Arush Gupta
Hello! I am Arush Gupta. I live in Auckland, and as of 2022, I am attending Somerville Intermediate School. I was granted a Gifted Learners Award in 2021 by the Ministry of Education, New Zealand, for assistance with self-publishing my book.
I am sure you might be curious why I thought of writing this book. Well, 1-2 years back, I was still a good kid but obligated to play video games due to a constant desire provoked by peer pressure. Also, I was shy and could have never dreamt of public speaking. My hobbies and personality are exactly the opposite now. I wondered what chain of fortunate events led to this growth mindset. The details regarding my introspection journey are included in my video application. Hence, I was determined to help other children through the story of James Smith, which is adapted from my life story.
Check out my video about this book – see YouTube link below.
What authors did you dislike at first, but grew into?
The main author that I disliked at first but grew into, was RL Stine. When I was around 7 or 8, I loved his novels, I loved them so much that I read also all of the Goosebumps series. The problem was, because I loved reading Goosebumps, I was awake at night after reading the ones that are scary for 8-year-olds (especially that haunted mask one). So I used to dislike his books because I loved them.
Do you try more to be original, or to deliver to readers what they want?
I try to be more original. It’s mostly because if I am delivering the readers what they want, they don’t have to read my book, they can read someone else’s. They will only read my book if it is original.
How do you select the names of your characters?
Many characters in my book do not have much significance, come from a random name generator. Characters who play a higher role in the plot, usually are some of my friends.
Have you Googled yourself? Did you find out anything interesting?
I have Googled myself. The first result that was actually me, was a Tornelo chess coaching class.
Are there any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? Can you tell us one? Or give us any hints?
Many background characters are actually some of my friends, and their character represents them in real life.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym? Why?
No, I have not.
How did publishing your first book change your writing process?
My first published book changed my writing process by making me think about the character’s point of view instead of the narrator’s.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I do not have any so far.