Q&A With Sonya Singh 

Tonight’s Q&A is with Sonya Singh. Sonya Singh is the author of Sari Not Sari and The Breakup Expert. Sonya had gotten back to me through instagram and agreed to this Q&A. 

Q: Sonya, what drew you to writing romantic comedies? When in your life did you realize that writing was what you are called to do?

A: I realized it when I was younger. I loved telling stories and always ‘acting’ out scenes with my sister. It was tough, though, because as a South Asian woman – I don’t know if I felt comfortable pursuing writing due to the lack of push in the arts in my own family – it felt unsafe. 

I have always been a romantic at heart – I think as a true Aries, I can be spicy at times with my emotions, but love wins – over everything. 

Q: How did you come up with the ideas for Sari Not Sari & The Breakup Expert? 

A: Sari, Not Sari and The Breakup Expert are actually the same book – They have different titles in Canada/US and the UK. 

A: I was in a bit of a funk with my past relationship and wasted words on a man no longer interested in pursuing a relationship with me – but I just didn’t want to let him or us go. I woke up one day and realized that I needed to get out of this funk and started to binge shows/movies, but there never seemed to be a leading lady – a South Asian talking about her relationships or breakups – So I created her. 

Q: Would it be fair to say that any of the characters in your novels are based off of anyone you know in real life? I love it that authors can be inspired by real people to create fictional ones. 

A: Yes – maybe a few of my exes LOL Kidding, not kidding. 

HA. 

I think I just wrote from places and experiences I had dreamt about – one day being or seeing. I don’t know my characters in the real world, but I would love to have them as friends in real life. 

Q: Does Hollywood have the rights to any of your novels?

A: Hollywood North does. Nikki Ray Media Agency optioned Sari, Not Sari, as part of their scripted slate. 

Q: What’s your advice to anyone wanting to write great romantic comedy fiction? How do you deal with writer’s block? 

A: Find your voice and make it your brand. Be authentic, and don’t play into stereotypes because you think they will sell. I wish I had writer’s block  – I can’t stop writing, LOL.

Q: What advice do you give new authors on how to deal with negative feedback whether it’s from negative reviews, trolls, and friends and family who are unsupportive of their writing goals?

A: Well, I made the mistake of going down that rabbit hole one night – with a bottle of wine in hand and never again. You know, for everyone who likes your book, a few will not. So unless you have written a book – I’ve just realized that your negative review doesn’t matter to me. This is my career, and just like most of us get feedback from our managers in our annual reviews (in person, privately), that’s how authors’ works should be viewed. If you have feedback – write to me – happy to read it. But – this is my livelihood, and what you write under a troll name reflects my career. So don’t do it. 

Q: If you’re writing a new novel now, are you allowed to give any details?

A: I am – writing The Fake Matchmaker – it was sold to Double Day. I am so excited – it will come out in the late Spring next year! 

Q: If you were to write in different genres other than romantic comedy, which genres would they be and why?

A: Thriller – no doubt. All my friends know I love a good scare. Lots of horror-fic moments 🙂