‘There’s always room for new stories’

Saba Kapur is a 20-year-old Indian-Australian writer based out of Melbourne, Australia. Her debut novel Lucky Me is a romantic-mystery that follows the story of Gia Winters, the teenage daughter of a Hollywood star, who must team up with her bodyguard to unravel the mystery behind her dangerous stalker.

Which genre draws you the most as a reader and a writer I’m a true bookworm, so I’ll try a book from any genre! But the romantic-comedy genre has always been my favourite, especially if it involves an element of mystery or adventure.

Best opening line that you have ever read It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. — Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)

One fictional character close to your heart and why Michael Corleone from The Godfather (by Mario Puzo). The way the reader sees how he gradually evolves to take his father’s place is such an intimate and personal journey. It’s like you’re being let in on a special secret.

Who among the pantheon of writers (past/present) would you like to have coffee with J.K. Rowling. As a huge fan of Harry Potter, I would love to discuss all of my theories with her. Every character in the series is incredibly complex, so it would be so interesting to know all the little details, straight from the source.

One tip for aspiring writers Read everything! The best way to know what works for your own writing is to read the work of others. Try to learn from every novel you read, whether it be the things you liked or the things you hated. It will give you a clearer idea of the things that appeal to you most.

How can new/budding writers prevent rejection from turning into dejection Rejection can be difficult when you’re a new writer, particularly a young one. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have something to offer. You just have to keep trying. There’s always room for new stories, and that new one could be yours.