Poonam Kumari interiew
Authors’ Background: For author Poonam Kumari, writing has always been more than just the words; she believes that writing is a journey, a way to capture emotions and a reflection of the world. As an English teacher, she had spent years nurturing the young minds, helping them find their voices through literature and language. But beyond the classroom, she is a storyteller at heart, weaving narratives that explore love, life and self-discovery!
Questionnaire:
Neel Preet: Deeply Congratulations on your book, “More Than Love, Felt Different!” What kind of responses are you getting from this book of yours? Please share your experience about this book.
Poonam Kumari: Thank you so much!
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to share my work with readers.
So far, the responses to More Than Love, Felt Different! have been incredibly humbling. Readers seem to connect deeply with the characters and the emotional journey the characters of the novel go through. Many have told me that the story resonated with them on a personal level, which is the most rewarding feedback I could hope for.
As for my experience with the book, it’s been both challenging and inspiring. Writing a novel was a deeply personal journey for me, exploring aspects of relationships that are often messy, raw, and beautiful in unexpected ways. It wasn’t always easy, but the process itself helped me grow both as a writer and as an individual. I wanted to give a different touch to my book which could excel the interest of readers towards it.
I’m really excited that the book has been able to spark conversations and connect people through shared emotions and experiences and they are easily connecting themselves with it.
Neel Preet: What inspired you to write this book and what was the impetus behind this work of yours?
Poonam Kumari: The inspiration for More Than Love, Felt Different! came from a combination of few experiences, observations of the people around me, and a deep curiosity about the complexities of relationships. I’ve always been fascinated by the way love is portrayed in stories, often in idealized or simplistic ways, and I wanted to explore a more nuanced, real-world version of it—one that includes not just the joy and excitement, but also the struggles, the doubts, and the unexpected growth that come with it.
On a personal note, I had a deep desire since long to write a story that explores the shifts in perception, especially when love becomes something that challenges us to grow beyond what we thought we were capable of.
The impetus behind this work was to tell a story that felt honest and layered, one that shows the messiness of real-life connections. It’s easy to romanticise love, but I wanted to dive into how it can be both beautiful and complicated. I wanted to give voice to characters who are navigating love in all its forms—whether it’s romantic, familial, or self-love—and how those experiences shape who they are.
Ultimately, the book is an exploration of how love, in all its complexity, pushes us to change and evolve, even when we don’t expect it.
Neel Preet: Your book’s title, “More Than Love, Felt Different!” seems to be very catchy. Well, what made you go for this particular title?
Poonam Kumari: Thank you so much for such a compliment!
I’m so glad you find the title catchy—it was definitely something I put a lot of thought into.
The title, More Than Love, Felt Different! was inspired by the core theme of the book. Love, in its many forms, is often depicted as this grand, perfect emotion, but in reality, it’s far more layered and complex than that. The title reflects the idea that sometimes love doesn’t just feel like we expect it to; it can be different—and that difference can be transformative, challenging, and even confusing. It’s about embracing the unpredictability of love and the way it evolves.
The phrase “More Than Love” suggests that there’s something deeper happening—perhaps something beyond what we commonly associate with romantic love. And “Felt Different!” captures the emotional surprise or shift that the characters experience in the story. It’s the moment when love stops being just a feeling and becomes an experience that changes everything, making the characters see themselves and their relationships in a new light.
I wanted a title that would spark curiosity and convey the emotional journey within the pages—one that tells readers this isn’t going to be just another love story, but one that explores love in all its real, multifaceted glory.
It also felt important to me that the title should have an element of surprise and individuality, something that could surprise and invite the readers to dive into a deeper understanding of what love truly means.
Neel Preet: What was your mind-set, while working on this book? What are some of those major points which you expect the readers to extract from this book?
Poonam Kumari: While working on More Than Love, Felt Different! my mindset was clear with the theme and what I wanted to write further. I approached the writing process with the intention to be as honest and raw as possible, not only with my characters but with myself as well. I wanted to dive deep into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, allowing both the highs and the lows of love to be explored in their truest form. I wasn’t concerned with writing a perfect story or following conventional expectations—I just wanted to create something that felt real and meaningful, something that resonated with the messy and transformative aspects of love that we often don’t talk about enough.
