Writer's life – Page 2

Back to Kashgar: Legacy, Magic, and New Dangers

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.

What have I been up to?

I’ve just crossed 40,000 words on Book Two of the Prophesied Prince series (title still a mystery for now!). For the first time in years, I actually let myself take a break from writing while on vacation—wandering through a few national parks at the end of August was exactly what my creative well needed. Now I’m back in Kashgar, walking beside Sugandha on her journey, and the words are flowing again.

Here’s a little snippet from Chapter One, in her point of view:

“Nanda, tell me what you know about Purohit Parivan,” he asked again, and I blinked, as if surfacing from a dream.

Purohit Parivan. The name pulled me straight to my grandfather. I used to think his death was the hardest part. I hadn’t realized living without him would be worse.

“In his final moments, my grandfather told me to find Purohit Parivan. But the priest… he perished in a fire just ahead of my arrival.”

The priest appeared to me in a vision shortly before his death, but I kept that detail to myself. I didn’t know this prince well enough. Not yet.

This is just a glimpse of what’s to come, but I’m so excited about where Sugandha’s path is leading her—and the secrets waiting to be uncovered.

📖 If you haven’t yet read Book One, Child of the River, now’s the perfect time to dive into the series and meet these characters from the beginning. That way, when Book Two arrives in 2026, you’ll be ready to journey alongside Sugandha as the stakes rise even higher.

📚✨ Hitting the Road (and the Bookshelves!) for the Inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival

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. 😉

A Sneak Peek at Book Two

I’m deep in the world of Book Two of my Prophesied Prince fantasy trilogy, and I’ve officially crossed the 24,000-word mark! Every day, I sink deeper into this story where secrets run as deep as the rivers, and ancient magic stirs just beneath the surface.

This book picks up in the aftermath of Child of the River. The world has shifted—alliances have fractured, old prophecies are awakening, and danger looms on every path. At its heart is a girl grappling with powers she never wanted and a prince still haunted by choices he cannot undo. Together, they must navigate a land teetering on the edge of war, where every truth hides a shadow, and nothing is quite what it seems.

One of the wild joys (and occasional headaches) of writing fantasy is juggling a sprawling cast of characters, their tangled motivations, and all the rules of magic—so yes, I find myself flipping back through Child of the River constantly to make sure I’m not accidentally breaking the universe I created!

Here’s a glimpse at the current draft—the opening lines of the book (subject to revision, of course—I’m still on the fence about including “sweat glazed his muscles” so early on).

For most of that first day on the river, Prince Atul rowed like a man expecting trouble. His gaze swept the banks, searching for signs of pursuit. Whenever he spotted someone—fishermen, travelers, too far to tell—he quieted his strokes and steered us farther from shore.

Sweat glazed his muscles, as he rowed with the strength of three men. Then his head snapped toward a thicket of trees by the water’s edge, eyes sharp, jaw set. A hunter watching for movement. I studied him in that moment, still unsure if I’d been brave or foolish to ask him to come.

I’ve loved returning to Kashgar and imagining new regions of this medieval world—wilder lands, colder truths, deeper betrayals. There’s so much I’m excited to share with you in this next installment: forbidden magic, political intrigue, unexpected friendships that will reshape the course of prophecy.

📚 Book Two is coming in 2026—so if you haven’t yet read Child of the River, now is the perfect time to start! Meet the characters, step into their world, and get swept up in the first part of this epic journey.

More updates coming as I write, revise, and (hopefully!) survive drafting this book. I can’t wait for you to journey back into this world of danger, destiny, and hidden truths.

What is Anna Writing?

I’m loving being back in Kashgar with some of my favorite characters. Writing Book 2 of the Prophesied Prince Trilogy has been both a challenge and a joy—especially walking alongside Sugandha. I’m not making her life easier (she wouldn’t let me!), but I need to make sure she’s ready for what’s coming. And trust me, what’s coming will change everything.

Secrets buried in silence. Loyalties tested by blood. As Sugandha searches for answers about who she truly is, she finds herself entangled in a world where every truth has its price.

If you’ve read Child of the River, you’ve only glimpsed the surface. The next book delves deeper—into hidden pasts, shifting identities, and a power that refuses to be forgotten.

Get ready to lose yourself again. Coming in 2026.

From My Heart to Yours: A Glimpse into Prince in Exile

Writing a book is one thing. Sharing it with others—that’s something entirely different. Every time I release a new story, no matter how many I’ve written before, I feel a familiar nervous flutter. Publishing a book feels like opening a window into my soul and hoping that what you see resonates with you.

That vulnerability is real. But so is the joy—especially when I get to share characters like these with you.

Here’s a little glimpse into the hearts of my two protagonists, Prince Giri and Princess Suri:

Prince Giri:
He had stumbled upon two of Poet Ravi’s poems and fallen in love with the shattered hearts depicted in them. Their sorrow mirrored his broken self, prompting him to write a play.

Princess Suri:
Her eyes settled on the man standing beside the stage, silently mouthing the words along with the performer—the playwright who had somehow discovered her poem and woven it into his play.

Prince Giri:
He had longed for friendship with a like-minded man. He imagined going back and forth over the merits of a phrase while crafting their next play. Joy, of the kind he had never experienced before, heightened his senses.

Princess Suri:
The playwright had already given her a monumental gift by bringing her poem to life. She should be content with just that. But she wanted more—to write more and see him weave her poems into his tales.

Their words connect them before their names ever do.

Prince in Exile is a story of hidden identities, longing, and the healing power of art. It’s about finding connection when you least expect it and discovering your voice—even when you cannot speak.

