Novelist Reenita Malhotra Hora On How To Write A Book That Sparks A Movement

An Interview With Jake Frankel

Community Building: As much as I would like to spend all my time writing, I know I need to connect with readers. Building my social media presence is critical, as is approaching book clubs and engaging with readers. These efforts create a community around my books and foster a sense of belonging and advocacy.

As part of my series about “How to write a book that sparks a movement” I had the pleasure of interviewing Reenita Malhotra Hora. Reenita is a multiple-award-winning novelist, screenwriter, entrepreneur and audio producer. A prolific author, Reenita has written seven books. Her literary works include YA & MG novels with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity, and non-fiction books focusing on Ayurvedic Medicine and personal finance. A California based South Asian storyteller, Reenita’s writing is unapologetically Indian, pulsing with the colors and rhythms of her culture, deftly blending humor and authenticity. LA Weekly spotlighted her unique approach to weaving Indian humor and culture into the American tapestry. With multiple years of experience in media, entertainment, communications, tech/innovation, and wellness industries in the U.S. and Asia, she grows organizations ranging from early-stage startups to mid-size businesses through storytelling, creative marketing, and business strategy. She was a journalist, editor, and writer for platforms like National Geographic Kids, Disney India, Cartoon Network Asia, the New York Times, CNN, Radio Television Hong Kong, and Bloomberg. She is currently Chief Storyteller at Chapter by Episode, a digital publishing platform for immersive chat fiction stories with diverse themes. She is also the Creator & Executive Producer of two podcasts, SHADOW REALM and the TRUE FICTION PROJECT. Her awards and accolades include the Eric Hoffer Book Award, IndieReader Discovery Award, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Award, Script2Comic, Launchpad and Emerging Screenwriters.

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you share the “backstory” of how you grew up?

My backstory? Well, I was born and grew up in Mumbai. That’s where I spent my formative years. Aside from a small part of my childhood spent in England, I went to elementary, middle and high school in Mumbai. And as you know, many of us authors say — everything we learned, we learned in grade school or high school. So it’s no wonder that my Mumbai foundation informs so much of my identity and my writing.

When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story?

Two books have profoundly influenced me at different stages of my life. As a child, Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” left a deep mark on me. Its themes of individualism, independence, and the relentless pursuit of excellence resonated strongly, shaping my views on creativity and innovation.

Later, in my adult years, “Too Big to Fail” by Andrew Ross Sorkin captivated me. This detailed account of the global financial crisis and the fall of Lehman Brothers was unforgettable. I’ve always been fascinated by business stories, especially those that intertwine industry, politics, and power. Reading “Too Big to Fail” ignited a desire in me to one day write the story of my father, RK Malhotra, a pioneer in India’s razor blade industry, in a similar format.

What was the moment or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?

When I worked as a journalist for RTHK Radio 3, Hong Kong’s public radio station, I hosted and produced a storytelling show called “Asian Threads.” It was a nonfiction storytelling show, but I had full creative license to shape the stories in any way I liked, giving them a literary flair. Even though the topics were nonfiction, this experience sparked my interest in writing fiction. I realized that fiction would be the ideal medium to bring my messages to the world.

What impact did you hope to make when you wrote this book?

I went into a bookstore the other day to discuss my new book with the owner. She mentioned that their book club only reads classics. I thought to myself, “Classics — those are books that have stood the test of time, often over a hundred years, and still make an impact today.” That’s exactly the impact I hope to make with this book. The love story within it is timeless, based on a piece of history that many people don’t know about. I want people to be reading it 100 years from now!

Did the actual results align with your expectations? Can you explain?

In terms of writing, the story has evolved quite differently from my original vision. Initially, I wanted to intersperse snippets of General Dyer’s transcripts and real nonfiction facts with the fictional narrative. However, the editors at the publishing houses and my early agent weren’t fond of this approach, so I changed it, trusting that they knew better. While I do like the way it’s turned out, it is stylistically more like other books on the market than what I had originally planned.

What moment let you know that your book had started a movement? Please share a story.

It’s a difficult question to answer, but I had a hunch all along that this piece of history, which I took for granted because I grew up reading about it in school textbooks, was something people outside of India had no idea about. When I received three responses in a row saying, “I had no idea this had happened,” I knew it was time for people to learn. I realized I had started a movement, helping people understand this crucial piece of Indian history and highlighting why its themes are more relevant today than ever.

What kinds of things did you hear right away from readers? What are the most frequent things you hear from readers about your book now? Are they the same? Different?

It’s still very early days, so I’m still gathering feedback from readers, but the reviews so far have been incredible — deep, profound, and poignant. People have told me things like they “get lost in its pages” and “aren’t sure why it has affected them so deeply.” Multiple readers have said they’ve “cried repeatedly” while reading it citing the eye-opening journey into one of the darkest moments in India’s history…and also citing the psychological depths of the story.

What is the most moving or fulfilling experience you’ve had as a result of writing this book? Can you share a story?

One reader told me she has read the book twelve times, and each time, she cried buckets. She also listened to a podcast episode where I did a dramatic audio reading of the massacre scene and wrote to me saying I had done it again — she was in tears all over again. Now, as crazy as this might sound, and I swear I’m not a mean person, I can honestly say I have never been happier to make someone cry.

Have you experienced anything negative? Do you feel there are drawbacks to writing a book that starts such colossal conversation and change?