I also kept in mind that this book could not only become a story book but could also create a space for reflection. Through this book I want readers to pause and think about their own experiences with love—how it has shaped them, challenged them, and ultimately helped them grow. With this mindset I selected my characters, the plot, and even the tone of the writing.
As for what I hope readers take away from the book, here are a few key points:
- The Complexity of Love: Love isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. It can surprise us, challenge us, and push us in ways we might not be ready for, but it’s all part of the process of growth.
- Self-Discovery Through Relationships: Sometimes, it’s through our relationships with others—whether they are romantic, familial, or even platonic—that we learn the most about ourselves. The book explores how love can be a mirror that shows us parts of ourselves we may not have seen before.
- Embracing Change: The characters in the book go through significant transformations, often catalysed by their emotional experiences. I hope readers take away the idea that change is not something to fear but something to embrace, especially when it leads us to a more authentic version of ourselves.
- The Beauty in Imperfection: None of the characters in this book are perfect, and their relationships aren’t flawless either. But through the imperfections, they find beauty, meaning, and growth. I want readers to understand that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, and that imperfections often make things more meaningful.
- Emotional Resilience: Love can be intense, and sometimes it tests our resilience. I want readers to leave the book feeling empowered, knowing that even in the face of challenges or heartache, they have the strength to navigate the complexities of love and come out stronger on the other side.
Ultimately, I hope this book encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships and personal growth while reminding them that love, in all its forms, is one of the most powerful forces in our lives.
Neel Preet: How is this book of yours different from the other titles of the same genre? And who are some of those writers and authors, whom you follow?
Poonam Kumari: I’m so glad you asked this question! I truly believe that More Than Love, Felt Different! stands out from other titles in the same genre because of how it approaches the theme of love—by diving into its complexity, imperfections, and transformative power. While many books in the romance or contemporary fiction genre focus on the idealised version of love, I wanted to explore a more realistic, sometimes messy, and often surprising side of it.
What makes this book different is that it doesn’t just focus on the “happily ever after” or the superficial aspects of a relationship. Instead, it challenges readers to think about the deeper emotional shifts that love can inspire. The characters in the story go through growth and change, not just because of their romantic relationships, but also through their personal experiences and how they relate to those around them. I want to highlight the ways love can be both difficult and rewarding, offering lessons about self-discovery, resilience, and emotional vulnerability.
As for the authors I follow and draw inspiration from, there are several writers who have deeply influenced me and my approach to storytelling. Some of them include: Chetan Bhagat, Arvind Adiga, Preeti Shenoy, Ravindra Singh, Vikram Seth, Savi Sharma & Durjoy Dutta.
Neel Preet: Next, can you please tell us some of those points which the budding authors should follow while working on ‘Romantic Fiction’ genre!
Poonam Kumari: Certainly!
For budding authors in the romantic fiction genre, it’s important to focus on developing strong, relatable characters with emotional depth and chemistry. Building tension and conflict between characters keeps readers engaged, while balancing emotional moments with lighter interactions adds dynamic layers. The key is to show, not tell, emotions through actions and dialogue, and to ensure that the romance feels grounded and authentic. Lastly, make sure the romantic journey is one of growth and self-discovery for the characters, leading to a satisfying, earned conclusion.
While writing a fiction or specially a romantic novel need to keep one thing in mind and that is author should write it from the bottom of his/her heart.
Romantic fiction thrives on emotional authenticity. Need not to get afraid to explore own feelings and experiences in writing. The more genuine the author’s emotion is, the more readers will connect with his/her story.
By following these tips and staying true to own voice and vision, a new author can create a romantic fiction novel that resonates with readers and stands out in the genre. Happy writing!
Neel Preet: Which segment of readers is your primary target through this book of yours? And, how is your book relevant in the present day scenario?
