Mayank Manohar

Aquarius

I may not win any marathons, but I can binge-watch an entire season of a show without breaking a sweat, I enjoy cooking, Procrastination Ninja.

I’m terrified of leaving this world without making a lasting impact, like I just passed through without leaving my mark.

I wouldn’t say it’s my greatest achievement just yet, but pursuing my passion of becoming an author against all odds and finally making it a reality feels pretty close.

As a journalist, breaking stories that impacted thousands of lives, and now transitioning to becoming an author, are among the most fulfilling milestones of my journey.

A low point in my life was going through countless rejections during engineering college campus placements, feeling completely lost about my future, and battling mental health challenges along the way. It was a time of uncertainty and struggle, but it shaped the path forward.

Shah Rukh Khan and Paulo Coelho are two people I deeply admire. Their journeys, creativity, and the way they inspire through their work have had a significant impact on me.

Doctor Strange is definitely one of my favorite fictional heroes. His blend of intelligence, wit, and mastery over the mystic arts makes him not only powerful but also relatable in his journey of personal growth. Plus, his ability to bend reality and navigate multiple dimensions adds a unique, mind-bending twist to the typical hero narrative.

Two of my favorite fictional villains are Thanos and Loki. Thanos, with his complex motivations and belief that he's saving the universe, brings depth to the classic villain role. Meanwhile, Loki's mischievous charm, wit, and constant struggle between good and evil make him a fascinating character who keeps you guessing. Both villains have layers that go beyond mere villainy, which makes them truly captivating.

My favorite authors are Paulo Coelho and Khaled Hosseini.

The Alchemist, The Aleph, The Silent Patient, The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns

The Alchemist & Gone Girl

Rockstar, Tamasha, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Fight Club, The Dark Knight Rises

I wish I could travel through the fragments of time, experiencing different eras and moments, unraveling the mysteries of the past and glimpsing the future.

"He dared to dream, lived his version of truth, and left the world a little brighter. As for the last line of a biography, it could be something like: In the end, he wasn’t just a storyteller—his life itself became a remarkable tale."

"I would choose India. Childhood: I would choose India during the Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE). Growing up in this era would mean being part of a society rooted in spirituality, early knowledge systems, and the beginnings of Indian culture. The Vedas would serve as a source of wisdom and moral grounding, and I’d be surrounded by nature, simplicity, and a deeply philosophical approach to life. Adolescence: For my teenage years, I’d choose India during the Mughal Empire (16th century), a time of cultural fusion and flourishing arts. Being an adolescent during Akbar's reign, in particular, would expose me to an India of diversity, tolerance, and artistic grandeur. I imagine soaking in the music, architecture, and rich traditions that came together to define this golden era. Adult Life: For adulthood, I’d want to experience India in the 1940s, around the time of the Indian Independence movement. Living in this period would allow me to witness, and perhaps be part of, the transformative changes that defined India’s modern history. It would be a time of great passion, hope, and activism, working alongside leaders and revolutionaries striving for a free India. Silver Years: For my later years, I’d choose India in the 1980s, post-independence but still in its transformative phase, when technology, economy, and social changes were on the rise. This period was marked by optimism and growth, and it would be a great time to reflect on the progress made while witnessing the nation step confidently into a globalized world."

If I could acquire any talent, it would be the ability to master musical instruments effortlessly—being able to pick up any instrument and create music instantly. Music has a universal language that transcends boundaries and emotions, and being able to express myself through melodies and rhythms on different instruments would be incredible. Whether it’s a piano, guitar, sitar, or drums, the ability to weave stories and emotions into music would be a powerful form of creative expression.

If I had to choose a book I wish I had written, I’d say, "It is yet to be written." I don't want to rewrite any book by other authors because every author has their own unique vision and purpose behind what they create. Their stories come from personal experiences and perspectives that are best left untouched. The book I want to write is something entirely new, something that hasn’t yet been brought into the world, and it will reflect my own voice, vision, and impact.

I usually write whenever inspiration strikes, whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, depending on the mood and creative flow. As for the setting, I prefer peaceful, quiet places where I can focus, like a cozy corner at home or a serene café. However, my writing isn’t confined to one location. In fact, A Glimpse of the Future was written during my 6-month backpacking journey across Himachal Pradesh. The mountains, the solitude, and the experiences from that trip deeply influenced the ideas and emotions behind the book. Being close to nature allowed me to reflect and bring my thoughts to life.

It depends on the moment! Sometimes, silence is my go-to when I need to fully immerse myself in my thoughts and focus on the flow of words without distractions. Other times, music—especially instrumental or soft ambient tunes—helps to set the mood and spark creativity. Music can act like a background soundtrack for the emotions or scenes I’m writing, but when I need clarity, silence is golden.

The only way to escape the darkness is by moving through it.

Actually, I don’t have any specific superstitions or rituals when it comes to writing. I like to keep things flexible and let the process flow naturally. Sometimes, I write in silence, other times with music—it just depends on how I’m feeling at the moment. For me, writing is more about capturing the moment of inspiration rather than following a set routine.

My guilty reading pleasure would be mystery thrillers and crime novels—the more suspenseful and twist-filled, the better. I get totally hooked by those page-turners where you just have to know what happens next, even if it’s late at night and I know I should stop reading. There’s something irresistible about a gripping plot and unexpected twists that makes them hard to put down. It’s a fun escape, even when it’s a little predictable!

My advice for new writers would be: "Believe in your voice, write with authenticity, and don’t be afraid to embrace imperfection—it’s part of the journey to finding your unique style." Writing is a process, and the more you trust your instincts and keep practicing, the more your craft will evolve.