Anika Hussain discusses her YA Book Prize shortlisted novel, This is How You Fall in Love

What inspired the story? 

I’m a big fan of romantic comedies but I have always struggled with them as I haven’t, until my adulthood, seen myself represented in them. When I was growing up, it was next to impossible to walk into a bookshop and immediately spot a romantic comedy with a south Asian lead. It’s this gap that really drove me towards writing a book with a heroine who is unapologetically south Asian and a romantic. Along with this, I wanted to challenge the prevailing notion that south Asian characters in books are always portrayed through trauma narratives, arranged marriages, or cultural obstacles in their pursuit of love. While these experiences may be true for some, I firmly believe that they do not define the entire south Asian community. 

What do you want readers to take away from your book?

It is my desire for young south Asian children to recognise that the lives portrayed in the mainstream media they consume are within their reach. They should be aware that they have the potential to be the protagonists of their own stories, rather than constantly feeling like secondary characters included solely for comedic purposes.

Overall, I want readers to acknowledge that love comes in all shapes and forms, that having familial love and loving your friends is just as important as romantic love. Equally important is the love we have for ourselves and accepting who we truly are. I want readers to remember that their story is as unique as they are and that external pressures or wanting to live up to a script isn’t always what one should do. 

Which character is your favourite, and why?

It has to be Zara. She loves deeply and, even if she may make mistakes at times, her intentions are always pure. She simply wishes for those she cares about to be content, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. While it can be difficult to witness, her selflessness is truly commendable. Witnessing her personal growth throughout the story is truly captivating, making it impossible not to cheer her on.

What does being on this year’s YA Book Prize shortlist mean to you? 

It means everything to me. It’s such a milestone and I couldn’t be more honoured and excited to be on the shortlist alongside so many incredible authors. The YA Book Prize is one that I have followed on an annual basis for the past couple of years and it’s always been a dream of mine to be on it. So to have This is How you Fall in Love be shortlisted is beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

How do you think the YA genre has changed over the last 10 years? 

In the past 10 years, I believe authors have brought about a change in the genre by venturing into uncharted territory and embracing new narratives, rather than simply following the mainstream and publishing what they believe will be an instant hit. Instead, they are now filling gaps in the market, questioning which stories have yet to be told. I believe this shift is a reflection of the interests of teenagers today. Particularly for romcoms, we now witness a significant increase in queer relationships and interracial relationships. These types of stories were not really present a decade ago, as the focus was primarily on traditional, white boy-girl relationships. This shift in storytelling, where previously untold stories are now being shared, is a remarkable leap forward. I am immensely grateful for this change, along with being part of it, as it allows underrepresented stories to finally take the spotlight.

Why do you write for young adults?

The intensity of being a teenager is truly captivating to me. Teenagers experience emotions so deeply and passionately, even the negative ones. This is why writing stories for them can be such an adventure, with unexpected twists and turns. It’s fascinating to see how one action can lead to another when you put yourself in their shoes and witness their unpredictable yet intriguing journey through life.

Moreover, I adore writing for teenagers because of their openness. They have no fear when it comes to learning or pushing boundaries, and they are unafraid to stand up for what is right. Their bravery is truly inspiring, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to witness how today’s teenagers can be motivated by the characters they read about, realising the power of the written word first-hand.

What was your favourite book as a teenager?

Looking for Alaska (HarperCollins) by John Green. I remember finishing it one day and absolutely bawling my eyes out because of just how poignant Green’s writing was. Somehow, the story both wrecked me and put me back together at the same time.

What do you need around you when you’re writing?

Writing wise, I don’t tend to need a lot. I work on my laptop because I’m a fast typist and do all my plotting on Scrivener. I will often need a blank page just to dump all my ideas before I move onto creating more structured outlines.

Externally, I need a cold can of something — either a Coke or sparkling water — and I need to sit in a dark room with a maximum of one lit candle. Although, there are times when I don’t even have a candle, and the glow from my laptop screen becomes my only source of light. It’s strange, but there’s something about the absence of light that fuels my inspiration. I think it’s similar to being in a movie theatre, where the light is coming from a single direction, causing you to concentrate solely on what is in front of you, eagerly anticipating to see how everything will play out.

What songs would be on a playlist for your book?

“This is How you Fall in Love” by Jeremy Zucker is the song that Zara and Yahya dance to when they first kiss and it’s such a pivotal moment not only for Zara’s love life but for the story overall. I’d also add “I Like Me Better” by Lauv and “Your Hand in Mine” by Explosions in the Sky to the playlist.

Which book, film or TV show would you recommend to someone who enjoyed your book?

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Scholastic) by Jenny Han and Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating (Hachette Children’s) by Adiba Jaigirdar. Both are a masterclass in the fake-dating trope!