and events.
I was delighted to see Dennis K. Crosby and Sarah Faxon, two writers I’ve shared a table with in the past. Both were there representing the Horror Writers Association, San Diego chapter, and it was inspiring—as always—to see their passion for storytelling and community.
This year, I had the pleasure of sharing my festival tent with Veranice Berry, who writes YA novels inspired by Egyptian mythology. Our daughters came to help out, another thing we had in common. Veranice and I exchanged books, and I can’t wait to dive into hers. That’s the beauty of these festivals—the chance to connect not only with readers but also with fellow authors who inspire you.
A Festival to Remember
Between the conversations, the laughter, and the joy of seeing so many people come together to celebrate books, this festival was everything I hoped for and more. Huge thanks to KPBS and the University of San Diego for creating such a vibrant, welcoming event for authors and readers alike.
I came away with new memories, new books to read, and a deep sense of gratitude—for stories, for community, and for the chance to share my work in such a wonderful space.
Mark your calendars—Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I’ll be at the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival, presented by the University of San Diego. I’m beyond thrilled to be part of this brand-new celebration of stories, readers, and authors.
Of course, before a book festival comes the ritual prep—packing up my books, ordering bookmarks, and, yes, clearing space on my own shelves. This week, I’ve been hauling bags of gently used books to my local library. My logic? If I make room for new stories at home, then I must bring home a few treasures from the festival. (It’s not hoarding if it’s “curated collecting,” right?)
📖 What I’m Bringing to the Festival
I’ll be signing and chatting about all my books—and for the first time at a local event, Prince in Exile will be available! You’ll find:
Land of the Magadha Trilogy
This series tells the tale of Rish Vindhya, a noble warrior.
Heir to Malla – Meera rejects his love, yet Rish will do everything in his power to make sure Meera is protected. Even if it breaks his heart to stand guard and watch the woman he loves shed tears.
War of the Three Kings – Meera is the queen, and Rish knows she cannot cross some lines. Still, his heart burns until he realizes he is a threat to her safety. Does he stay or flee?
Burden of the Crown – Meera broke his heart. Yet, Rish has not abandoned hope. Because each time she looks at him like he matters, she rekindles his yearning.
Swayamvara Romances
Broken King – Princess Neela should be happy—her father is arranging a swayamvara, a grand ceremony where she can choose her own husband. But her choice is an illusion, and her father expects her to select the man he has already decided upon. Unless she defies him. Unless she chooses the one man no one expects—the king drowning in sorrow and toddy, a ruler broken by grief and guilt. Marrying him might be her only escape. But will choosing the broken king shatter her in the process?
King in Hiding – When Princess Lalitha is injured while searching for her father, a lowly metalsmith comes to her rescue. As they journey together, Lalitha finds herself unable to resist the undeniable pull she feels toward him. But what happens when she learns the truth—that the man who’s captured her heart is King Dushyant, the very ruler who has imprisoned her father?
Prince in Exile – She is a mute princess writing poetry to be heard. He is an exiled prince masquerading as a playwright. He stumbles upon her poems and weaves a play around them. She longs to write more poems to see them come alive through his eyes. But she cannot reveal she is the poet. Nor can he reveal he is a prince. Will falling in love with their alter egos doom their romance?
Child of the River
He hears a voice urging him to protect a girl he has never met. Will finding her doom his mission of restoring the throne?
Whether you’re a longtime reader or just discovering my books, I’d love to see you at the festival. Stop by, say hello, and let’s talk romance, adventure, and all things storytelling.
And remember—bring a tote bag. You’re going to need it. 😉
Anna Bushi 