Arghadipa Chakraborty

Last year I read the book “Ghost Fever” by Tanvi Nishar and enjoyed it. That’s why I have taken a small interview of the author.

1) Thank you so much for joining us. Can you please tell us something about yourself?

I am Tanvi Nishar. I studied at the London School of Economics and later explored subjects that have always fascinated me—mythology, Indian aesthetics, and archaeology. I currently work with an IB school in Mumbai as a Primary Years Library Resource Person, where I spend my days surrounded by books, curious questions, and young readers. I’m also the author of the children’s fantasy novels Twins, Traitors and the Trident and Ghost Fever, both published through my own publishing house, Tamido Publishers. Storytelling has always been close to my heart, and my writing often draws inspiration from myths, history, and imagination to create a world that readers can get lost in.


2) How did you choose the title of your book?

Answer: Actually, I spent quite some time brainstorming and got stuck between three different title options. In the end, Ghost Fever felt like the right choice because it captures the core theme of the story. The title reflects the mood, the mystery, and the excitement that runs through the book, and it gives readers a hint of the adventure that awaits them inside.



3) Who is the most funny character in the book to write according to you?

It has to be Noba, there is no doubt it! He has a very unique personality and the way he reacts in situations naturally brings a smile on everyone’s face.


4) How do you overcome writer’s block?

I’ve experienced the writer’s block as like most writers do. I believe everyone has their own method to overcome. For me, I step away from my writing for a few days- sometimes even a few weeks- and let myself enjoy that break. I turn to reading, especially books that transport me into a different world. Reading re-energises me, and before I know it, ideas start flowing naturally again. 


5) What challenges did you face while writing the book?

It took me almost five years to finish writing Ghost Fever. After I finished writing the first draft, I took a break for a couple of months and returned to the story with a fresh mind to read, re-read and analyse my work. I believe that a writer always knows when a story is right, and  at that point, the narrative just wasn’t resonating with my imagination. I knew instinctively that it needed more work, depth and refining. Believe it or not, I rewrote the ending of my story three times before sharing the manuscript with my editor.

6) How did you blend fantasy and science perfectly in the book?

I am a science student who lives in a high-fantasy world. Honestly, Ghost Fever demanded a blend of science, magic, politics and even war. Drawing on my academic background, along with the love of story-writing and the grace of Lord Shiva, I was able to blend all these elements and themes together. The result is a never-before-explored story about ghosts- the one that bends all logic and opposes all myths about ghosts.

7) How did you get the idea of the book?

The idea began in 2019, when I was studying mythology. Eschatology was one of my favourite topics. I was drawn to the theme of ghosts. I wanted to weave imagination and fantasy to shape a story of ghosts in a very layered and meaningful way.

8) How was the publishing journey of your book?

Like many authors, I began by submitting my book proposals to several renowned national and international publishers. The journey came with its share of rejections, along with a few publishing offers whose terms and conditions didn’t quite align with my vision. Eventually, in 2024, I decided to take the leap and launch my own publishing house, Tamido Publishers, and publish my books under my own brand. Today, we have tie-ups with distributors for exclusive offline store distribution across India, online partners, marketing agencies, making the journey both challenging and deeply rewarding.


9) Who are your favourite science fiction and fantasy authors and why? How did they influence your writing?

Honestly, I don’t think I can pick just one favourite author. However, some writers whose work I’ve really enjoyed in recent years are R. F. Kuang, V. E. Schwab, and Leigh Bardugo—I’ve read most of their books. Their writing styles, layered plot-building, and the depth of research that goes into their stories have deeply inspired me. Reading their work encouraged me to push myself to create rich, well-researched stories of my own, with strong worlds and complex ideas and themes.

10) What exciting scientific fact did you know when researching for the book?

Not many people know this, but I’m actually a medical drop-out! With my background as a science and statistics student, I was fascinated by the concepts of clinical trials and the placebo effect, and I wanted to weave those ideas into the story. I crafted the plot in a way that simplified these complex scientific concepts, making them accessible while still intriguing. My aim was to spark curiosity and keep readers eager to turn the pages, wanting more.

11) Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us a bit about it.

Yes, I started writing the script for my book. It is too early to share any details, but you can expect another larger-than-life fantasy story releasing very soon!