"Identity and belonging are core to my personal journey, so it’s natural that they’d show up in my stories."
I think my love for storytelling began when I was very young. Growing up in India and then moving to the U.S., I experienced two very different cultures. Books became a safe space where I could explore both. I was particularly inspired by the lack of representation of South Asian characters in romantic comedies—a genre I adore. That’s when I decided to write the stories I wish I had growing up.
Books were my constant companions during my childhood, and I’d often find myself imagining alternate endings or inserting characters who looked like me into the narratives. When I finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it felt like coming home. Writing allows me to bridge the gap between my two worlds and share that blend of cultures with readers everywhere.
Q. Your debut novel, ‘When Dimple Met Rishi’, was a game-changer in YA romance. What was the spark behind that story?
The idea for When Dimple Met Rishi came from my fascination with arranged marriages, which I saw growing up in my community. I wanted to explore how love can blossom in unexpected ways while weaving in humor, family dynamics, and personal ambition. Plus, I really wanted to write a feisty, coffee-loving heroine like Dimple and a hopeless romantic like Rishi!
The inspiration also stemmed from conversations I’d had with friends about navigating cultural expectations versus personal dreams. Dimple and Rishi’s journey reflects that tension—how they’re both grappling with familial pressure yet striving to carve out their own paths. It’s a story that’s deeply personal but also speaks to a universal experience of balancing tradition and modernity.
Q. How do you balance cultural authenticity while making your stories universally appealing?
It’s a balancing act, but I’ve found that the more specific and authentic I am about cultural experiences, the more they resonate universally. Emotions like love, joy, and the struggle for self-acceptance transcend cultural boundaries. At the same time, I’m careful to portray South Asian culture in a way that feels genuine rather than stereotypical. It’s important to show the diversity within the community too.
For instance, in When Dimple Met Rishi, I included specific details like Bollywood dance scenes and Indian wedding traditions, but I paired them with universal themes of self-discovery and romance. I think when readers connect with the heart of the story, they’re also more open to learning about new cultural nuances.
Q. You’ve written across genres—from romantic comedies to fantasy (Of Curses and Kisses). How do you approach genre-hopping?
I’m a firm believer in following the story that excites you. Each genre has its own challenges, but I love pushing myself as a writer. For romantic comedies, I focus on crafting witty dialogue and swoon-worthy moments. With fantasy, I’m diving into world-building and creating high-stakes conflicts. At the heart of both genres, though, is the exploration of relationships and identity.
Switching genres also keeps me creatively energized. While Of Curses and Kisses allowed me to reimagine fairy tales in a modern boarding school setting, my romantic comedies let me focus on relatable, everyday moments with a twist of humor. It’s a joy to explore these vastly different landscapes, and I’m always learning something new in the process.
Q. What does a typical writing day look like for you? Do you have any quirky habits or rituals?
My writing day usually starts with coffee (a must!) and a quick meditation to focus my mind. I set small, achievable word count goals for each day. I also have a playlist for every book I write—it helps me get into the mood of the story. One quirky habit is that I often act out scenes to make sure they feel authentic. It’s a little embarrassing, but it works!
I also keep a journal where I jot down random ideas, snippets of dialogue, or even dreams that could spark a story. Sometimes, I’ll step away from my desk to take a walk and let ideas simmer. Writing is a mix of discipline and creativity for me, so I try to nurture both sides.
Q. Your books often center on themes of identity and belonging. Why are these themes so important to you?
Identity and belonging are core to my personal journey, so it’s natural that they’d show up in my stories. Growing up as an immigrant, I often felt like I was caught between two worlds. Writing about characters who are navigating similar struggles helps me process those experiences while also creating space for readers to see themselves reflected.
I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated, especially young readers who are still figuring out who they are. Through my stories, I hope to show that it’s okay to embrace all parts of yourself, even when they feel contradictory. You don’t have to fit into a single box to belong.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring authors, especially those from underrepresented communities?
Don’t be afraid to tell your story the way you see it. Your unique perspective is your greatest strength. Also, don’t let the lack of representation discourage you—instead, let it fuel your drive to create change. Lastly, persistence is key. Rejection is part of the process, but it’s not the end of the journey.
I’d also recommend finding a supportive community of fellow writers. Writing can be isolating, but having people who understand the highs and lows can make all the difference. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and keep learning and growing with each draft.
Q. Can you share any details about your upcoming projects? What can fans look forward to?
I’m so excited for what’s next! I’m working on another YA contemporary romance that explores friendships, family secrets, and, of course, a dash of love. I’m also delving into a middle-grade series that I hope will make younger readers feel seen and celebrated. Stay tuned for more details soon!
Additionally, I’m exploring the idea of writing an adult romance. It’s a little outside my comfort zone, but I’m thrilled by the challenge. My goal is to keep evolving as a storyteller while staying true to the themes that resonate most with me.
Q. How do you deal with criticism, especially when writing stories that represent underrepresented communities?
Criticism can be tough, but I try to view it as an opportunity for growth. When it comes to writing about underrepresented communities, I do my best to approach stories with sensitivity and authenticity, but I’m always open to learning. If a critique is constructive, I take it to heart and see how I can improve in the future.
At the same time, I’ve learned to differentiate between feedback that’s helpful and criticism that’s rooted in bias. You can’t please everyone, so it’s important to stay true to your vision while being respectful of your audience.
Q. Lastly, how do you hope readers feel after finishing one of your books?
My biggest hope is that readers feel a sense of joy and belonging. I want them to see themselves in my characters and feel that their experiences matter. If they finish my book with a smile on their face and a lighter heart, then I’ve done my job.
I also hope they take away a little bit of inspiration—whether it’s to pursue their dreams, embrace their unique identity, or simply to hold onto hope during tough times. Stories have the power to transform, and I’m grateful to play a small part in that process.
BIO:
Sandhya Menon is an Indian-American author known for her young adult fiction, often focusing on diverse characters and stories that explore themes of identity, family, and romance. Her debut novel, 'When Dimple Met Rishi', became a bestseller and was praised for its portrayal of Indian-American culture. Menon’s works often reflect her South Asian heritage, blending contemporary romance with cultural nuances. She is recognized for her engaging storytelling and ability to represent diverse voices in literature.
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