Beyond the Pages: An Interview with Author Pooja Singh

Dr Pooja Singh is a PhD in Psychology. A gold medalist in the subject, she is a keen observer of human behaviour. Psychology has always enticed her, and she specialises in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, and Health Psychology. She is extremely passionate about psychology and has a degree in education as well. She loves teaching and is currently working as an Assistant Professor in a private university.  She has a teaching experience of over six years. She also has certifications in Positive Psychiatry, Psychological First Aid, and Art Therapy. She has a keen interest in nature photography and poetry.

What experiences or influences inspired you to pursue a career in writing?

I decided to write this book because I had a lot going on in my mind regarding relationships and love. As a psychologist and academician, I wanted to pen down my own thoughts while also exploring the scientific perspective of this beautiful emotion. I’ve always been fascinated by human psychology—especially how people perceive, respond to, and experience love. This book is a heartfelt expression of those reflections.

Could you walk us through your writing process? Do you follow any specific routines or rituals that help you stay focused and motivated?

Not really. I write when my heart tells me to. I don’t follow a strict routine or ritual. I can’t force myself to write— it has to come naturally. When I have a flood of thoughts and emotions in my head, I sit down and let it all flow.

What challenges did you face while writing your book, and how did you overcome them?


Honestly, I didn’t face any major challenges. The book is divided into three parts. In the first, I share my personal thoughts and feelings about love, which some might find strongly opinionated. The second part delves into theories of love, and the third includes a collection of definitions of love from people aged 18 to 80. Gathering these definitions took time, but it was worth it. Researching love theories was a long but enriching process.

Which authors or books have had the greatest impact on your writing style, and what do you admire most about their work?

I mostly read fiction, especially books that explore the human psyche and emotional depth. While no particular author has influenced my writing style- since I write straight from the heart- some of my favourite books include Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I admire their ability to portray raw human emotion so powerfully.

What essential skills do you believe are crucial for an author to succeed in their writing career?

I’ve only written one book so far and am currently working on another. So, I’m still discovering what “success” in writing truly means. For me, writing is about expressing my thoughts and emotions, especially on topics close to my heart and subject. The joy and satisfaction I feel when I complete a book is what keeps me going. Maybe that’s what matters most.

What does a typical morning look like for you?

I usually wake up around 5 a.m., make myself a cup of coffee, and sit in the balcony. I spend about 30 minutes alone, listening to the birds and taking in the view. It’s almost like meditation for me- very calming and grounding.

How do you like to unwind after a long day of work?

I usually read or listen to music. Sometimes, if I have time, I go for a walk or take care of my houseplants. These small things help me relax and disconnect from the day.

How do you prioritise self-care in your daily life?

I truly believe that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate- it could be something as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee, reading a good book, or dancing to your favourite song in your room. It’s all about finding joy in small things and taking moments for yourself.

Are there any habits or rituals that have greatly contributed to your productivity?

Absolutely. One of the most effective habits that has contributed to my productivity is maintaining a disciplined sleep cycle- going to bed early and waking up early. The quiet, undisturbed hours of the early morning are when my mind feels the freshest and most focused. There’s something incredibly calming about starting the day while the world is still asleep- it gives me the mental clarity and space I need to think, plan, or even write. During this time, I often reflect, or simply sip my coffee in silence, which helps set a positive tone for the rest of the day. I believe that consistency in these small habits has had a long-term impact on both my productivity and overall well-being.

In your opinion, what is the purpose of life?

To me, the purpose of life is to embrace who you truly are, live with authenticity, and make meaningful connections with others. Life isn’t about racing to achieve milestones or comparing your journey to someone else’s- it’s about experiencing every moment fully, learning from your highs and lows, and contributing positively to the lives around you. Being kind, compassionate, and empathetic towards others- and yourself- adds real depth to our existence. At its core, I believe life is about evolving into the best version of yourself while also spreading light wherever you go.

What is the most important lesson you've learned in your journey so far?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to stop comparing myself with others. In my younger years, I often found myself falling into the trap of comparison- especially with the constant presence of social media, where everyone seems to be living their best life. It took me time to realize that every person’s journey is unique, and that comparison only robs you of joy. Embracing my individuality and being comfortable in my own skin has been both liberating and empowering. I’ve learned to celebrate my pace, my progress, and my personality. That self-acceptance has brought a sense of peace and confidence that no external validation ever could.

