Author Simarjeet Kaur's Interview

Interview Background: Author Simarjeet Kaur, whose book, “HANDFUL OF COLOURED PEBBLES” which got published worldwide on 18th of October 2024 by Puffins Publishers Private Limited, has been interviewed by Shubhangi Verma, who is a Literary Editor, Columnist and Book Reviewer.

To check out this title on Amazon, click here 👉 HANDFUL OF COLOURED PEBBLES

Average Ratings on Amazon: 4.8 ⭐/5 Stars

Average Ratings on Goodreads: 4.8 ⭐/5 Stars

Books Barista Remarks: A Delightful Collection Of Stories 👍

Author’s Background: Author SIMARJEET KAUR, currently a physiotherapist has spent years reading and dreaming of becoming an author. With this title, “Handful Of Coloured Pebbles” she is proud to present a story that has been in her heart for a long time. This debut novel by Simarjeet Kaur, has a collection of short stories and as a budding author, she is truly excited to share her voice with the readers out there in the world. When she is not writing, you will find Simarjeet Kaur listening to music and reading books! 

Read the Interview here:

Shubhangi Verma: Well, “Handful Of Coloured Pebbles” marks your debut as an author. How does it feel to finally see your long-held dream of writing come to life? 

Simarjeet Kaur: It truly feels like living a dream. I had imagined this moment for so long that even now, it feels almost unreal, as if I’m still walking through the pages of that dream. To finally hold my book in my hands and see my words come alive is an incredibly beautiful feeling. 

Shubhangi Verma: You’ve balanced a career as a physiotherapist with your passion for writing. How did you manage to juggle these two very different worlds?

Simarjeet Kaur: Physiotherapy and writing sure are two different worlds-one heals the body, other touches the soul. Balancing them wasn’t easy, but passion has its own rhythm. I often found myself alone, writing whenever I could steal a moment, because it was something my heart truly loved. Even on the most exhausting days, I felt blessed-because both worlds, healing through physiotherapy and expressing through worlds, belong to me. 

Shubhangi Verma: The book is a collection of short stories that explore life’s ups and downs. What inspired you to choose this format instead of writing a single continuous novel? 

Simarjeet Kaur: There are two reasons behind it. Firstly, I’ve always loved how short stories can make you feel so much in just a few pages — they hold the power to stir emotions quickly and deeply, and that has always fascinated me. Secondly, I wanted to challenge myself as a writer. I had never written short stories before, so this book became my way of exploring that form and growing through it.

Shubhangi Verma: As someone who has always loved reading, which authors or books have influenced your storytelling style the most? 

Simarjeet Kaur: I’ve always loved how Agatha Christie writes. She keeps the readers on edge till the very last page, and that’s something I really want to create in my own stories. Her writing feels so clever and unpredictable. I also love Holly Jackson — her books usually have subplots, and I think that’s one of the best ways to keep readers entertained. I enjoy stories that move from one genre or mood to another because it keeps things exciting. I just love when there’s a subplot; it makes everything feel more alive.

Shubhangi Verma: The stories in “Handful Of Coloured Pebbles” are described as “thought-provoking.” What kind of themes or emotions do you most enjoy exploring through your writing?

Simarjeet Kaur: I’ve loved every chapter in my book because each story carries a different emotion that I truly felt while writing it. But if I had to choose one theme that’s closest to my heart, it would be faith — especially faith in God. I believe that no matter how difficult life feels, everything eventually falls into place when you trust His plan. That message of hope and belief is something I really wanted to share through my stories.

Shubhangi Verma: The title itself is very intriguing — Handful Of Coloured Pebbles. Could you share what it symbolises or how it connects to the essence of the stories?

Simarjeet Kaur: For me, the title Handful of Coloured Pebbles reflects the idea that there are countless emotions and experiences in life. “Handful” means there are many, and “coloured pebbles” represent the different shades of those emotions — happiness, pain, hope, love, everything. Each story in the book carries its own colour and feeling, just like how every pebble has its own unique beauty.

Shubhangi Verma: Some stories in your book are said to echo familiar emotions, while others challenge the readers’ perspectives. Was this contrast intentional?

Simarjeet Kaur: Yes, it was intentional. I wanted readers to experience every emotion, even the ones that are difficult or thought-provoking. Every feeling has its own importance, and I believe that by going through different emotions, readers can connect more deeply with the stories. Life isn’t made of just one shade — it’s a mix of everything, and I wanted my book to reflect that. 

Shubhangi Verma: You’ve mentioned that when you’re not writing, you enjoy music and reading. Do these hobbies find their way into your creative process or your stories in any way?

Simarjeet Kaur: Reading and music are the two things I love the most after writing. Music helps set the mood for me — it makes me feel the emotions I want to bring into my stories. And reading always inspires me; I love exploring different writing styles and ideas from other authors. Sometimes, even a single word or line from a book can spark a whole new idea in my mind.

Shubhangi Verma: Being your debut work, what was the most challenging part of the writing or publishing process for you?

Simarjeet Kaur: Since I had never written short stories before, that itself was a big challenge for me. I had to read a lot, do research, and understand how to make each story complete and meaningful within a few pages. Deciding the kind of stories I wanted to include, how to start and end them, what message they should leave — all of that took time and thought. Even things like choosing the right cover felt important because I wanted everything to truly represent my vision. It was challenging, but a really beautiful learning experience.

Shubhangi Verma: What do you hope that the readers will take away from “Handful Of Coloured Pebbles” after finishing it? 

Simarjeet Kaur: I want readers to understand that every emotion exists for a reason, and it’s okay to feel it fully. But it’s important not to let any single emotion control your life or hold you back. Allow yourself to experience it, let it be, and then move forward — because in the end, things will work out in your favour. 

Shubhangi Verma: Finally, now that your debut has been published, do you see yourself continuing to write — perhaps a second collection or a full-length novel in the future? 

Simarjeet Kaur: Absolutely! I definitely see myself writing full-length novels in the future, but I’d also love to work on a second collection of short stories in between. Right now, I enjoy both formats — short stories and novels — because each has its own significance and allows me to explore creativity in different ways.