Set in the vibrant yet chaotic heart of Mumbai, A Place in This World by Richa Telang is an emotionally rich contemporary novel about love, loss, and second chances. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows Ira, a passionate fashion designer searching for meaning amid personal upheaval, and Sahaj, an IT professional and devoted single father balancing family responsibilities with silent struggles of his own.
A chance encounter through a late-night radio show brings Ira and Sahaj together just when both are standing at life’s crossroads. What begins as a comforting friendship soon deepens into a connection that challenges their beliefs about love, healing, and belonging.
Blending themes of single parenting, rediscovery, resilience, and the power of friendship, A Place in This World is a tender exploration of how ordinary people rebuild their lives after extraordinary loss. With its realistic characters, heartfelt emotions, and relatable storytelling, this novel celebrates the courage it takes to find hope—and yourself—when the world feels uncertain.
Q1. What was the inspiration behind writing this book, and how did the idea for the story first come to you?
Back in 2016, I wrote a story called Twentieth on my blog, Wordrazzi. It centered around a man and a woman who lost their life partners during an earthquake. The story was emotionally intense and was highly appreciated for its heartfelt portrayal.
Then the pandemic happened. During that time, I lost a few close ones — individuals whose presence had deeply influenced my life. Their absence left a profound void. The themes I had explored in Twentieth felt even more relatable then. The entire world was grieving, and it wasn’t just about loss anymore; it was about how people carry on. Writing has always been my way of processing emotions and finding release.
It was during this period that the idea for my next novel emerged — to set the story against the backdrop of COVID-19. Rather than focusing solely on loss, I wanted to explore the lives of those left behind — the survivors, the grievers, the ones piecing together meaning after tragedy. Their resilience, silent battles, and emotional journeys became the heart of my narrative.
Q2. Can you tell us about your writing process? Do you follow a specific routine or have any rituals that help you get into the creative flow?
I try to maintain a simple but consistent writing routine. I commit to writing for at least half an hour every day — even if the words don’t come easily. On days when I’m not in the mood to write, I make sure to at least open the draft, reread what I’ve written, and do some editing.
Just engaging with the material, even briefly, often sparks new ideas or nudges the story forward in ways I didn’t expect. I don’t really have any unique rituals, but I do believe in showing up for the work.
Q3. The characters in your book are quite distinct and memorable. Were they inspired by real people, or did they evolve purely from your imagination?
I’d say the characters largely evolved from my imagination, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t rooted in reality. Since the story is set against the backdrop of COVID-19 — a time that deeply impacted countless lives — it was important for me to shape characters that readers could identify with.
Many people experienced profound loss during that period, and I wanted my narrative to reflect that emotional landscape authentically. Some character traits and moments were inspired by people I personally know, and I imagine similar experiences played out across the world.
So while the characters are not direct portrayals of real individuals, there’s a definite emotional resonance that stems from collective experience. I’ve aimed to craft them in a way that readers might say, “This reminds me of someone I know.” That sense of familiarity and shared grief anchors them in truth, even if they originated from fiction.
Q4. Your novel explores themes of single parenting and the power of friendship. What inspired you to focus on these topics, and what do you hope readers take away from them?
I’ve witnessed single parenting up close through people in my inner circle. I’ve reflected deeply on their challenges, and years ago, during my blogging days on Wordrazzi, my story Twentieth explored single parenting and remarriage.
Until a few years ago, remarriage was often viewed through a societal lens, but I feel that today it has evolved into a deeply personal choice. People no longer pursue it to conform — it’s about what feels right for them. When I set out to write about single parenting again, my aim was not to portray it in a pitiable light.
Yes, there are struggles, but I’ve seen how resilient people are — managing on their own or finding support in their own ways. It’s about dignity, resourcefulness, and quiet strength.
Friendship, too, is a theme extremely close to my heart. Personally, I can’t imagine life without my circle of friends. Each of them faces different challenges, and we’ve been each other’s cheerleaders through it all. That unwavering support inspires me, so you’ll always find a strong thread of friendship running through every story I write.
Q5. The world-building in your novel feels rich and immersive. How did you go about creating such a realistic setting? Did you draw inspiration from real places or events?
It’s a blend of both imagination and reality. For instance, I’ve created fictional cafés in the book, but their ambiance and energy are inspired by real, cozy places I’ve visited. Then there are real-world locations like Karjat, where the characters take a trip, and the story pivots in an unexpected direction from there.
As for historical context, the pandemic serves as the central backdrop. It’s a real event that shaped lives globally, and grounding the story in that reality adds a layer of emotional resonance and authenticity to the narrative.
I write contemporary fiction, and one of the things I love about this genre is the creative freedom it offers. It allows me to be original while still connecting with readers in a meaningful way. I believe that originality makes a story truly relatable.
When I read or watch contemporary fiction, I expect the characters and their dialogues to feel genuine — like people I might actually know. That’s the same approach I take in my writing. I strive to create characters that feel authentic to readers by staying true to my own vision. I don’t write to fit into a mold; I write what resonates with me as a reader. Of course, there are familiar elements in every genre, but I try to reimagine them in a way that feels fresh and emotionally honest.
Q6. The pacing of your story keeps readers engaged from start to finish. How do you maintain tension and momentum throughout the narrative?
For me, pacing is all about rhythm and emotional stakes. I make sure to begin the story with a strong hook that pulls readers in, then carefully modulate the intensity — allowing space for character development while always keeping some form of tension or suspense alive.
Whether it’s unresolved conflict, a looming revelation, or a blooming love story, I make sure there’s always something propelling the reader forward. I also pay close attention to scene length and transitions.
If a scene starts to feel static, I ask myself: does it reveal something new, deepen a relationship, or advance the plot? If the answer is no, it’s time to trim or rework. My priority while writing is that the reader should emotionally invest in the story — because when readers care about the characters, that’s the real trophy for a writer.
Q7. In today’s fast-changing media landscape, how do you see the role of traditional storytelling evolving? How do you adapt your writing for modern readers?
I think traditional storytelling, at its core, is timeless. The need to connect through emotion, conflict, and transformation hasn’t changed; what’s evolving is the format and the pace.
Today’s readers consume stories across more platforms than ever — from bite-sized content on social media to immersive long-form narratives in audiobooks and series. To adapt, I focus on creating emotionally resonant characters and themes that feel relevant in today’s cultural landscape.
I’m mindful of shorter attention spans, so I aim for clarity and immediacy without sacrificing depth.
Buy A Place in This World on Amazon today and find your place in this unforgettable story.
