At 16, Sanjana Kanamarlapudi is already navigating a literary journey that spans ten books, several genres and an increasingly engaged readership. Her latest novel, A Cold Hold, has crossed 4,000 copies sold since its December release and is among the top reads in Amazon India’s Young Adult Mystery & Thriller category.
She conducts creative-writing and storytelling workshops for students aged 10 to 16, covering everything from developing plots and characters and overcoming writer’s block to completing a manuscript and understanding the publishing process. Sanjana has also participated in literary and educational events, including the Pune Literature Fest in 2024 and the Read-A-Kitaab Fest at RD National College, Mumbai, in 2025. She has moderated a panel at Mumbai’s Children’s Museum (MuSo) and received the Young Author Award from RD National College, Mumbai University, in 2025.
Because of her age, but because of the sustained commitment it represents, with A Cold Hold reaching a wider readership and ten books already behind her, Sanjana’s achievement is notable not simply.
“I’ve always been curious about people — their emotions, relationships, memories and the choices they make,” Sanjana says. “Writing a first book can seem overwhelming when you’re young,” she says. “AI can generate words very quickly, but I think a writer’s experiences, observations and way of looking at the world are what make a story feel personal,” she says.
A student at United World College South East Asia (UWCSEA), Singapore, Sanjana has written across young adult fiction, fantasy, science fiction, realistic fiction and children’s literature. Her writing, however, is gradually moving towards a deeper interest in people and the forces that shape their behaviour. “That curiosity has naturally made me interested in psychology as well, and I find that many of those questions make their way into my stories. That interest is particularly visible in A Cold Hold, which uses the framework of a mystery and psychological thriller to explore themes of identity, resilience and how people respond to difficult experiences. Rather than treating mystery simply as a puzzle to be solved, the novel reflects Sanjana’s growing interest in the emotional and psychological dimensions of storytelling. The response to the book marks another milestone in a writing journey that began early. The sales and feedback have given the teenage author a notable achievement. But Sanjana’s literary pursuits extend beyond writing books. For her, the sessions are also an opportunity to encourage young people to take their ideas seriously. “I want students to understand that they don’t need to have everything figured out at the beginning. Sometimes, starting with one idea and developing it patiently is enough. Away from her books, she has been involved in student publications at school and has pursued Kathak for nearly a decade. Balancing these interests with academics has become part of her routine, rather than an exception. Her trajectory also raises an interesting question about young writers in an increasingly digital and AI-assisted creative environment. For Sanjana, technology does not diminish the importance of individual perspective. “Developing that voice takes time. Her journey so far suggests that for this young author, writing is less about arriving at a milestone and more about continuing to ask questions — particularly about people, their stories and what makes them who they are Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day. Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.