Ask the Author: Shon Mehta on Jivavarta and World-Building

Which element of your world, Jivavarta, did you develop first—the geography, the society, or something else? 

My first novel is about a low-born prince named Tasvak, so I needed a religious society where people are treated according to their birth. I created the religious social hierarchy first, followed by the geographical regions and their distinct social structures.

How much of Jivavarta’s deep history and lore did you create versus what ended up on the page? Were there any myths or histories you invented that only you know?

About fifty percent of the lore is written but not included in the book. The rest remains in my notes and imagination.

Which was the most challenging book to write, and why? 

The most challenging was Lair of the Monster. There were too many subplots happening simultaneously and many characters to manage. I had to ensure everything came together cohesively at the end, with no loose ends. I like to provide complete closure.

What was the hardest scene for you to write in The Timingila or Lair of the Monster?

In The Timingila, the death of Jaskar Dharman was the hardest—not because it was complex, but because I had to subtly craft a scene where an honourable man dies due to his false beliefs. In Lair of the Monster, there’s a scene where rebels are slaughtered, and Lokya realizes that this kind of death awaits him too. These two were a little difficult to write. But the hardest story overall was Vergoi & Gorat, a POV narrative from two small children about human sacrifice.

Are your novels part of a series or standalone? 

I describe them as standalone chronicles within a unified, proprietary framework. The Timingila and Lair of the Monster each tell complete, independent stories and can be read in any order, but they’re built from the same managed lore of the Jivavarta Universe.

I avoid calling it a 'series' because that usually implies a linear line—a single plot you have to follow from Book 1 to Book 10. My work isn’t structured that way. It’s an anthology of perspectives, distinct narratives sharing the same social architecture and a single 'source of truth' beneath it all. Think of it less as chapters in a line, and more as multiple windows into the same living world.

What is the meaning of Jivavarta?

The Abode of Sentient Souls

Which is the most interesting character you've created, and which is your personal favourite?

The most interesting is Monk Trivit from The Timingila. My personal favourite is Isaku from Lair of the Monster.

What is the inspiration behind your famous story The Girl Who Asked Why? 

It’s not inspired by any particular person. It’s inspired by the questions women, including me, face every day. Why are they dressing a certain way? Why aren’t they getting married? Why aren’t they having children? Why are they so career-oriented? What are they trying to prove? These persistent questions formed the heart of the story.

Were you ever tempted by a traditional publisher?

I’ve been tempted by the traditional publishing path twice, and both times, choosing to remain independent was a deliberate decision to protect the integrity of my work.

Before The Timingila was published, I was told that a political thriller without elements of magic or romance might struggle to find an audience. There were suggestions to “soften” the narrative with those tropes. But Jivavarta is meant to reflect our world—where problems are solved through human resilience and intellect, not spells or sentiment—so I chose to walk away.

Later, when my writing went viral and was being shared without attribution, I did look for partners to help protect my intellectual property. But when the conversation shifted toward what I could write for the market, rather than protecting what already existed, it became clear that staying independent was the only way to keep my voice uncompromised.

For me, independence isn’t just a publishing model—it’s the only way to ensure readers experience the work exactly as it was intended.

What is your writing process? 

I start with an idea, then develop a few main characters. I write the beginning and a tentative ending—where I think the main character will end up. Then I write chapters in sequence. If I get stuck, I jump to the next chapter. I continue this way until I reach the end.

Are you currently working on any projects?

I always have two or three things going on simultaneously. Currently, I’m working on a novel, two or three short stories, and a poem.

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Shon Mehta is an author and philosopher known for creating the Jivavarta Universe, a fictional setting used to explore sociopolitical themes, human resilience, and moral philosophy. Her work has transitioned from contemporary fiction to foundational academic material used in several countries.