“Each book reflects my mindset at a particular age”

At just 16, Ritvik, a Class XI student of Apeejay School, Saket, is quietly carving his own space in the world of young authors. Balancing the rigour of the PCM stream with a deep love for storytelling, Ritvik has already penned two books, The Resurrection of Tomorrow and The Old Bench. In this conversation, he opens up about how boredom sparked creativity, why consistency matters more than inspiration, and how writing has become a way of preserving different versions of himself.

Read edited excerpts:

Ritvik, when did you first realise that writing was more than just a hobby for you?
I think it started quite early. My English teachers always encouraged me and appreciated my answers, especially the writing sections. That gave me confidence. I participated in competitions, poetry slams and storytelling activities, and slowly I began to believe that I could actually write well.

Your first book, The Resurrection of Tomorrow, began in an unusual way. Can you tell us about that moment?
It was actually very random. I was attending a function and got really bored. So I imagined a fake scenario just to pass time. When I got home, I wrote an entire page about it. Then I thought – why not continue? From that day onwards, I wrote at least one page every day for a whole year. That consistency turned into a 450-page sci-fi novel.

What is the story about, and what drew you towards science fiction?
The novel is about a smart boy who makes some wrong choices due to circumstances but later corrects them. For the sci-fi elements, I used to watch Discovery Channel, read magazines and search online for the latest science-related ideas. All of that helped shape the world of the book.

Your second book, The Old Bench, is very different in style. What inspired it?
It’s a collection of short stories about ordinary things like a wall, a window or a bench that we usually ignore. One story is about a blue wall and its importance in a little girl’s life. The emotions range from warmth between siblings to subtle horror. These were stories I started writing in Classes VII and VIII and later refined.

Which of the two books feels more personal to you?
Definitely my first book. I spent one entire year with it. Every night, I would think about characters and their backstories. When you give that much time to something, you naturally form an attachment.

How did the publishing journey unfold for you?
After finishing the manuscript, I researched publishing houses. Traditional publishing didn’t work out, so I opted for self-publishing with Orange Books Publications. They helped with editing and designing the cover, which was based on my idea. The entire process took about two to three months, and the book was published in 2023. It was a very emotional moment for my parents and teachers.

What role did your family and school play in this journey?
My teachers built my confidence from the start and encouraged me through competitions and school platforms. My parents motivated me during low phases, always reminding me to write at least one page a day. Even my younger sister, who was in Class V, read my novel first and pointed out mistakes!