What lies beyond the world we can see? In Memoirs of the Unseen, author Rohit Kumar explores the mysterious presence of unseen entities through a compelling collection of supernatural stories rooted in love, loss, betrayal, longing, injustice, and unfinished lives.

Inspired by his lifelong admiration for Ruskin Bond’s ghost stories, Kumar draws on real-world observations, unusual incidents, and social concerns to create narratives that bring an unsettling touch of the supernatural into ordinary settings. The collection explores the possibility that some presences linger long after their stories should have ended, making themselves known through whispers, shadows, familiar scents, and unexplained occurrences.

From the story that emerged during a solo journey to Nainital to the subtle mysteries woven throughout the collection, Memoirs of the Unseen invites readers to look beyond the visible and consider the stories that remain untold. 

1. What inspired you to write this particular book, and how did the idea for the stories come to you?

I have been a fan of Ruskin Bond since childhood and have read many of his stories and novels. A book edited by him, The Ghost Stories of the Shimla Hills, is an all-time favourite of mine, so ghost stories are my favourite genre.

In 2019, I went on a solo trip to Nainital. While I was on the train, a news clip caught my attention. It reported the rampant construction of hotels in the Nainital region, which disturbed me. To express my anguish, I wrote “Queen of Kumaon,” the first story in the book. I also tried to introduce the presence of a ferocious tigress into the story. That was how my writing journey began.

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 a creative flow?

My work does not allow me to follow a strict writing routine. However, whenever I have time, I jot down ideas and make short notes on my phone or send them to myself by email. I have written most of my stories while travelling or during my daily metro commute. I first sketched out the stories on my phone and then developed them further.

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?

The characters are not real people; rather, they are inspired by incidents or strange phenomena. Some stories are also reactions to social problems or current affairs.

4. Your book explores unseen entities. What motivated you to explore this theme, and what messages or ideas do you hope readers will take away from your work?

Memoirs of the Unseen is an attempt to tell the stories of those who cannot be seen with the naked eye but are nevertheless present. The message for readers is simple: remain vigilant and be open to the presence of things that are not visible.

5. The settings in your book are rich and immersive. How did you create them, and did you draw inspiration from any real-world locations or historical events?

I think the settings of these stories are quite ordinary, with nothing extraordinary about them. My aim was simply to introduce an element of spookiness in a subtle, understated way, rather than make the stories overtly frightening.

6. As a writer, how do you balance originality with the expectations of the genre? Were there any challenges in putting your own spin on familiar elements?

Originality comes naturally when you write from the heart. I began by paying attention to the issues that move me and then putting my thoughts down on paper.

7. The pacing of the stories is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end. Can you share your approach to maintaining tension and momentum throughout the narratives?

Brevity is key. I am a practising Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, so I understand the importance of short sentences. We are trained to condense thousand-page case records into five-to-seven-page synopses. I followed the same principle when writing these stories, keeping them short enough for readers to enjoy several in one sitting.

8. In an age of rapidly changing media and reader preferences, how do you see traditional storytelling evolving, and how do you adapt your writing to connect with contemporary audiences?

The advent of audiobooks and internet radio has changed the landscape, and these formats continue to evolve rapidly. However, no format can replace the joy of reading a paperback. Although I am a big fan of e-books, I also love keeping physical copies on my bookshelf. I believe all formats of storytelling are part of the same ecosystem, and people’s preferences vary with their moods and surroundings. So, let’s enjoy the many ways stories can be told.

About the Author

Rohit Kumar is based in New Delhi and is an Advocate-on-Record practising before the Supreme Court of India. Beyond the courtroom, he is fascinated by history, culture, society, and enduring legends. He enjoys travelling to hills and forests, collecting flora, preparing herbariums, photographing tiny leaves and flowers, painting, and writing stories. Through his work, he seeks to uncover narratives that connect the past with the present.

Are you fascinated by ghost stories, supernatural mysteries, and the unexplained? Step into a world where forgotten lives, lingering presences, and ordinary places conceal extraordinary stories.

Get your copy of Memoirs of the Unseen by Rohit Kumar on Amazon and discover the mysteries that lie beyond the visible world.