PVLF 2025

Interview with Inaya Gala, Author of "The Other Side"

Inaya Gala, a talented 13-year-old, excels in academics, arts, and music. A published author and performer, she aspires to write and perform her own songs on stage.
on Aug 05, 2024

Inaya Gala is a thirteen-year-old student of Springdales School, Pusa Road.A voracious reader since the age of 3, writing for her has been a natural progression and one of her stories got published as part of a story anthology in an All-India schools story writing competition on www.storymirror.com She has won various accolades in inter-school as well as All India level competitions She is a confident performer, draws, paints and sings extremely well and plays the guitar. She is now looking to write and subsequently perform her own songs on stage. She has recently started her own You Tube channel dedicated to music. She has dabbled in television, anchoring shows for Star Sports and has also interviewed Mrs Nita Ambani at her home in Antilla for a special Children's Day show. Inaya has also walked the ramp at the Lakme Fashion week.And last but not least, has consistently topped her class in academics and extra-curricular work, which has led her to win the Best All Round Student of the Year award for the last two years in a row.

Frontlist: "The Other Side" has a gripping plot involving horror and supernatural elements. What inspired you to write this story, and how did the initial idea come to you?

Inaya: I have been interested in the horror genre ever since I can remember. There’s a certain allure the supernatural has, which I find thrilling. In 2019, I went on my first-ever school trip to Gwalior, and I shared a room there with three of my friends. Naturally, being children, we were playing pranks on each other. One of the pranks was removing the key card so that the lights in the room went out. After some time though, we agreed that it was getting boring and to not do it again. However, later that night, the key card mysteriously vanished from its holder, and our room plunged into darkness and was later found hidden behind a kettle. And to this day, none of us has confessed to playing that last prank. It got me thinking, and gave me the spark for writing ‘The Other Side’.

Frontlist: As a young author, what does your writing process look like? Do you follow a specific routine or method, and how do you stay motivated and disciplined while balancing school and writing?

Inaya: While writing The Other Side, I didn’t know what my story would develop into. I didn’t write with a set plan in mind, I just went with the flow. I’m currently working on another book, and with this one, I am planning in advance so it’s easier to write the story and connect certain elements, to make it an overall better read. Although I am very busy with school and other extra-curriculars, I write whenever I feel like it, or whenever I get inspiration. I believe if you like something enough, you’re bound to find time for it.

Frontlist: Maintaining suspense and thrills throughout a story can be challenging. What techniques did you use to keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish?

Inaya: According to me, a good book always has the right amount of mystery, suspense and action to keep the readers engaged. Naturally, there has to be an introduction and a build up in the book, and we can’t always be in the middle of the action. However, such scenes shouldn’t bore the reader or make them wish the book would go faster. I ensured that, with each chapter, I left the readers on some sort of a cliffhanger, or a reminder that things wouldn’t remain as easy or cheerful as they had been up until that point. The book always flirted with the big question of whether the main characters would survive their ordeal and be successful. Creating that suspense in the back of the reader’s mind, helped keep the book interesting and gripping.

Frontlist: "The Other Side" features multiple character perspectives. How did you ensure each voice was distinct and authentic, especially given the age of the characters?

Inaya: The Other Side has been close to my heart from the beginning, mostly because of how strongly I connected with the characters. They came naturally to me as the story progressed, and I resonated strongly with each character’s personality. Thus, it was easy for me to use multiple character perspectives throughout the story. I could easily predict how each character would react in a particular situation because their nature and identity were intrinsic to me. I tried to imagine beforehand which scene could best be told from which character’s perspectives and then tried to put myself in their shoes. After all, I made the characters, and I am glad how they turned out in the book.

Frontlist: You've achieved so much at a young age. What are your hopes and dreams for your future writing career? Do you see yourself becoming a full-time author, or do you plan to keep writing alongside your other passions?

Inaya: I’ve loved reading from a young age, and writing is an extension of that love for literature. I definitely plan to continue writing in the future. Although I plan to pursue architecture in university, I would love to keep writing novels along with being a full-time architect. Novels transport me to another universe, and I believe there should always be some room for fantasy and wonder, no matter how tough life may get.

Frontlist: What advice would you give to other young aspiring writers who are looking to publish their own work? What key lessons have you learned that you would like to share?

Inaya: I would recommend fellow young authors to always keep reading. I know school and extracurriculars can get very difficult to manage, but as long as you love reading and want to find time for it, writing will follow naturally. After writing, it is important to share your work with your parents. Without my dad proof reading my novel, and my mom’s brilliant suggestions and constant motivation, my literary journey would never have started.

I would suggest hiring a literary agent to help you find a publisher. I was fortunate enough that my father helped me to connect with Mr. Suhail Mathur from The Book Bakers Literary Agency, who helped me get the book deal with Om Books International. He helped me achieve my literary dream, and I will be forever thankful to him.

Most importantly, be consistent and optimistic, and never give up.