In Conversation with Vihaan Khanna: The Story Behind Life and Times of NYSH-The Disappearance

Q: What inspired you to write this book? We were inspired by the thought of ordinary teenagers suddenly dealing with extraordinary powers- mind reading, elemental control and super-strength- while still navigating the pressures of school, friendships and family. The superhero genre often shows polished adults, but we wanted to capture the raw, messy and exciting teenage version of heroism. Q: Among all themes and topics, why did you choose this one in particular? Watching sci- fi n thriller movies has always been our favorite hobby. Our book is not just based on a singular theme but rather is a blend of many different themes and topics. It follows the themes of action drama , friendship, comedy and many more. Q: What personal experiences have shaped your writing the most? Our experiences as teenagers ourselves- dealing with friendships, pressure, and change- shaped this story. We may not have superpowers, but the feeling of being misunderstood or pushed to grow up fast is something real. Those personal emotions become the foundation for creating characters who feel relatable even in extraordinary situations. Q: What does being a published author mean to you, beyond seeing your words in print? Being a published author means the world to us. A sense of pride welled up in us when we first held our own book in our hands. That moment is something we will never forget. This means a lot to us and we would like to thank Book Leaf Publishing for the same. Q: How did you come up with the title of your book? The title "Life and Times of NYSH" reflects the duality of being both human and heroic. We wanted a title that sounded like a chronicle- a record of a superhero's journey through chaos and resilience. "NYSH" became the natural choice. Q: What can we, as readers expect from this book? Readers can expect a fast-paced and exciting story that balances action and heart. The book follows four very different teenagers who discover powers that set them apart- like mind reading, super strength and elemental control- while still dealing with the ordinary struggles of being young.

You can expect:

1) High stakes adventures from the streets of New York to outer space, where danger can come from both villains and everyday life.

2) Relatable teenage struggles- friendship, identity, trust and responsibility- woven into the superhero narrative.

3) Diverse powers and personalities that bring both conflict and teamwork as the four teens learn to rely on each other.

4) A story that feels cinematic but also deeply personal, showing how growing up can be its own kind of superhero.

In short: except action, emotion and a reminder that heroes can be found where you least expect them. Q: How do you expect your readers to use this book optimally? We don't see this book as something to just read once and put away. Readers can use it in different ways- some may dive in for the thrill of action, others may reflect on the struggles of the characters as they navigate uncharted waters and connect them to their own lives. To use it optimally. In short, use this book as both entertainment and inspiration- something to enjoy, think about and carry into your own journey.