Aug 04, 2023

Author Spotlight: Getting to Know Ananya Devarajan

by Teri Sobeck

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love celebrating new and exciting authors, and Ananya Devarajan fits perfectly into that category. She is an exceptional young author who is just at the beginning of what will be a remarkable literary career.

Ananya is in her fourth and final year at the University of California, Irvine, where she is pursuing a major in Neurobiology and Behavior as well as a minor in English. After graduation, she will be attending medical school at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, New York. And somehow, she also managed to write a book! Impressive, right?

Like many of her characters, Ananya is a second-generation Indian American young adult, and her story is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. We are so proud to have her debut novel, Kismat Connection, in our July YA book subscription box, and it's been a big hit.

A Passion for Storytelling

From an early age, Ananya knew she wanted to be a HarperCollins author, and boy, did she make her dream come true! But her journey to becoming a published author had its share of twists and turns.

Ananya's love for storytelling blossomed on Wattpad, where she caught the attention of a growing audience as a Featured Author. Later, she clinched first place in TeenPit 2019—an incredible achievement for any aspiring writer.

Romantic Chaos with a Speculative Twist

Now, let's talk about Ananya's writing style. Imagine young adult romance novels infused with Desi teenagers, swoon-worthy banter, and lighthearted drama—all wrapped up in a delightful speculative twist. If that doesn't make you curious about her debut novel, Kismat Connection, then we don't know what will!

Ananya's characters come to life, making you laugh, cry, and cheer them on in their adventures. It's no wonder that HarperCollins and Inkyard Press fell head over heels for her writing.

From Thrillers to Romance

Ananya's journey to becoming a romance novelist wasn't a straightforward one. Her first attempt at writing, a YA thriller on Wattpad, may not have hit the mark, but it taught her the basics of long-form writing and laid the foundation for her future success.

When agents gave her crucial feedback about her thriller, one of them expressed interest in the romantic subplot. Ananya, being Ananya, seized this opportunity and dived headfirst into writing a romance novel during her freshman year at UCI. Talk about determination!

Learning and Growing as an Author

Ananya's writing skills evolved with each step of the process. She learned the craft through self-teaching, drawing inspiration from other writers, and weaving her newfound knowledge into her work.

Even with the whirlwind of success, Ananya remains grounded. She recognizes that as she grows as a person, so does her writing. Each editing process gives her the chance to add a more nuanced perspective, making her books even more captivating.

Balancing Writing and Medical School

It's incredible how Ananya manages to juggle her blossoming writing career with her dreams of becoming a doctor. Her dedication and time management skills are commendable.

With her debut novel published, Ananya embarked on a book tour—a dream come true for any author. And guess what? Her second book will be hitting the shelves in 2024! It seems like there's no stopping this two-trick pony!

A Bright Future Ahead

As her medical school journey begins next year, Ananya's passion for storytelling will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly. Whether she will be treating patients or weaving captivating tales, she's sure to excel in both fields.

So, if you're a fan of heartwarming romance with a sprinkle of Desi magic, don't miss out on Kismat Connection! And if you want to keep up with her adventures, be sure to follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ananyad12.

Conclusion

Ananya Devarajan's journey from an aspiring author to a published novelist is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for storytelling. Her willingness to learn from setbacks, embrace guidance, and trust in her abilities has led her to the cusp of success. As she prepares for the release of Kismat Connection, we are eagerly anticipating the beginning of her literary journey, as she promises to weave stories filled with Desi teenagers, romance, and delightful twists.

As a second-generation Indian American, her voice is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the world of young adult romance novels. Let's celebrate this young author and her debut novel as she steps into the spotlight, ready to take the literary world by storm. We wish Ananya Devarajan all the success and happiness in her writing journey! Why not subscribe and never miss out on new and exciting young adult authors again?

FAQs

Who is Ananya Devarajan?

Ananya is a second-generation Indian American young adult author. She is in her fourth and final year at the University of California, Irvine, where she is pursuing a major in Neurobiology and Behavior as well as a minor in English. After graduation, she will be attending medical school at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, New York.