Love, misunderstandings, and the words left unspoken can change the course of even the strongest relationships. In her debut novel, Confidential Ruin, author Maera Shams explores these emotional complexities through the story of Arora and Sebastian, two people whose past continues to shape their present.
Combining romance, workplace tension, hidden secrets, and the possibility of a second chance, Confidential Ruin follows Arora as she navigates an unexpected reunion with the man who once broke her heart. As professional responsibilities bring them closer, unresolved feelings and unanswered questions threaten to complicate their relationship once again.
A 20-year-old B.Tech student and avid romance reader, Maera Shams draws on her imagination and fascination with human emotions to create a story about communication, trust, and the difficult journey toward understanding one another. In this interview, she discusses the inspiration behind her debut, her creative process, character development, and her hopes for connecting with contemporary readers.
1. What inspired you to write this particular book, and how did the idea for the story come to you?
The idea behind Confidential Ruin came from my love for romance and my curiosity about how misunderstandings can change the course of a relationship. Sometimes, two people can genuinely love each other, but a lack of communication and the interference of others can create a distance between them that neither of them ever intended. I wanted to explore that through Arora and Sebastian’s story. Writing this book gave me a chance to turn the emotions, situations, and possibilities in my imagination into a story that readers could connect with. What started as an idea in my mind eventually became something I could hold in my hands, and that still feels surreal to me.
2. Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you follow a specific routine or have any unique rituals that help you get into the creative flow?
Honestly, my writing process isn’t always organised or predictable. As a B.Tech student, balancing college and writing isn’t always easy, and I don’t really have a fixed routine where I sit down to write at a particular time every day. My college schedule keeps me busy, so I usually write whenever I get holidays or some free time. A lot of my ideas come from imagining different situations, conversations, and emotions, and sometimes a small idea can turn into an entire scene in my head. I also enjoy discussing ideas and plot possibilities with people close to me because sometimes a simple conversation can inspire an entirely new direction. For me, writing isn’t just about putting words on paper; it’s about understanding the characters and their emotions. I may not always have enough time to write, but whenever I get the opportunity, I love returning to the story and bringing my imagination to life.
3. The characters in your book are quite distinct and memorable. Are they based on real people, or did they evolve purely from your imagination?
Arora and Sebastian are fictional characters who came to life through my imagination. I wanted each of them to have their own personality, emotions, and way of looking at relationships. While real-life emotions and experiences can influence the way we understand people, the characters and their story are fictional. I think one of the beautiful things about writing is that you can create people who don’t exist in reality but still make readers feel something real through their experiences. As I developed the story, the characters became more than just names on a page; I began to understand their choices, their struggles, and the reasons behind their actions.
4. Your book delves into a specific theme or issue. What motivated you to explore this theme, and what messages or discussions do you hope readers will take away from your work?
The central theme of Confidential Ruin is the importance of communication and trust in a relationship. I wanted to show how misunderstandings, assumptions, and the interference of a third person can affect even a relationship where genuine feelings exist. Sometimes, people make decisions based on what they hear or believe without giving the other person a chance to explain. Through this story, I hope readers understand the importance of having honest conversations, listening to each other, and not allowing assumptions to replace the truth. For me, love isn’t just about having feelings for someone; it’s also about communication, understanding, and giving each other the chance to be heard.
5. The world-building in your novel is incredibly rich and immersive. How did you go about creating the setting, and did you draw inspiration from any real-world locations or historical events?
When I created the world of Confidential Ruin, my main focus was on making the setting feel natural to the characters and their story. I wanted readers to become invested not only in the romance but also in the lives the characters lead, the people around them, and the circumstances that influence their decisions. Rather than building the story around historical events, I focused on the fictional world and the situations that would allow the relationships to develop. For me, the setting is important because it helps readers visualise the story and feel as though they are experiencing those moments alongside the characters.
6. As a writer, how do you balance the need for originality with the expectations of the genre? Were there any challenges in putting your unique spin on familiar elements?
Romance is a genre that many people love, and there are certain elements readers naturally enjoy, such as emotional connections, misunderstandings, and the journey two people take towards understanding each other. I believe originality comes from how a writer explores those elements and the meaning they give them. With Confidential Ruin, I wanted to create a romance that felt personal to me while exploring how communication and outside interference can shape a relationship. One of the challenges was making the characters’ decisions and emotions feel believable rather than simply using misunderstandings to move the plot forward. As a writer, I’m learning that you don’t necessarily need an entirely unfamiliar idea to tell a meaningful story; sometimes, it’s about presenting familiar emotions in your own way.
7. The pacing of the story is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Can you share your approach to maintaining tension and momentum throughout the narrative?
I wanted readers to remain curious about the characters and the reasons behind their actions. I focused on allowing the story to unfold through the characters’ interactions, the misunderstandings between them, and the consequences of things left unsaid. I believe emotional tension can be just as powerful as dramatic events because readers want to understand what the characters are feeling and whether they will eventually understand each other. I also wanted the important moments to have meaning rather than rushing through them. My aim was to make readers emotionally invested in the journey, so that they wouldn’t just want to know what happens next but would genuinely care about the characters and their relationship.
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?
I think storytelling will always have a place in people’s lives, even as the way we discover and enjoy stories continues to change. Social media has made it easier for new writers like me to share their work, connect with readers, and introduce their stories to people they might never otherwise reach. At the same time, I believe the heart of a good story remains the same: readers want characters they can connect with, emotions they can understand, and experiences that stay with them even after they finish reading. As a contemporary writer, I want to make my stories accessible to today’s readers while staying true to the emotions and ideas I want to express. Being a first-time published author has already taught me that writing a book is only one part of the journey; connecting with readers is another beautiful part of it.
About the Author
Maera Shams is 20 year old, B.tech student, an avid romance reader, and a storyteller who believes that sometimes the smallest misunderstanding can create the biggest mess. When she isn’t buried in engineering, she can usually be found buried in a romance novel—or creating one. The idea for Confidential Ruin, her debut novel, began with a simple thought: how many relationships could be saved if people just communicated honestly? Fascinated by love, emotions, and the things people leave unsaid, Maera writes stories filled with heart, second chances, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Step into a world of second chances, unresolved feelings, workplace romance, and secrets that refuse to stay hidden. Confidential Ruin by Maera Shams explores what happens when the past brings two former lovers together again—and the truth threatens to change everything.
Buy Confidential Ruin on Amazon today and discover a romance filled with emotional tension, complicated choices, and the possibility of finding love again.
