The Bookazine editorial team was thrilled to sit down with Ritu Hemnani, an author, journalist, and teacher passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion through children’s literature and human-interest articles for the South China Morning Post. Her historical middle-grade novel in verse, Lion of the Sky, published by HarperCollins in 2024, is a selected title for the Hong Kong Battle of the Books and has been shortlisted for the Hong Kong Golden Dragon Awards.
Ritu is ethnically Indian and a British national who calls Hong Kong her home, where she lives with her husband and three children.
Hello, Ritu, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you and thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule. Our Bookazine readers can't wait to learn more about your creative journey. Let's get right into it: what sparked your passion for writing?
As a little girl, I found joy in the simple act of creating poetry while traveling on public transport. It was my little escape. As long as I had a pen in my hand, I had the power to create anything I wanted. This early connection to words became intertwined with my desire to connect with family scattered around the globe, recognizing the profound way that a letter or poem can bridge gaps and bring people closer.
Do you brainstorm ideas on paper or your computer?
I do both! While typing out ideas allows for speed and efficiency, I value the tactile connection of writing by hand. When I hit a wall—like when I need to figure out a plot twist—there’s something magical about pen meeting paper. That's where the real breakthroughs happen for me!
What's a childhood memory you treasure?
I cherished my time spent in the garden of my building. It was like my own little oasis, where I learned to ride a bike, played with my rabbits, and dreamed freely. Those moments of freedom and joy shaped my love for storytelling!
What led you to write about the inspiring and moving story of twelve-year-old Raj?
After self-publishing my earlier work, Gope and Meera: A Migration Story, I found that a deep well of emotions and stories remained within me. Through my research on the Partition, I realized I still had so much to say. The discovery of verse novels ignited my passion as I sought to highlight themes of friendship and hope amidst turmoil in Raj’s story.
How do you navigate tough days in your writing journey?
When I hit a roadblock, I step outside into nature . Hiking and kayaking offer me a fresh perspective that clears my mind. Reading and journaling also helps me delve inward, providing a balance between external inspiration and introspective reflection.
What’s the best and worst advice you've ever received?
The best advice? Write every day, no matter what. It emphasizes consistency.
The worst? Write for the market, which can stifle creativity. Writing should come from the heart; conforming to trends can lead to burnout.
If you could invite any guest to dinner, who would it be and why?
My grandfather, Bulchand Naraindas Melwani, is definitely my choice. He sadly passed away before I was born, however I have always felt a strong connection to my grandfather through the values he imparted to my father. I would love to hear his stories and understand the principles that guided him.
Which book character would you like to swap lives with for a day?
Without hesitation, I chose Pippi Longstocking. I admire her vibrant spirit, imagination, and fearless attitude. Living as Pippi would mean embracing adventure and spontaneity, which beautifully ties into my own writing themes.
What are you currently reading that you can’t get enough of?
Currently, I am captivated by The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko. I appreciate its delicate handling of complex themes like sibling love and responsibility, making it “a poignant coming-of-age tale.”
How long does it take you to write a book?
For picture books, the process is quicker but it can stretch for biographies. Typically, a novel takes me around two years. Each story requires its unique timeline.
Any upcoming projects we should look forward to?
Exciting news awaits! My debut narrative non-fiction book, Their Story Is Our Story, is set for release next year. It’s a heartfelt love letter to the children of displaced refugees, I am eager for readers to experience its message of resilience and belonging.
What golden advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Embrace your authentic self. Your individuality is your greatest superpower. Write from a place of truth, and you’ll create deeper connections with your readers.
Thank you very much Ritu for sharing your journey with our Bookazine readers. And reminding us that writing is not just about putting pen to paper; it's about the power of connection, imagination, and authenticity—an inspiration for writers and readers everywhere.
We cant wait to discover your new book Their Story is Our Story next year. Wishing you much success.
You can purchase a copy of Ritu Hemnani's book "Lion of the Sky" right here at Bookazine.
