Ramya Mishra : Any more such books in pipeline? Would you like to share some future projects?

Arefa Tehsin : There are two more to be released this year, hopefully. One is called The Steed of the Jungle God to be published by NBT (National Book Trust). It is a non-fiction book for adults. It is on 70+ years of experiences of my father Dr. Raza H. Tehsin in the jungles of the Aravalis, the phenomena which he has come across that can be attributed to ghosts and spirits, and his quest for rational explanations behind the same.

The other is also non-fiction book but for children: The Wild in Our Backyards. It is to be published by Penguin (Puffin). When we think about wild animals, we think of the jungles. But there are a plethora of them living in our own backyards and homes.

I am also writing the fourth part of the Iora fantasy series for young adults based in a rainforest. The first book Iora & the Quest of Five was released in 2012. Since then I’ve written the second and third novels of the series (Iora & the Realm of Legends and Iora & the Eyes of the Past) but they haven’t been published as yet. The series would be released once I complete writing all the six books.

Ramya Mishra : What is the toughest thing when one writes books for the kids?

Arefa Tehsin : I do not find it tough to write for kids. Or for adults for that matter. Writing is just a matter of delight; be it writing stories or penning down factual information in a fun way.

Ramya Mishra : Who is your inspiration? What do you do to relax?

Arefa Tehsin : I’m often asked about my inspiration. Who has time for inspirations? I just sit down and write. My father is the one who introduced me to writing. And Aditya, my partner, pestered me to take the writing more seriously.

My idea of relaxing is watching a movie or reading a book; living the lives of others through stories. But nothing relaxes me like travel. And nothing settles me like travel.