‘My debut book is a journey of self-discovery’

Some stories are imagined, others are lived—and then there are those rare ones that are courageously written from the heart. Ashriya Gupta, a student of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar, has penned such a book: 3 D’s of Life – Dreams, Detours and Destinations. A blend of diary-like introspection, social commentary, and personal reflection, the book marks a sensitive and bold debut by a young author unafraid to bare her emotions. In this fun conversation, Ashriya speaks about how scribbled late-night thoughts became a published book and how writing helped her grow as both a teenager and an emerging writer.

Tell us about your book in brief. What’s the story about?

My book 3 D’s of Life – Dreams, Detours and Destinations isn’t just a story—it’s a journey of self-discovery, inspired by personal struggles and real emotions. Written from a teenage girl’s perspective, it explores ambition, especially the dream of becoming a doctor, and all the confusion, heartbreak, self-doubt, and hope that come with chasing it. It also talks about the detours life throws at you—broken friendships, personal losses, and moments when everything feels uncertain. Some parts are drawn from my volunteering experiences, working with underprivileged children and promoting kindness. It’s basically the teenager I am and the adult I’m growing into.

And what inspired you to write a book?

It started with scribbled thoughts in the back of my notebook—poems, reflections, emotional outbursts. I never thought anyone would read them. Writing became a way to give my silence a voice, to make sense of everything I was feeling. So really, the book was born from vulnerability, hope, and the need to connect—with myself and others who’ve ever felt lost or unheard.

How did your classmates react when they saw your book?

Honestly, it was overwhelming in the best way. I was really nervous to share it at first, but my friends were proud and supportive. What mattered more than the fact that I wrote a book was that they found it real. One of my friends even said it inspired her to start writing too—and that felt like the best compliment I could receive.

How did your school support you in this journey?

My school was incredibly supportive. Some teachers took the time to read my drafts and encouraged me throughout. My classmates celebrated every small milestone. The school also gave me platforms to speak about my book and acknowledged my efforts in assemblies. That validation helped me grow—not just as a student, but as a writer with a voice worth hearing.

What’s your favourite book and who’s your favourite author?

One of my favourite books is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. It amazes me how a teenager’s honest words can still touch the world decades later. My favourite author is Sylvia Plath. Her writing is brutally beautiful—she doesn’t sugarcoat emotions. Her words feel like they understand you, especially on days when you don’t even understand yourself.

Walk us through the publishing process

Once my draft was ready, I used BriBooks, a user-friendly publishing platform. It helped me with formatting, design, and the entire publishing process. It was truly exciting to watch my words transform into a real book. BriBooks made the process smooth, especially for a beginner like me.

What are you planning to write next?

My next book is going to be psychological fiction—more intense and emotionally layered. It’s about a teenager who seems fine on the outside but is secretly battling a mental health condition. I want it to be emotional, mysterious, and something that speaks to readers on a deeper level.

With heartfelt honesty and poetic depth, Ashriya Gupta’s debut is a mirror to the teenage soul—raw, resilient, and ready to evolve. Her story, both lived and written, reminds us that dreams may wander and detour, but they always find their destination when fueled by courage.