Poonam Kumari: My primary target audience for More Than Love, Felt Different! is readers who enjoy contemporary romance with emotional depth and real-life struggles. This includes young adults and adults who are navigating relationships, self-discovery, and the complexities of love. The book resonates especially with readers who appreciate stories that go beyond the typical “love at first sight” narrative and delve into the messy, transformative journey of love and personal growth. It’s also for those who are interested in exploring love in its many forms—romantic, expressive, and self-love.
In the present-day scenario, the book is highly relevant as it addresses themes of emotional vulnerability, personal growth, and the challenges of modern relationships. In a world where connections can feel increasingly complicated and people often struggle with their own identity and emotions, the story highlights the importance of self-discovery and resilience. The narrative also reflects the shifting dynamics of love in today’s fast-paced, sometimes disconnected society, making it relatable to readers who are trying to make sense of their own experiences with love and relationships.
Neel Preet: Is there any message that you would like to convey to your readers? Or any piece of advice, which you would like to give to the readers out there!
Poonam Kumari: Yes, I would love to share a message with my readers! The main message of More Than Love, Felt Different! is that love is not a perfect, one-size-fits-all experience. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often comes with challenges that help us grow and evolve as individuals. My advice to readers is to embrace the complexities of love, both in relationships and within themselves. Don’t be afraid to experience love in all its forms—because it’s through these experiences that we learn who we truly are.
Also, remember that personal growth is just as important as romantic love. It’s okay to take your time, make mistakes, and learn along the way. Ultimately, love is not just about finding the perfect person; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, and sometimes, love helps you do that in the most unexpected ways. As it helped my character Vishakha.
Keep your heart open, be kind to yourself, and trust that the journey is worth it!
Neel Preet: What challenges did you face while writing this title, and how did you overcome them?
Poonam Kumari: Writing More Than Love, Felt Different! was an incredibly rewarding experience, but like any creative process, it came with its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was balancing the emotional depth of the story with maintaining a realistic portrayal of love and relationships. I wanted to show the raw, imperfect side of love, but at the same time, I didn’t want the story to feel too heavy or overwhelming. Finding that balance took time, but ultimately, I learned that it’s okay to let the emotions flow naturally, even if it meant allowing the characters to experience pain and uncertainty as part of their growth.
Another challenge was developing characters that felt authentic and relatable. As I was writing, I found myself getting deeply attached to the characters and their personal journeys. Sometimes, that meant letting go of certain plot points or directions I had originally planned in order to stay true to the characters’ emotional arcs. It was a challenge, but ultimately, it was about letting the characters guide the story.
Overcoming these challenges came down to patience and trust in the process. I spent time reflecting on the core message of the book and what I wanted the readers to take away. When things got tough, I reminded myself to stay true to the emotions and themes that inspired the book in the first place. Writing isn’t always smooth sailing, but I learned that perseverance, flexibility, and a little bit of self-compassion went a long way in making the story what it is today.
Neel Preet: Now that “More Than Love, Felt Different” is out, what’s next for you as an author? Can the readers expect more such incredible works in the future?
Poonam Kumari: Now that More Than Love, Felt Different! is out, I’m incredibly excited for what comes next! As an author, I’m always looking to explore new themes, characters, and emotional journeys. The response to this book has been so motivating, and it’s inspired me to continue writing stories that resonate with readers on a deep level.
Yes, readers can definitely expect more works in the future! I plan to write more stories that delve into the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth. Each story will be unique, with new characters and experiences, but I’m committed to maintaining the same emotional depth and relatability that More Than Love, Felt Different! has. I want to keep exploring different facets of love—whether it’s romantic, platonic, or self-love—and continue creating stories that challenge and inspire readers.
I’m also thinking about expanding into other genres or themes, while still keeping that emotional core that connects to readers. The future is full of exciting possibilities, and I can’t wait to share more stories that touch on the real, raw moments of life and love. So, yes—stay tuned for more incredible works coming your way!
book written by Poonam Kumari : More Than Love, Felt Different – A Story of Love, Loss and Self Discovery