Preorder now and be among the first to meet Suri and Giri when their story arrives. I can’t wait to share their journey with you. 💛

✨ Prince in Exile is Now Available for Preorder! ✨

I’m thrilled to announce that Prince in Exile is officially available for preorder!

This historical romance is a little different from my previous stories—it features a protagonist who is mute, unable to voice the depths of her heart. Poetry is her refuge, the only way she can give shape to the emotions swirling inside her. But marriage to the wrong man would take even that away from her, silencing her in the only way that truly matters.

What hope does she have of finding someone who will cherish not just her, but her creativity? Her only choice seems to be the man her mother has chosen—a safe, acceptable match. A gilded cage instead of freedom. But how can she clip her own wings when all she longs for is to fly?

Step into her world and experience her journey—preorder Prince in Exile today! ✨📖

Preorder

Charting the River’s Next Course

I’m back to outlining Book Two in The Prophesied Prince series! That means re-reading Child of the River, going through my notes to track the timeline, character ages, and all the minor characters—where they were last and what threads need to be picked up.

Right now, I’m creating a rough outline of what happens in Book Two. Of course, as always, my characters tend to have their own ideas, and the final book often takes an unexpected path—much like a river carving out a new course. But that’s part of the fun! I love getting into my characters’ heads, understanding their motivations, and, most of all, throwing obstacles in their way. After all, a hero’s journey is nothing without persistence, endurance, and sacrifice.

This book will take my characters to new parts of Kashgar that we didn’t explore in Child of the River, so I’m excited to build out more of this medieval world. My goal is to capture enough vivid details so my readers can see it as clearly as I do.

The outlining should be done in about a week—then it’s on to writing! Looking forward to sharing the finished book with you in 2026.

My Inspiration

In Prince in Exile, my latest historical romance, Princess Suryavati is a mute poet who must hide her verses under a man’s name. Her character was inspired by the rich legacy of female poets in ancient Tamil lands, where women were not denied education and their literary contributions were highly valued. The title Avvaiyar (also spelled Ouvvayar), meaning “the elderly lady,” was bestowed upon multiple renowned female poets whose works have survived to this day.

One of the legends surrounding Avvaiyar tells the story of a young woman who longed to be a poet but feared that marriage would strip her of her freedom as an artist. Determined to live life on her own terms, she prayed to the gods to take away her youth. Her wish was granted, and as a gray-haired poet, she roamed the kingdoms freely, composing poetry to her heart’s content. Her story reflects one of the central themes in Prince in Exile—how marrying the wrong man could become a cage for Suri, silencing not only her voice but also her soul.

During the Sangam period and beyond, women flourished under the patronage of Chola and Pandiya kings, who respected and supported their artistry. These remarkable poets paved the way for me to create Suryavati—bold, brilliant, and determined to be heard, even in silence. Don’t forget to check out an exclusive excerpt from the novel.

கற்றது கை மண்அளவு, கல்லாதது உலகளவு

What you have learned is a mere handful; what you haven’t learned is as vast as the world – Avvaiyar

Struggles and Joys of Being an Author

Yesterday, I woke up excited about the book event at my local library. My library hosts a monthly book sale, and on a trial basis, they invited me to participate as a local author for a modest donation to the Friends of the Library. I was happy to contribute because libraries are the backbone of an educated society.

I arrived at 9 a.m. and was surprised to see so many volunteers preparing for the book sale. Some of these volunteers dedicate hours each week to helping at the Book Nook and serving our community. We are truly lucky to have them.

I set up my table, got ready for the event, and even posted a picture on my social media. Soon, a gentleman stopped by to chat with me about my books. I love this part—talking about my books and the characters who live in my head. Writing is a solitary journey for the most part, so engaging with readers is always a joy. He asked great questions and ended up purchasing a copy of Child of the River.

Then, things slowed down considerably. Though I kept a smile on my face, hardly anyone stopped by my table to chat. One of the volunteers mentioned that foot traffic was much lower compared to previous events. From what I observed, most visitors were primarily interested in bargain books.

That brings me to the struggles of being an author in this day and age, something I don’t talk about much. Most local authors I know have full-time jobs and write as a side project or hobby. The reason is obvious—it’s incredibly difficult to make a living from writing. Even modest success comes after years of hard work and publishing multiple books. Only a lucky few are able to feed both their soul and their stomach through writing.

I don’t say this to discourage young writers or artists. On the contrary, we all need to nourish our souls as well as our bodies. If storytelling is your calling, please continue to write—because no one else can tell your stories. But on the practical side, it’s important to remember that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. While another author’s success can be inspirational, the road ahead is often arduous.

So, how did my day end?

The gentleman who had purchased Child of the River came back a short while later to ask how to pronounce the characters’ names. He mentioned that he had already started reading the book and was enjoying it so far. Those words were music to my ears.

Later, another volunteer, who had that rare quality of being a ray of sunshine, purchased a copy of Heir to Malla.

An hour before the event ended, I had packed up my books and loaded them into my car. Just as I was about to leave, I had another pleasant surprise—two of my dear friends had taken time out of their busy day to stop by. One even brought along her teenage child. D, S, and L—your support means the world to me. Thank you for thinking of me, and I hope you found some great books at the sale!

Being an author, painter, actor, dancer, or singer is equal parts rewarding and discouraging. If you ever have days when you struggle, know that I see you and that you are not alone. Take care of your mental health and find a community that supports you.

I will continue to write and read because both bring me so much joy. And on the business side of things—ever the optimist—I believe tomorrow will be a new day, filled with hope, happiness, and readers who love my stories.