About The Author
Shreya Mathur Saxena was born in the 90s in the lake city of Rajasthan, Udaipur. Much of her childhood was spent reading newspapers, encyclopaedia and books such as Panchatantra and Arabian Nights. During her university years, she was captivated by fast-paced thrillers and the richness of Indian and Greek mythology. Falling in love with the art of storytelling, she decided to author one herself. Drawn to the intricacies of human connection, she loves exploring themes of interpersonal relationships, often layered with a quiet undercurrent of suspense. She currently lives in New Zealand right now working in the corporate world during the day and weaving stories as an author by night.
Read the review here: Book Review: I Chose to Begin Again by Shreya MS – A Heartwarming Story of Love and New Beginnings
Interview
Q) What inspired you to write I Chose to Begin Again? Was there a personal story or moment that sparked this narrative?
Anvita’s story reflects the idea of how losing your way can sometimes lead you closer to who you are meant to be. And Viren’s steady presence, inspired by the kind of love that holds space without needing to fix you. Not every victory looks like a triumph, and sometimes, it’s simply learning to live with the cracks, not despite them, but through them. Although this story is not autobiographical, it is deeply personal. It came from the ache of letting go, the wonder of starting over, and the quiet hope that we can all choose to begin again.
Q) Have you always been drawn to writing about themes like love, healing, and second chances?
Absolutely. I have always believed that life isn’t just black and white; it is painted in countless shades. Love, much like a rainbow, comes in many forms. We often romanticise the love we are chasing, but forget to honour the quiet love that already surrounds us: the unspoken bond between a daughter and her mother, the mutual respect between a husband and wife, the quiet understanding between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. These everyday connections are love too. Through my writing, I have wanted to shed light on those subtle, often-overlooked forms of love, the kind that heals, supports, and endures without needing grand declarations.
Q) What does the title “I Chose to Begin Again” mean to you personally?
In my teenage years, I went through a health challenge that completely shifted my perspective on life. I was once headstrong and self-assured, but also somewhat insensitive. That experience humbled me, made me more aware, more empathetic. It forced me to unlearn who I thought I was and rebuild from the inside out. The title is a tribute to that time. It is a reminder that true beginnings are not always supposed to be grand; they are often quiet, necessary, and deeply personal. Choosing to begin again was, for me, not just survival; it was growth.
Q) How did Anvita and Viren come to life for you? Were they based on real people or pure imagination?
Anvita is a reflection of the modern Indian woman, independent, ambitious, and deeply rooted in family values. She wants to carve her own path, make her family proud, and is quietly emotional beneath a strong, determined exterior. In many ways, she’s a version of me, though far better at photography! Her vulnerability is real, but she’s shaped by life to protect it behind a headstrong persona. Perhaps it’s her experiences that taught her to be that way. Viren, on the other hand, was raised by a wise and strong woman, Sarita Ma. His character breaks away from the stereotypical masculine mould. He is caring, grounded, and emotionally aware. We often forget to see or honour the gentle strength in men, their ability to nurture, support, and stand beside rather than ahead. Viren is my homage to those quiet, supportive heroes in my life, my father, my husband, and my brother, who have shown me that true strength is often found in empathy and presence.
Q) What’s your writing process like? Are you a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between?
As someone new to writing novels, I would say I am a bit of both. For I Chose to Begin Again, I leaned more toward the plotter side as it helped me structure the chapters and stay grounded in the story’s emotional flow. But I also left space for the characters to surprise me along the way, like the friendly and chatty character of Karan. Some of the most heartfelt moments weren’t planned; they simply unfolded as I wrote.
Q) How long did it take to complete this novel from the first draft to the final manuscript?
The writing itself took about four months. I began drafting in January and completed the final draft by the end of April. May was fully dedicated to cover design and other publishing tasks. But in truth, the journey started long before that. All through 2024, I was immersed in learning the craft, listening to storytelling podcasts, studying character arcs, understanding pacing, and refining my language. It has been a year of growth, and I would say I am still learning with every page I write.
Q) Anvita is quite reserved while Viren is more grounded and open—what drew you to these personality contrasts?
