Author Interview with Brinda Leckmanee Phokeerdass
About Brinda Leckmanee Phokeerdass:
Growing up in Mauritius, Brinda Phokeerdass was always captivated by the "unseen threads" that bind history, nature, and the human spirit. An educator at heart, she is dedicated to rekindling the joy of reading in young minds through stories that blend myth with memory. Her atmospheric writing, featured in works like Beneath the Banyan and Shadows Over Réduit, invites readers to discover the hidden magic in the places they call home. Brinda lives in Mauritius, where she continues to explore the intersection of science and folklore. Follow her journey and discover more stories at her official author page.
What inspires you to write?
My writing is born from the 'unseen threads' that connect the rugged Mauritian landscape to the ancestral echoes of our past. Having a background in engineering and pedagogy, I’ve always been fascinated by how the structure of the world meets the magic of the unknown.
I am inspired by the quiet light of the Indian Ocean, the whispered folklore under banyan trees, and the deep desire to rekindle a sense of wonder in young readers. For me, every story is a journey to uncover the hidden doors of my island home and share the soul of Mauritius with the rest of the world.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
My bookshelf is a bit of a mirror to my soul—half logical and structured, half wild and mystical.
As a writer of Mauritian stories, I am deeply inspired by Ananda Devi, whose powerful prose captures the raw, atmospheric beauty of our island in a way that feels both haunting and essential. I also have a deep appreciation for Emily Brontë; the way she weaves the rugged landscape into the very hearts of her characters in Wuthering Heights is something I strive for when writing about the Mauritian relief.
For the more speculative and magical side of my work, I find myself returning to Haruki Murakami. His ability to make the surreal feel perfectly natural—those 'unseen threads' again—has definitely influenced how I approach the hidden doors and dream-cycles in my own books.
And of course, I have a soft spot for the classic mystery and adventure of Agatha Christie and J.K. Rowling, who taught me that a well-built world is the greatest gift an author can give a reader.
Tell us about your writing process.
My creative process is a balance between the precision of my engineering background and the fluid intuition of a storyteller. I usually begin with a 'spark'—a specific Mauritian landscape, a fragment of local folklore, or a 'what if' question about the unseen forces around us.
I am a structured dreamer. I start by mapping out the world’s internal logic—the 'bones' of the story—ensuring the mystery holds weight. Once the foundation is set, I let the characters lead the way. I find my best rhythms in the quiet moments, often inspired by the atmosphere of the island, where I can translate the 'quiet light' of Mauritius into prose.
For me, rewriting is where the magic truly happens; it’s like polishing a rough stone until the ancestral echoes within it finally begin to shine.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I find that I do a bit of both, though it often feels more like eavesdropping than a formal conversation.
Because my stories are so rooted in the atmosphere of Mauritius, my characters usually emerge from the landscape itself. I listen to them first—listening for their rhythms, their fears, and the specific ways they react to the mysteries they encounter.
Once the 'bones' of the story are set, I start to talk to them, especially when I’m stuck. I’ll ask them, 'What are you not telling me?' or 'Why are you afraid of this specific shadow?' My background in pedagogy makes me naturally curious about their growth; I want to understand how they learn and evolve. Often, they’ll surprise me with an answer that completely changes the direction of a chapter, proving that they have a life and a will entirely their own.
What advice would you give other writers?
My advice to fellow writers is to honor your roots while trusting your wings.
Coming from an engineering and teaching background, I’ve learned that the best stories are built on a solid foundation but powered by pure imagination. Here is what I would share with anyone holding a pen:
Write Your 'Unseen Threads': Don’t just write what you see; write the soul of the place you come from. Whether it is the folklore of Mauritius or the specific rhythm of your own hometown, your unique cultural lens is your greatest asset. Goodreads' Author Advice often echoes this: authenticity is what truly resonates with readers.
Be a 'Structured Dreamer': Give yourself the grace to dream wildly, but have the discipline to sit down and do the work. Use the logic of your background—be it science, art, or parenting—to build the 'bones' of your story so your magic has a place to live.
Read Outside Your Comfort Zone: Just as I draw from both Ananda Devi and classic mystery, you should cross-pollinate your mind. Read poetry if you write thrillers; read science journals if you write fantasy.
Focus on the Connection: Remember that you aren't just putting words on a page; you are reaching out to a reader's heart. Aim to rekindle that sense of wonder that made you fall in love with books in the first place.
As the Society of Authors often suggests, the most important thing is simply to keep going—the world needs your specific story.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
That is a brilliant choice! As an author who values both creative independence and global reach, I find that Draft2Digital is the perfect engine for my storytelling.
It aligns perfectly with my 'structured dreamer' approach. Here is why it works so well for my books:
Universal Accessibility: It allows me to weave those 'unseen threads' across every major platform—from Apple Books and Barnes & Noble to Kobo—all from one central hub.
The Beauty of Simplicity: Much like the clear logic I value from my engineering background, Draft2Digital handles the complex formatting, allowing me to focus entirely on the soul of the story.
Empowering the Indie Voice: It gives Mauritian voices like mine the power to stand alongside global bestsellers. Using their Books2Read Universal Links makes it effortless for my readers to find my work, whether they are in the heart of Port Louis or across the ocean.
By choosing the indie path through Draft2Digital, I maintain the freedom to tell my stories exactly as they are meant to be told, ensuring the magic of Mauritius remains undiluted.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
As an educator and engineer at heart, I see the future of publishing as a beautiful fusion of technology and tradition. We are entering an era where the barriers between a storyteller and a global audience have finally crumbled, allowing voices from every corner of the world to be heard.
Here is how I see those 'unseen threads' of the industry evolving:
The Rise of the Empowered Indie: Platforms like Draft2Digital have already democratized the process. In the future, being an 'Indie Author' won't just be an alternative; it will be a preferred choice for those who value creative autonomy and direct connection with their readers.
Immersive Storytelling: With the growth of AI and AR, I believe books will become more multi-sensory. Imagine reading about the 'quiet light' of Mauritius and being able to access an ambient soundscape or a 3D map of the landscape via a Universal Link.
Personalized Discovery: The future belongs to niche communities. Instead of one-size-fits-all marketing, authors will use tools like BookBub to find the exact readers who resonate with their specific blend of folklore and mystery.
Sustainability & Accessibility: Digital-first publishing and 'Print on Demand' are making the industry more eco-friendly and ensuring that books never truly go 'out of print.'
Ultimately, while the delivery methods change, the human need for story remains constant. Whether it is whispered under a banyan tree or downloaded to a device, the heart of publishing will always be about that ancestral spark of connection.
What genres do you write?: Young Adult Fantasy & Adventure, Gothic Mystery & Suspense, Speculative Fiction & Magical Realism, Literary Fiction & Short Stories
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Brinda Leckmanee Phokeerdass Home Page Link
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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