A Soul-Stirring Tale of Friendship, Resilience & Triumph “Asnahri” – A Life Without Boundaries By Author Akhilesh Srivastava

In a world that often moves too fast, Asnahri – A Life Without Boundaries by Akhilesh Srivastava invites us to slow down, reconnect with our roots, and embrace life with authenticity and joy. Rich with nostalgia, life lessons, and the quiet strength of human spirit, this novel is a tribute to simple living and boundless thinking.

We sat down with Akhilesh Srivastava—an author whose literary spark was ignited by his elder brother’s writing legacy—to dive into the heart of Asnahri. From his village-inspired storytelling and late-night writing rituals to characters drawn from life’s most genuine connections, Akhilesh offers a window into the making of a book that blends imagination with lived experiences.

In this exclusive interview, he opens up about the emotional truths behind his characters, the message of joyful living amidst challenges, and how traditional storytelling is finding new life in today’s digital age. With a powerful mix of warmth and wisdom, Asnahri is more than just a story—it’s a movement toward living without boundaries.

1. What sparked the inspiration behind Asnahri – A Life Without Boundaries, and how did the idea for this story originate?

The inspiration to write this book came from observing my elder brother's writing journey. During my school years, I was deeply influenced by his works, literary conferences, and awards, which ignited my passion for storytelling. I began writing children's stories at an early age, and they were published in leading newspapers and magazines. My village has also been a profound source of inspiration, remaining close to my heart despite living away. This enduring connection inspired me to preserve the essence of my village and childhood through writing.

2. Could you share insights into your writing routine? Do you follow any specific process or creative habits?

Since I have a demanding professional life, I don’t get much time to write during the day. Instead, I dedicate my late-night hours to writing. My process is a blend of structured planning and spontaneous creativity. I begin with broad themes and character sketches, gradually refining them into a cohesive narrative. Though my writing hours are late, I draw inspiration throughout the day—often capturing ideas in notes or voice recordings to develop later.

3. The characters in your novel feel authentic and relatable. Were they inspired by real people, or are they purely fictional?

The characters in my books are a blend of imagination and real-world influences. While none of them are direct representations of specific individuals, their emotions, struggles, and journeys are drawn from experiences I've witnessed or felt deeply. I wanted each character to be relatable, to stay in a joyful mood, and to live their lives happily.

4. One of the core themes in the book is the idea of living joyfully, regardless of life’s challenges. What motivated you to explore this message?

This story is inspired by a friend who lived happily with simplicity and inner strength. Through characters in the books, Gokulnath’s bond with Ram Bhaiya, the book highlights that true freedom is not about escaping responsibilities but embracing life with joy, humility, and authenticity beyond societal norms

5. The world you’ve created in the book is rich and immersive. How did you go about building this setting, and were there any real places that influenced it?

The setting of this book is a carefully crafted blend of realism and imagination. While some elements are inspired by Asnahri, a real village and its cultures, I also aimed to create a world that feels both familiar and boundless. Research, travel experiences, and historical influences played a role in shaping the depth of the environments within the book.

6. How do you strike a balance between originality and the expectations of your genre?

Balancing originality with genre expectations is always a challenge. My approach was to stay true to the essence of storytelling while pushing boundaries in theme and character development. Since I write in limited time slots, I often have to revisit and refine ideas to ensure they remain fresh while staying true to the core of the genre. The biggest challenge was maintaining a unique perspective while ensuring the story remained engaging and impactful.

7. The pacing of your novel keeps readers engaged throughout. What’s your strategy for maintaining momentum in the story?

Since I write in fragmented time slots, I focus on making each section purposeful, ensuring that every chapter moves the story forward. I structure the narrative with deliberate shifts in intensity—balancing moments of deep reflection with dynamic action or unexpected twists. Beta readers helped me refine the flow, making sure every chapter contributed to the momentum of the journey

8. In the age of rapidly changing media and reader preferences, how do you see the role of traditional storytelling evolving, and how do you adapt your writing to connect with contemporary audiences?

While storytelling is timeless, digital media and shorter attention spans are changing how we consume stories. Despite this, readers still seek depth and authenticity. With a busy professional background, I prioritize concise yet impactful storytelling, using clear themes and multiple platforms to engage readers. Ultimately, the essence of storytelling remains—creating meaningful connections.

Step into the world of Asnahri—where courage meets compassion, and every page echoes resilience. Grab your copy on Amazon today!