Anvita, after her memory loss, becomes someone who holds her struggles quietly. She is cautious with trust, hesitant to express emotion, and searching for a self she can’t fully remember. Viren, in contrast, is grounded, steady, emotionally open, and deeply in tune with the world around him. Their contrast became foundational for the story. Viren’s calm presence becomes a safe space for Anvita. He doesn’t push her to heal faster or be someone she’s not; he simply holds space, patiently. While Anvita’s journey is about piecing herself back together, Viren’s is about letting her bloom at her own pace. Together, their differences allow something gentle and honest to grow between them.
Q) If you could sit down with Anvita today, what would you tell her?
I would tell her, “You are brave, and everything will be alright. But next time, please take someone with you when you go on a hike!” Knowing Anvita, with her headstrong and independent nature, I am pretty sure she would have more advice for me than the other way around. On an honest note, I would appreciate her attempt to start a new chapter of her life which requires a lot of courage. She is tough on the outside but sweet from inside.
Q) Sarita Ma is such a comforting, maternal presence in the story. How did her character evolve in your mind?
Growing up, I often saw mother-in-law characters portrayed negatively in television dramas, sharp-tongued, controlling, or dismissive. I wanted to challenge that narrative. Sarita Ma is the woman I wished more stories celebrated, a modern, educated widow who raised her children with strength and compassion after her husband’s untimely passing. Her quiet resilience and emotional wisdom are the very reasons Viren grew up to be so kind, patient and grounded. Through her, I also wanted to highlight the bond between two women, one who has lived through pain, and one who’s learning to survive it. Sarita Ma doesn’t just offer comfort; she empowers Anvita when she needs it most.
Q) Your story explores both literal and emotional journeys. Was that intentional?
The forest was the metaphor of Anvita’s blank memory, and the ginger tea was her anchor to her present world. Viren’s wada was the metaphor of his mental stability, nurturing nature and calmness as well. In our personal life as well, our playlists, dressing styles and even our eating habits, provide a slight glimpse of our psyche. It was my little attempt to bring the reader closer to their own world by writing the subtle things that we all experience regularly, like sunsets, long drives and especially ginger chai.
Q)The story feels like it could be part of a larger novel. Do you see yourself expanding it into a full-length book or writing a sequel?
Since this was my debut, I intentionally kept it short yet emotionally engaging. It was important for me to explore the essence of the story without overwhelming myself or the reader. That said, I do feel there’s room to dive deeper. In my next writing, I would love to expand the characters and their arcs, perhaps shape a fuller novel. As for a sequel, I am currently listening to my readers and exploring the idea of following Vedika’s journey more closely. Anvita and Viren will always stay close to my heart, but who knows, maybe their world still has more to offer.
Q) What do you hope readers take away from this story?
I hope readers feel the quiet power of starting over. That love doesn’t always come with grand gestures; it can simply mean holding space for someone without trying to fix them. Viren’s love was just that: steady, respectful, and patient. And Anvita’s journey was about choosing to rediscover herself on her own terms, embracing not just who she was, but who she was becoming. At its heart, this story is a reminder that healing takes time, love takes many forms, and beginning again is a strength and not a setback.
Q) What kind of stories or genres would you love to explore next?
I would love to explore stories that delve into interpersonal relationships, but with a subtle twist, perhaps a dash of suspense or a gentle undercurrent of mystery. My goal is to highlight the complexity of modern relationships and how they evolve in today’s world, while weaving narratives that feel both relatable and emotionally rich. I am drawn to stories where the emotional tension is as gripping as the plot itself, which is powerful, yet deeply human.
Q) If your book were adapted into a short film or web series, who would you cast as Anvita and Viren?
That’s a really tough question! But if I had to imagine, I could see Sanya Malhotra as Anvita, she has that quiet strength, depth, and expressive vulnerability that fits Anvita perfectly. For Viren, maybe Varun Dhawan, especially in his calmer, more grounded roles like in October. He has the charm and emotional maturity that Viren’s character needs.
Get your Book Reviewed by Vidhya Thakkar – Connect us Now
