Having a creative imagination and being inspired by her grandmother (who was a published novelist in Gujrati romance books,) Karishma has been conceptualizing plots and writing stories her entire life.

Genres she is most attracted to are historic fiction, political fiction, and children’s books.

Karishma loves to travel, teach, run, watch movies, experiment in the kitchen, & of course, write, (preferably on a beach or over multiple cups of coffee.)

Her travel & teaching experiences specifically, provide her with immense sources of literary inspiration. Karishma’s travels to India in particular, as well as her curiosity in Indian history and politics, provide her with inspiration for multiple projects including her first complete manuscript, “Zamaan of Mumbai.”

Featured Writing Projects –

“Zamaan of Mumbai” is a young adult novel, and the story idea first came to Karishma’s mind in September 2001, after the world was shaken along with the twin towers following the terror attacks in New York.

At the time, Karishma,( a liberal, practicing Muslim,) was working at a popular bookstore. She was disappointed & confused by the sudden storm of curiosity in Islam & the further discrimination of Muslims after the 911 attacks.

It became very disturbing to her that rather than focusing on the political history between the United States & Afghanistan, or even focusing on a specific inquiry into the Al Quaeda, curious and intelligent minds were instead focusing on her religion, and dissecting it to mean something disturbing and ugly.

A stereotype grew in the world about Islam, making Karishma and many she spoke to about the issue, very uncomfortable; Muslims & Non-Muslims alike.

She jotted down a story idea, and came back to it in 2009. Karishma was now a teacher, working as a substitute & visiting different classrooms and age groups on a daily basis. Though the neighborhoods & backgrounds of the children varied, there was one commonality most of them shared; a reaction coated with confusion and fear when Karishma mentioned her religion.

Though she was secretly amused by their reaction, (especially considering most of her students weren’t even born in 2001,) it made Karishma realize something. To discover what that was, please look forward to reading, “Zamaan of Mumbai.”