Shon Mehta's Blog

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 y...

 

Rudhata, the Tapasi monk, was on his way from Vakshi to Vanpore. As he passed by a house on the way, he saw a large cage with several birds inside.

A compassionate man, he was troubled at the sight, and decided to do something about it. He immediately knocked on the door.


The owner stepped out, surprised. It was not often that a monk came knocking at his door.

“Why have you kept these sweet birds in this cage?" demanded Rudhata, as soon as the owner came out.

"Because I love watching them.” answere...

Pedro had been wide awake the entire night. All the coconut oil on his head couldn't help him calm down. Even the sleeping pill he had taken could not make him sleep for long. His anxiety about his impending homelessness had triumphed over all.He kept imagining himself sleeping on a footpath near a gutter, with filth all around him. The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became.

He had not felt this anxious ever, not even when fed up of his father's abuse, had run away from a small fis...

Vid, Relative of the Rongcha King

Vid was a relative of the Rongcha king. During the grand festival of Pravuti, the king had prepared a lavish feast for his citizens. However, when delays disrupted the ceremony, Vid, impatient and hungry broke protocol and began eating before the feast had officially begun.

This act of disrespect enraged the god-king of Rongcha. As punishment, Vid was banished. He sought refuge in other kingdoms, but fearing the wrath of the god-king, none dared to take him in.

The...

Sonira: Jewel of the Adrika Kingdom

Sonira is the capital city of the Adrika Kingdom and one of the newest cities in the land of Jivavarta. It was built on the banks of the Hirika River, beside a lake that was once feared by all.

The Monster in the Lake

According to legend, a shadowy sea creature named Makantaboga lived in the lake. It attacked and killed by suffocating anyone who came near. Even though the land was fertile and the lake was filled with fish, people avoided the area for generations....

 

AcceptanceA poem by Shon Mehta

For some, it is a beloved

they are eager to meet.

For some, it is an enemy

they are anxious to face.

For some, it is a stranger

they are trying to ignore.

In truth, it is a destiny

that nobody can escape.

So, for me, when death comes 

there will only be acceptance.

 

“Every person has some good in them. It is a mob of people that can be pure evil.”
― Shon Mehta, The Uncharted Mind

Fools won the assembly – while scholars never spoke, being afraid of losing the debate.

 —- Shon Mehta, The Uncharted Mind

Once upon a time, there was a king. He was a good person, but he had one problem—he felt unhappy all the time. He worried about many things: the future of his children, the safety of his kingdom, and his own health. Because of his nature, the king could never enjoy anything.

One day, the king’s minister told him about a great sage known for helping people with their problems.

Immediately, the king visited the sage’s ashram and shared all his troubles.

“Wise One, help me with my problem. I am never ...

 A good dress isn’t just an attire; it can be a mood changer. It can make you feel beautiful, bring a smile to your face, or make you feel so comfortable that you forget your worries and run carefree on a hectic day.

—- Shon Mehta