In Conversation with KM Vandana, Author of She can't be her

Q. What inspired you to write this book?

Before this book, I wrote a story called 45 Days Be Love and Years Be Waited. I loved the theme of long waits and deep love, but that story didn’t have the kind of ending that leaves readers with a happy heart. I wanted to create something that would heal the reader instead of breaking them. That earlier story became my inspiration—this time, I wanted to give love, hope, and closure all in one.

Q. Among all themes and topics, why did you choose this one in particular?

I wanted to write something that would stay with readers long after they turned the last page. The theme of a long wait, combined with the suspense woven into this story, creates emotions that linger. Even after the book ends, I hope the characters and their journey will live on in the reader’s heart.

Q. What personal experiences have shaped your writing the most?

I’ve always been someone who loves to live in a world of fantasy. My imagination has always been my greatest strength—it allows me to create stories filled with warm love, suspense, and those unexpected turns that keep readers hooked. I think that ability to vividly imagine and feel the emotions of my characters is what shapes my writing the most.

Q. How did you come up with the title of your book?

he idea came to me because I’ve always been drawn to stories about long waits—the kind where someone holds on to hope for years. I wanted to create one myself, but I didn’t want it to be just a love story. I imagined weaving in suspense, a touch of thrill, and of course romance at its core. Along the way, I also added elements of family drama, self-discovery, and the bittersweet feeling of regret. In the end, it became a mix of everything I love to read—true love, mystery, and an emotional journey.

Q. What does being a published author mean to you, beyond seeing your words in print?

It means a lot to me—more than I can put into words. Holding my book in my hands and knowing that something which once existed only in my imagination is now out in the world for people to read and feel is an incredible feeling. It’s like stepping into the world I’ve always wished for, and now I get to share it with others.

Q. What can we, as readers expect from this book?

You can expect a beautiful love story. This story shows that love doesn’t always need the promise of being together—love is still love, even without closeness or permanence. It’s about a true heart-to-heart connection, the kind that goes beyond time, distance, or circumstance.

Q. How do you expect your readers to use this book optimally?

I wrote this book with my heart, and I want readers to read it with theirs. I hope they fall in love with the characters, feel their emotions, and enjoy every sentence—letting the story stay with them long after they’ve finished it.