Hello! My pronouns are she/her. I write science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. I am the author of the Asiana duology published by Harper Voyager US. The first book Markswoman was published in 2018 and the sequel Mahimata in 2019. My YA fantasy books Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove (2022) and Flower and Thorn (2023) were published by Wednesday Books. I am represented by the wonderful Mary. C. Moore of Aevitas Creative Management.
What else about me? I was born and raised in India, and I now make my home in Toronto, Canada. I love to cook, and food often sneaks its way into my worldbuilding. I’m a bookworm – always have been. A few of my favorite writers are Sofia Samatar, Terry Pratchett, Ursula Le Guin, Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler, N. K. Jemisin, Jack Vance, Gene Wolfe, Patricia A. McKillip, Stephen King, JRR Tolkien, and – yes – Jane Austen.
But I actually trained as an Economist. I dreamed in equations for several years before realizing I was wasting my time (both asleep and awake – who wants to dream in equations?). I branched into Environmental Policy, did a stint at the World Conservation Union in Switzerland, and worked in several countries before deciding to make my home in Canada.
I love all things mythological, especially stories of Kali. Kali is the Mother Goddess, slayer of demons and the epitome of feminine power. And India is one of the worst countries in the world for girls and women. It’s an interesting juxtaposition, and one of the facets I seek to explore in my own work. I also delve into themes of justice, anti-colonialism, and environmentalism.
And often, I just write for fun. 🙂
Rati Mehrotra 
Thanks for liking my blog! I appreciate the encouragement!
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Great news Rati…wish u unbound success…love and blessings!
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Thanks Alka di – but still a long way to go! And a lot of hard work before I’m putting them out there! 🙂
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Cool story idea about the Kali worshippers! Have you read Song of Kali by Dan Simmons? It’s a horror story about Kali worshippers in Calcutta, check it out!
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A rather grotesque tale, is it not? It is the more mystical version of Kali in mythology that interests me. Her name literally means ‘beyond time’. It also means ‘black’ because she comes before the creation of light itself. Thanks for stopping by!
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I love your idea for Kali. And you would probably love my tattoo. I’m going to b looking for your books. 😊
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Thank you. I’ll definitely post here when I have firm dates for the books. 🙂
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Just finished Mahimata, without reading Markswoman. IT was great, especially the ending. I think this could be made into a movie someday.
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Thanks for reading, and the comment! I think you may like the first book too. And yes, I think it would make a great movie, but maybe I’m biased. 🙂
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Just finished Markswoman and I’m a few hours into Mahimata. Great stories, engaging characters and a well developed world for them to occupy. As a father of two daughters, I very much appreciate strong female characters in books and yours are some of the best I’ve had the pleasure to read and follow in their adventures. Thank you for sharing your art with us.
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Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the books, and I hope one day your daughters read them too. 🙂
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