Sandhya Menon’s YA Novel Is the Heartwarming Rom-Com You Need
Life can get pretty awkward when your parents decide to check in on your love life, so can you only imagine the crazy and hilarious hijinks that might happen if they took it a step further and went on a husband hunt after your high school graduation? When Dimple Met Rishi is Sandhya Menon’s hilarious debut novel about two Indian-American teens whose parents are conspiring for them to get married, much to the annoyance of headstrong Dimple, who doesn’t think she needs a husband. Romantic Rishi, on the other hand, doesn’t see the problem with a tradition that has worked for hundreds of years. Sandhya Menon’s book will have you LOL’ing as you watch these two figure out what exactly this whole love thing is about. We caught up with Sandya and chatted about her creativity tips, her lady heroes, and more. Scroll on to learn more about this brilliant writer!
Brit + Co: Describe your book in six words or less.
Sandhya Menon: Love makes idiots of us all. (And if I could add more, I’d say: This is Dimple and Rishi’s story.)
B+C: Where/when do you do your best writing?
SM: In a quiet room. I love writing on my bed (as long as it’s made!). I write best in the morning and afternoon until about 4pm, at which point I take a break. I may write again in the evening, once the sun goes down.
B+C: What’s your go-to cure for when you’re stuck in a creativity rut?
SM: Watch a TV show that I find fun/interesting, read non-fiction books (I love memoirs), and do something completely unrelated to writing.
B+C: What two lady heroes do you turn to for inspiration, and why?
SM: I love Gretchen Rubin, who I think is full of fabulous wisdom and approachable, practical advice. I also love the story of Princess Sophia Singh, whose biography I’m reading right now (excellently written by Anita Anand). She was a socialite who developed a taste for suffragette sabotage — what’s not to love about that? (Photo via Michael Weschler)
B+C: What’s your latest Instagram obsession?
SM: I’m loving Sketchy Desi (@sketchy_desi) right now. She’s hilarious and her art is so beautiful!
B+C: Can you name a book that you think deserves a little more love + recognition?
SM: I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo! I’m so excited for this one.
B+C: What’s next on your to-read pile?
SM: A re-read of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. That book is like nectar to the thirsty writer’s soul.
B+C: What advice do you have for aspiring creative ladies?
SM: Keep at it and don’t give up. But also, live life outside of your art. It’s so, so important to have ways to refill your creative well.
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(Photo via Sandhya Menon)
