I had nothing to do, I had watched every Bollywood movie, read every smutty romance book I could get my hands on. Then I had the crazy idea to combine the two…

Miya Malai – 16 February 2024

The Back Flap

Katrina Shah just wants out of the fame game, away from her high-profile family’s drama. But dodging the spotlight? Tough luck. Especially when she collides with Hollywood’s golden boy, Evan Kristof. Her heart doesn’t seem to have received the memo to steer clear of him.

Evan’s used to the spotlight, the parties, the glitz. Yet, he’s craving a break, some peace. Then he meets Katrina, and suddenly, tranquility’s the last thing on his mind.

As they both try to escape their pasts, sparks fly between the girl who wants anonymity and the movie star. But can they navigate crazy families, an over-the-top wedding, and their undeniable chemistry without getting burned? Their fling might just turn into something much bigger than they bargained for.

“Bollywood movies and smutty romance novels are every Desi girl’s guilty pleasure. And I had the crazy idea to combine the two…”
−Miya Malai

About the book

What is the book about?

A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute is a love story aimed for any moody millennial girl who loves Bollywood but also wants some spice. This book is a representation of South Asian second-generation Americans who have succeeded in fulfilling the “American Dream” but struggle with the stigmas Indian society still carries today. Katrina struggles with past traumas that were inflicted on her by her family and society. When she overcomes the trauma, she meets a man with a similar past who appreciates her struggles, uplifts her spirit, values her culture, and loves her soul…

When did you start writing the book?

Two years ago.

How long did it take you to write it?

2 weeks… I know, I know that’s crazy right? It was like I was on a writing high—if that’s a thing…

Where did you get the idea from?

It just came to me after sleepless nights of nursing my 1.5 (now 3) year old. I had nothing to do, I had watched every Bollywood movie, read every smutty romance book I could get my hands on. Then I had the crazy idea to combine the two…

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I think when Katrina flashes back to her time in India…

What came easily?

Describing Indian culture! I love my culture, the outfits, the music, the traditions. And to be able to write it romantically was a dream come true.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I’ve borrowed from real world people I know. From my own family, from our South Asian community. Even my hero Evan Kristof is based off a very famous superhero…

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Yes! Nisha Sharma, Sonali Dev, Samantha Young, and of course my forever favorite Jane Austen.

Do you have a target reader?

Mostly anyone who loves multi-cultural contemporary romance, but more specifically, my brown girls who want a love story they can relate to.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Whenever I have the time… I’m a stay-at-home mom of three, which is basically a 24/7 job. So in spurts throughout the day when I can find the time, or after the kids are asleep.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t really outline… I just go for it and figure it all out later.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Wait until I’m finished… I don’t really have the time to type properly if I have to burp the baby while I’m writing, or feed the toddler lunch…

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I did!

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes, mostly Bollywood music.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, over 60.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I just don’t have the time or bandwidth to sit and query, and one day I just said “Fine. I’ll do it myself.”

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally done!

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Winging it…

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Never let anyone feel like you’re less than. I’ve had some writers look down on me or disregard me for choosing to go Indie. In this heavily saturated world of authors, every single one of them has a dream, and no one’s dream is better than another’s. Your story is worth telling, and there will always be readers wanting your story told.

About You

Where did you grow up?

New York

Where do you live now?

New York

What would you like readers to know about you?

That as much as I love writing, I don’t always have time for it. And that’s okay. For me, it’s a slow burn journey, and I find the time when it’s convenient for me. For anyone else who is struggling to dedicate hours to write, you’re not alone! Most of us indie authors have full-time jobs or other priorities that take precedence over our writing—and that’s okay.  That’s just life. As much as we want to sit in an ornately decorated light house on some remote island and write all day, it just isn’t the reality for everyone. I had to tell myself that a bunch of times.

What are you working on now?

I’m in the process of editing my second book!

End of Interview:

Get your copy of A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute from Amazon US or Amazon UK.