October 23, 2025

Introducing a Fresh Voice: Spotlight on a young Author

Meet the Author

There is something extraordinary about beginning a creative journey at a young age, and Anvika Kaul Singh embodies this spirit of ambition and imagination. At just 17 years, she has published her first book, marking a major milestone for any writer. From childhood scribbles to completed chapters, her passion for storytelling has always shone brightly, inspired by her favourite books, characters and family.

Her Debut Book

“Don’t Look Down” is Anvika Kaul Singh’s debut collection of speculative fiction, presenting near-future stories inspired by real scientific research and contemporary global challenges. Each narrative places ordinary characters at the intersection of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, environmental collapse and systems of power, asking how far humanity will go when pushed to the edge. With themes including pharmaceutical conspiracies, bioweapon viruses and the weaponization of history itself, the book explores not only the consequences of rapid technological change but also the enduring human search for love, truth and survival. Anvika’s writing stands out for its emotional grounding and plausibility making, “Don’t Look Down” a refreshing thought-provoking and spookily relevant anthology for readers drawn to book both science fiction and real-world issues.

What first inspired you to write Don’t Look Down?

I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember, experimenting with different genres. I always used writing as a way to question the world around me. After entering several writing competitions, science fiction quickly became one of my favourite genres to explore. Don’t Look Down is an anthology of science fiction short stories I have written, all centered on global issues like rising sea levels, nanotechnology, terraforming, and tourism — and how they affect individuals through family, death, and everyday life. It’s easy to dismiss these global and rapidly escalating problems as distant future or irrelevant, but through Don’t Look Down, I wanted to challenge that notion, bring these imminent issues to life and generate a sense of urgency towards them.

How did your background in science or technology influence your storytelling?

I believe my background in a highly STEM-focused community — I mean, I am fortunate to be in the Seattle metro, literally the birthplace of tech behemoths — along with my experience in natural sciences, research, and especially computer science, has given me a unique perspective on finding patterns. For example, there are patterns in the types of characters you write, how they react to things and life, and even in how technology develops. I think having foundation in science and overall well-rounded is important because it enriches your writing, making it more accessible and relatable to anyone who might be reading it for fun and learning from it.

How did you balance hard science with imaginative fiction so readers could follow the ideas while staying invested in the story?

Well, one thing I like to believe is that readers are always smarter than you might think. And, one great thing about sci-fi is that it lets you take creative liberties and stretch the bounds of technology as long as you connect it to a current trend. Another important thing to consider is that, both in the future and even today, general people care less about the specifics of technology and more about its effects on people and its consequences. When communicating a message about the future, it’s less important to explain hard science than to create characters with emotional depth and investment.

What challenges did you face bringing this idea to life?

These stories emerged over several years and covered a range of topics, so the hardest part was editing competition-focused pieces into a cohesive narrative while still preserving the main ideas of the originals. Most of the original stories had word counts and tech depth requirements that made them more educational and intellectual rather than communicative of a message, so those had to be reworked as well. And, I’m really happy with the final product, especially how adding the prologue and epilogue helped communicate the message of taking initiative for change.

The book has been called both futuristic and deeply human. What message do you hope readers take away?

Kind of related to my previous responses, I hope readers realize that the “futuristic” problems we worry about aren’t the future; they are reflections of the present. This idea might seem basic, but it’s very, very important—I know that personally from procrastinating. I also want to emphasize that these problems aren’t just global; every scientific breakthrough or policy decision affects someone’s life, whether in a small way or a severe one. Ultimately, my main message is that progress without awareness can be dangerous, but awareness without action is just as hollow.

You write about AI and consciousness with real depth. How do you see your generation shaping technology’s future?

Oh, this is a really interesting question. A common view I’ve seen, and one I agree with is that AI is sort of the modern-day “industrial revolution.” I think my generation has a very unique and intuitive understanding of AI because younger generations naturally adapt early to new technologies. AI is already ingrained all around us, in the automatic suggestions when you search something up, in algorithmic customization, and even in school instruction and brainstorming. But what’s especially interesting about my generation is that there’s also a huge push against AI because of its effects on the environment, copyright issues, jobs, to name a few — and all for valid reasons. I think my generation will be able to foster true discussion and balance around AI, finding solutions that embrace the advancements AI brings while also protecting personal image, individual voices, and creative rights.

Do you have a favourite story or scene that captures the heart of Don’t Look Down?

I really love many of the stories in the book, but I think my favorite part is actually the prologue. I think the city description is kind of…haunting, in the way that the sort of “urban cyberpunk” space can invoke feelings of hope, or hopelessness. The whole scene is open to interpretation and sets an anticipatory mood for the rest of the book. What I like most is that, unlike much of science fiction, the prologue doesn’t immediately condemn technological development; instead, it suggests that technological advancement and progress is inevitable — but the consequences can pan either way.

Do you have any writing rituals or routines that help you focus?

I’ve found that my most productive hours are very late at night. The unfortunate drawback is that I am literally counting down the minutes until I can go to sleep. But there are very few distractions at night, and I love listening to Lana Del Rey while writing. Her music is so poetic, and all her albums and her image are so carefully curated. I really respect that as an artist and appreciate the imagination her music inspires in me.

What’s next for you — more books, research, or something entirely different?

Right now, my focus is on my computer science research, especially on human-robot workflows. I’m studying how robots can move autonomously and plan pathways that integrate seamlessly with how humans naturally move. One important metric we track is eye contact with the robot — we aim to reduce it as much as possible to show that the robot is so naturally integrated it feels ordinary. This research really aligns with what I’ve been promoting through my book and what I truly believe: technology is meant solely to make our lives better. And that requires educated and passionate people to ensure that technological advances continue in that direction.

What’s your advice for young creators or scientists who want to merge creativity with technology?

Really, never let any boundaries or lines stop you. Whether it’s your identity, like your gender or race, your ethnicity, or your interests, never let a stereotype or the divide between STEM and the humanities stop you from exploring what you love. I do computer science research and have written and published a research paper, but I also run a global literary magazine, where I’m the co–editor-in-chief. I actually coded its website, it’s saintsandfleurs.com, and I also designed the webpage and curated the images. We published 35 submissions from 12 countries and have nearly 70K readership. What I want to impress upon is that no lines should stop you, and if anyone tries to put you in a box, ignore it, because a box should never stop you from learning and doing what you love.

ISBUND celebrates the excitement and courage it takes to publish the first book “Don’t Look Down” and its author Anvika Kaul Singh offers new insights and inspirations for readers and aspiring writers alike. Here is to many more stories – and a memorable debut chapter in a promising literary journey.

Meet Aria—our 12-year-old junior editor at ISBUND and a whirlwind of curiosity, creativity and ambition! Proud of her Kashmiri roots, Aria draws inspiration from her heritage, her family and the world around her. Whether she’s running across the cricket ground, building intricate LEGO masterpieces or diving into the mysteries of Science and Maths, Aria brings energy and imagination to everything she does. Her love for learning is matched only by her big dreams: Aria hopes to one day become a neurosurgeon, blending her fascination with the human brain and her drive to help others. Until then, she’s busy exploring new ideas, taking on school projects and proving that you’re never too young to chase after what excites you. When she’s not exploring new projects, debating strategies with her friends or letting her imagination run wild, Aria is always ready for the next adventure. For her, every day is a chance to discover something new with a fearless heart and a mind hungry for discovery.

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