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Ritu Hemnani is an author, journalist and teacher who is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion through children’s literature and human-interest articles. Her historical middle-grade novel in verse, Lion of the Sky, published by HarperCollins in 2024, is a selected title for the Hong Kong Battle of the Books and has been shortlisted for the Hong Kong Golden Dragon Awards. An ethnically Indian British national, she lives in Hong Kong with her husband and three children.
How did you become a writer?
My writing journey started unexpectedly. As a little girl, I loved to dabble in poetry while riding public transport, using my trusty notebook to escape into magical worlds. Writing became my refuge, allowing me to create anything I dreamed of. I entered poetry competitions and won prizes—money, cinema tickets, and even tickets to Paris!
Despite this, I never imagined I would write a book—until my eight-year-old daughter asked me, “Why do people migrate?”
After explaining our family’s history following the Partition of India, we went to the library but found no children’s books. That moment sparked a fire in me. I realized I had to write the book we couldn’t find to share our family’s story and ensure our history wasn’t forgotten. It was a turning point that transformed my doubts into determination and set me on a path to becoming a writer.
What would you be doing otherwise?
I would likely still be working with kids, as my journey began as an English and Drama teacher, and I even ran my own English tutoring company.
When I was very young, I wanted to be an actress, but coming from a conservative Indian home, that dream wasn’t meant to be. Instead, I turned to writing, which became my outlet for self-expression.
Storytelling has always been a part of my life, and looking back, the desire to share stories was clear, but I only found the courage to pursue it when I believed I had a narrative worth telling. The truth is, we all have a story inside us. A highlight of my journey was giving a TEDx talk in 2019. That moment on the red carpet was unforgettable, reminding me that storytelling—whether on stage or through writing—is where my heart lies.
Of the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?
My favorite is Nana, Raj’s grandfather in Lion of the Sky. He embodies the kind of grandfather every child deserves—loving and constantly supportive. He answers Raj’s questions with thoughtful questions of his own, guiding him gently.
Nana is inspired by my great-grandfather, who chose to stay behind in Sindh to respectfully cremate the victims of violence. Tragically, he was never seen again.
Writing about him allowed me to honour his legacy and share his spirit. I hope young readers will reflect on questions like, “Would we have the courage to help others before ourselves in a crisis?” Nana’s quiet strength lingers with Raj long after they part, serving as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one person can have on others. I hope his story resonates with readers and encourages them to consider about their own actions and the influence they can have in the world.
Tell us about your writing method. Is there a secret?
YES—there’s a secret! It’s simple: BIC, which stands for Butt-In-Chair. It’s easy to get distracted and let other things pull you away, but if you’re writing a book—especially a novel—you must commit to writing every day. Setting a goal of 500 words daily can help you keep moving forward.
I consider myself a ‘Plantser’, which means I plot an outline and spend time interviewing and getting to know my characters before writing. This often results in them coming to life and leading me in unexpected directions! I readjust expectations, understanding that my first and second drafts may not be award-winning, and remind myself that I can always come back to polish and add layers later, just like you would when building a house.
I write best in the mornings, and, if I ever get stuck, I find inspiration by hiking, kayaking, taking in all the colours of our bustling city, or diving into a really good book. For me, it’s all about keeping the creativity flowing.
Which author, alive or dead, would you most like to meet?
E.B. White. His ability to weave rich, meaningful stories is inspiring. Through Charlotte’s Web, he instilled values of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life. This book had a profound impact on me as a child—I was terrified of spiders and never imagined that a hairy spider could become a friend to an adorable pig! It changed my perspective and made me rethink the perceptions we hold.
What fascinates me most about E. B. White is his mastery of language and his skill in capturing the essence of childhood. I’d love to hear about his writing process and the experiences that shaped his storytelling.
Meeting E. B. White would be a dream. His insights would be invaluable, and I can only imagine the delightful conversations we could have about the power of storytelling.
Tell us about your favourite bookshop in the world.
It’s too difficult to choose just one! In the Philippines, I love Fully Booked for its inviting atmosphere and wide selection. In the UK, Daunt Books captivates me with its beautiful Edwardian design and travel-themed collections.
In Paris, Shakespeare and Company holds a special place in my heart, not just for its rich literary history but also for the community it fosters among readers and writers. And, of course, in Hong Kong, I adore the family-run gem, Bookazine, which feels like a wonderful book nook filled with warmth and character.
What advice would you give your younger, writer self?
Be kind to yourself, and don’t compare your journey with other writers; every path is unique. Keep learning—buy craft books, sign up for courses, and seek inspiration daily.
Find a writing community—a good critique group or support network. This industry can be filled with rejection, disappointment, and waiting periods, so it’s essential to surround yourself with fellow writers who understand the journey. Go to book festivals or, even better, volunteer to chaperone authors and help at book talks. You’ll learn so much and make terrific friends. KidLit people are the friendliest people in the world!
Above all, embrace the journey. Writing is an adventure, and every step deserves celebration. Your greatest superpower is your authentic self; no one can share your unique story. So, keep writing, keep exploring, and let your voice shine—it has the power to inspire and uplift not just yourself but everyone around you. Remember, your story matters.
Hemnani’s narrative non-fiction picture book, Their Story Is Our Story, will be released by Chronicle Books in 2026.
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