I did receive one review where someone said the book was too political and they would have preferred more focus on the love story. I understand that some readers are primarily interested in romance and would rather stick to that. However, this reader also rightly pointed out that highlighting the politics of the time was essential for building up the love story because the lovers’ conflict was deeply impacted by the political turmoil of that era.

I don’t see it as a drawback to start these conversations. Even though some of these events happened a hundred years ago, the issues are still relevant today. They still influence our daily lives, the journeys of lovers, and the decisions we make. The themes of political conflict and personal struggle are timeless, and they couldn’t be more pertinent to our current world, even if some of the themes can be contentious.

Can you articulate why you think books in particular have the power to create movements, revolutions, and true change?

It’s an interesting question. In the world of film, TV, and audio entertainment, producers often look to books first. They want to know that a story has been validated by an audience through its success as a book. This is why so many movies and TV shows today are adaptations of books. The source, or “sauce,” really is the book. If the book becomes popular and reaches a wide audience, it has a better chance of being adapted into other media.

A revolution or movement in today’s world can only happen if various forms of media address or cover it, but the starting point is often books. Even in an era where fewer people are reading than before, books still hold a crucial role in sparking and validating stories that can then expand into other forms of media.

What is the one habit you believe contributed the most to you becoming a bestselling writer? (i.e. perseverance, discipline, play, craft study) Can you share a story or example?

I think discipline and perseverance are critical. Discipline is essential because it’s very easy to get distracted by just about anything — your partner, children, family, the world outside, and the news. While some of this is relevant to your storytelling, a lot of it can be very distracting and simply take away your focus.

Perseverance is equally important. I’m not entirely sure how the publishing industry worked before, but today, books don’t just sell themselves. The amount of effort an author must put into marketing their book is crucial. You need to persevere to get your book and story out there through all channels, even though this may not be how you naturally want to spend your time. Perseverance starts with crafting your story, continues through the writing and publishing process, and extends to reaching readers far and wide.

What challenge or failure did you learn the most from in your writing career? Can you share the lesson(s) that you learned?

Not having a literary agent made selling my manuscript to a high-quality publisher all the more difficult. Many reputable publishers are simply inaccessible to unrepresented authors. When you receive rejection after rejection from agents, it’s easy to get demoralized and start second-guessing the worth of your work. However, if you know that you have a solid story that needs to reach audiences in a way only you can deliver, it’s critical to pick yourself up from each rejection and soldier on to find the right publisher for your book. Someone out there will be the right fit. And that’s the beauty of matches made in heaven.

Many aspiring authors would love to make an impact similar to what you have done. What are the 5 things writers need to know if they want to spark a movement with a book? (please include a story or example for each)

Here are five things writers need to know to spark a movement with a book, incorporating your personal examples:

1. Authenticity and Passion: I am from India, and that’s what I know best. In “Operation Mom,” the setting is Zamin, the place where I grew up. Both “Operation Mom” and “Vermilion Harvest” feature female Punjabi protagonists, reflecting who I am and what I am exposed to. This authenticity allows me to craft stories that are genuine and relatable.
2. Research and Depth: It took me years of research to put together “Vermilion Harvest — Playtime at the Bagh.” Delving into what was happening in Punjab in 1919 took months. Reading and re-reading General Dyer’s court transcripts helped me get inside his mind and understand his psychology at the time he orchestrated the attack. This depth of research ensures the story is well-grounded and credible.
3. Engaging Storytelling: Instead of a dry rendition of historical events, I chose to revive this provocative era in Indian history through an engaging, emotional, and poignant love story. This approach makes the narrative more compelling and accessible to readers, allowing them to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.
4. Community Building: As much as I would like to spend all my time writing, I know I need to connect with readers. Building my social media presence is critical, as is approaching book clubs and engaging with readers. These efforts create a community around my books and foster a sense of belonging and advocacy.
5. Multi-Channel Promotion: I have been and continue to be active in promoting my work through blogs, interviews, podcasts, and any other medium that can help get people talking about my books. This multi-channel approach ensures that the story reaches a broader audience and becomes recognized for its place in literature and the world.

The world, of course, needs progress in many areas. What movement do you hope someone (or you!) starts next? Can you explain why that is so important?

Diversity is a buzzword you hear everywhere these days, but I still see a lack of South Asian storytelling in most genres, especially in historical fiction. A simple Google search of the top 100 historical fiction books will bring up next to no South Asian-themed stories. The same goes for comedy, young adult, and fantasy; there is very little that stems from South Asian themes.

I would love to create a movement based on Arya, the protagonist of my YA fantasy series inspired by South Asian mythology. Arya represents a modern-day superhero in every sense — emotional, physical, and spiritual. Her journey digs deep into the idea that good and evil exist in all people, much like heads and tails are two sides of the same coin. It’s up to the superhero to maintain balance and equilibrium. Arya’s journey shows us how to achieve this balance, making him a relatable and inspiring figure. This is the movement I’d like to see take shape — the Arya movement.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Readers can find me through my website, on social media and through my email newsletter:

Website: www.reenita.com

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/reenita

Social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenita/

Titktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reenita_storyteller

IG: https://www.instagram.com/reenita_storyteller/

X: https://x.com/reenita_story

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@reenita_storyteller

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReenitaMalhotraHora/

Substack: https://reenitahora.substack.com/

Thank you so much for these insights. It was a true pleasure to do this with you.