Alisha Kay

1. If you were forced to live the rest of your life as one of the characters from the book, who would it be and why?

I’d love to be my Bad Girl, Aisha Rajput! Because I’m far from a bad girl in real life 😅

2. What’s the most challenging part of being a romance writer? 

I struggle with writing sex scenes because there’s only so many ways you can depict the act!

3. What role do you think female characters play in empowering readers, particularly young women and girls?

I think our characters have a great opportunity to influence our readers to set better standards for the men in their lives. Through our heroines and the men who love them, we can show them that they deserve way more than the bare minimum and raise their expectations from life.

4. Can you discuss the importance of depicting female characters who are both strong and flawed?

This matters a lot because we are all flawed. And through our books, we can show our readers that it’s okay to be flawed because life is a journey where we make mistakes and learn from them. That’s what makes a true heroine – the ability to accept her mistakes and learn from them.

5. What advice would you give to other female writers who want to create impactful female characters?

My only advice is to create real, relatable characters. You can set them in whatever fantastic setting you like, but when your readers see a part of themselves reflected in a book, they can forge a much deeper connection with the book.

6. Are there any specific traits or qualities you tend to avoid when creating female characters?

 Not really. I have created diverse characters like princesses, actresses, event managers and heist artists. My characters have variously been timid, brave, stubborn, and adjusting. Because I don’t write from a template. I enjoy surprising my readers with every book!

7. Can you discuss any instances where real-life women or historical figures have inspired the creation of your female characters?

I think I put in a little of myself in every book, but while I might unconsciously borrow traits from all the women I meet in life, I’ve never based a character on anyone.

8. Can you discuss the role of female friendships and relationships in your stories?

All my books have strong female friendships that drive the stories because I firmly believe that behind every happy woman is a tribe of loving and supportive women.

9. Do you see any change or development of female characters and writers in the past 10 years?

Absolutely! Female characters today are way more independent and empowered today.

10. Lastly, What’s the one message you want to give to the woman out there?

Love and value yourself as much as you love and value the people in your life. You’re worth it!