About Divya Babu
Born in Kerala, Divya Babu have called the United Arab Emirates home for the past 3 decades. She did her schooling in the UAE and higher education in engineering from Kerala. While her roots are deeply embedded in India, the cultural richness and experiences of life in the UAE have played a meaningful role in shaping who she is today.
Motherhood profoundly reshaped her journey, igniting a desire to guide her children through experiential learning over rote theory. This led her to Early Years Education and a career as an Early Years Teacher, a calling perfectly aligned with her love for young children and her profound belief: “A teacher’s touch ignites the flame of a child’s earliest potential, illuminating the path of who they will become.”
An avid reader and writer of short stories in English and Malayalam during her school years, she recently reignited her passion for books after a hiatus. Her debut, “The Hinge of Light,” is an imaginative blend of mythology, archaeology, and time travel. Though she never studied mythology academically, it’s always fascinated her, and she loves exploring it through storytelling.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it, and its content.
Divya Babu: The Hinge of Light is a fictitious mythological time-travel adventure that follows Dr. Mira Kaelyn Ford, an archaeologist who discovers a mysterious hourglass that transports her and her team back to ancient Delphi, where myth and reality collide. The story alternates between past and present, exploring the consequences of their actions across time while mixing history, legend, and imagination.
Writing it was an exciting journey—I enjoyed weaving together mythology, historical details, and creative speculation, while bringing the characters and their world to life. The book is full of adventure, puzzles, and mythical creatures, all designed to entertain and spark curiosity. And with the ending hinting at deeper mysteries yet to come, it sets the stage for a sequel while remaining a complete, self-contained story.
LiFT: Why did you choose this title?
Divya Babu: I chose The Hinge of Light, because it encapsulates a central motif in the novel: transformation, revelation, and the moment when darkness gives way to illumination. The word hinge suggests a pivotal turning point, like a door opening, while light evokes hope, clarity, and the power to dispel fear. Together, they mirror the personal and supernatural shifts that characters go through — their struggles, their awakenings, and their journeys toward understanding and change.
Also, from a more symbolic standpoint, the title reflects how small actions or moments (the “hinge”) can unlock something much bigger and more meaningful (the “light”). It’s both intimate and expansive, which felt right for the story’s emotional and thematic scale.
LiFT: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was your inspiration behind it?
Divya Babu: I realized I wanted to write when I noticed how naturally it came to me. Even in school, I loved writing short stories in both English and Malayalam — it was something I genuinely enjoyed. Over time, life took over and I drifted away from it, but recently I reconnected with my love for books and that old spark returned.
I’ve always felt that imagination has no boundaries; it links the wonder we had as children to the stories we create as adults. Rediscovering that feeling reminded me how much joy writing brings me, and it encouraged me to pursue it more seriously again.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Divya Babu: Ten years from now, I hope to be an author who continues to grow, evolve, and experiment with deeper themes. I imagine myself having a body of work that spans genres, with each project exploring some facet of human experience, light, and transformation.
I also see myself contributing more actively to the literary community: mentoring emerging writers, participating in workshops, and maybe creating a space — digital or physical — where creativity can flourish freely. My dream is not just to publish books, but to build connections through them, to inspire others the way stories have inspired me.
One concern I often think about is how the new generation is gradually moving away from the literary world. Reading is becoming less central in their lives, replaced by faster, shorter forms of entertainment. In the next decade, I want to be part of the solution — by creating stories that feel relatable, accessible, and engaging to younger readers. Whether through modern themes, interactive formats, or school and community outreach, I hope to help rekindle their interest in books and remind them that reading isn’t just an activity — it’s an experience.
If the next decade allows me to touch more hearts, encourage more young people to read, and keep growing as a writer, I’ll consider that a beautiful success.
LiFT: How important do you think marketing and the quality of a book are in promoting it and increasing its readership?
Divya Babu: They’re both very important — but they serve different roles, and one without the other doesn’t work as well. Quality is the foundation. A well-written, well-edited story builds trust with readers. If a book is polished — in terms of structure, character development, prose — readers are more likely to recommend it, give it good reviews, and return for future books.
Even the best book needs visibility. Without some strategy, it can remain undiscovered. Marketing is essential to reach potential readers.
So, the quality of the work draws readers in and keeps them; marketing brings them to your door. For a book to succeed — especially for a debut or indie author — both need to be strong.
LiFT: What message do you want to convey to people through your writing?
Divya Babu: I want to convey hope through transformation. That even in the darkest and most uncertain times, there is a hinge — a turning point — when things can change, when insight and light can break through. I also hope to explore how inner growth and self-awareness can ripple out into the wider world, affecting relationships, identity, and even the supernatural or mystical layers of existence.
Ultimately, I hope readers feel seen in their fears and doubts but also inspired to believe that change is possible — that their own turning point is within reach.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Divya Babu: Apart from writing, I spend my time bouncing between my favourite little joys — reading, sketching, and happily falling into deep Google rabbit holes because I genuinely love expanding my knowledge (especially when it comes to science!). I’m an early years teacher, so when I’m not surrounded by tiny humans, you’ll probably catch me sipping tea, doodling something whimsical, or diving back into old myths just for the fun of it. I absolutely love long night drives with my family, and being in nature is my happy reset button — long walks, quiet skies, and noticing tiny details that somehow sneak their way into my stories.
LiFT: What activities do you resort to when you face writer’s block?
Divya Babu: Take a break — sometimes the best move is to pause. Resting your mind can bring back fresh energy.
LiFT: What if your story were to be adapted into a movie? Who would you want to work as the director or actors in it?
Divya Babu: That’s a fun one.
I’d want a team who can truly feel the pulse of my story, bringing its heart to life in a way that makes every moment resonate with the audience.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If so, could you tell us something about it?
Divya Babu: Yes! I’ve left a hook at the end of this story, and the next book is already brewing. I can’t reveal too much, but expect new adventures, surprising twists, and challenges that will push the characters—and the world—into exciting, unexpected directions.
LiFT: What are your suggestions for budding writers and poets to help them improve their writing skills?
Divya Babu: Read voraciously — Read across genres, styles, and cultures. It expands your imagination and gives you a richer vocabulary of ideas.
Write consistently — Even if it’s a small amount every day, build a habit.
Revise mercilessly — First drafts are just raw clay. Be willing to reshape, cut, and polish.
Seek feedback — Honest feedback helps you grow.
Stay resilient — Writing is a long game. Rejections, blocks, and doubts are part of the process. Keep going.
Click here to order Divya Babu’s Book – The Hinge of Light