How do you handle setbacks or failures, and what have they taught you?

Setbacks, to me, are not the end of the road- they're detours that teach us lessons we might not have learned otherwise. They ground you, make you introspect, and often redirect you toward something even better. I’ve come to see failures as necessary pauses that help build resilience. They remind me that growth isn't always linear and that stumbling is part of the journey. Setbacks shape my perspective, and make me more compassionate toward myself and others. They’ve taught me to find strength in vulnerability and to keep going, even when the path isn’t clear.

Love, Interpreted

Book by Dr. Pooja Singh

Published by White Falcon Publishing

“Love, Interpreted by Dr. Pooja Singh is a refreshing and insightful exploration into one of humanity's most profound emotions.” — Salis Afaque

In this book, we try to understand and analyze the feeling of love. The book is divided into three parts. The first part discusses the author's views on love. In the second part of the book, the scientific and psychological viewpoint on love is discussed. In the third part, the various definitions of love as given by people belonging to different age groups are given. The book aims to make the reader think a bit more deeply about love. Throughout the history of human existence, people have struggled with love in its various forms. The author hopes to make the reader think, introspect and feel some more.

Book Recommendations from Author Pooja Singh

Veronika Decides To Die

Book by Paulo Coelho

Translated by Margaret Jull Costa

In his latest international bestseller, the celebrated author of The Alchemist addresses the fundamental questions asked by millions: What am I doing here today? and Why do I go on living?

Twenty-four-year-old Veronika seems to have everything she could wish for: youth and beauty, plenty of attractive boyfriends, a fulfilling job, and a loving family. Yet something is lacking in her life. Inside her is a void so deep that nothing could possibly ever fill it. So, on the morning of November 11, 1997, Veronika decides to die. She takes a handful of sleeping pills expecting never to wake up.

Naturally, Veronika is stunned when she does wake up at Villete, a local mental hospital, where the staff informs her that she has, in fact, partially succeeded in achieving her goal. While the overdose didn’t kill Veronika immediately, the medication has damaged her heart so severely that she has only days to live.

The story follows Veronika through the intense week of self-discovery that ensues. To her surprise, Veronika finds herself drawn to the confinement of Villete and its patients, who, each in his or her individual way, reflect the heart of human experience. In the heightened state of life’s final moments, Veronika discovers things she has never really allowed herself to feel before: hatred, fear, curiosity, love, and sexual awakening. She finds that every second of her existence is a choice between living and dying, and at the eleventh hour emerges more open to life than ever before.

In “Veronika Decides to Die,” Paulo Coelho takes the reader on a distinctly modern quest to find meaning in a culture overshadowed by angst, soulless routine, and pervasive conformity. Based on events in Coelho’s own life, “Veronika Decides to Die” questions the meaning of madness and celebrates individuals who do not fit into patterns society considers to be normal. Poignant and illuminating, it is a dazzling portrait of a young woman at the crossroads of despair and liberation, and a poetic, exuberant appreciation of each day as a renewed opportunity.

The Kite Runner

Book by Khaled Hosseini

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of the history of Afghanistan over the last thirty years, The Kite Runner is an unusual and powerful novel that has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic.

The 10th anniversary edition of the New York Times bestseller and international classic loved by millions of readers.

Key Takeaways

Psychology Meets Passion: Writing sparked by deep reflections on love & human relationships.

Writing from the Heart: No fixed routine — emotions guide the pen.

A Book in Three Acts: Personal insights, scientific research, and voices from ages 18–80.

Time-Intensive, but Worth It: Gathering love definitions was challenging but deeply rewarding.

Influenced by Emotion-Driven Authors: Admires Coelho & Hosseini for their emotional depth, though writes in her own voice.

Writing for Fulfilment, Not Fame: Views success as emotional satisfaction, not just numbers.

Mornings That Heal: Starts her day at 5 a.m. with coffee, nature, and calm reflection.

Self-Care in Small Moments: Unwinds with music, reading, plants — joy in simplicity.

No More Comparisons: Believes in embracing individuality and staying true to one’s pace.

Strength in Setbacks: Failures are lessons in disguise — they shape resilience and growth.