Second Chances

Neha Singla Author Interview

Just Not My Type follows a high-powered fashion editor and single mom, who moves back to her hometown and finds life takes an unexpected twist when her childhood nemesis reenters her life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of going back to where you came from—not just physically, but emotionally. What happens when someone who has built this glossy, “big city” life suddenly finds themselves back in the small town where everyone knows their teenage nickname? That tension between who you were and who you’ve become is such a rich space to explore. Add in a certain childhood nemesis who refuses to stay in the past, and it became the perfect storm for drama, humor, and a little swoony chaos.

I found all your characters entertaining and engaging. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?

    I really enjoyed writing about Keith. He’s one of those characters who seems simple on the surface—a little smug, always quick with a smirk, but underneath that is a deep well of kindness and loyalty. Capturing that balance, his “smirkiness” alongside his quiet softness, was surprisingly challenging. Finding the right words to show both sides of him without making him feel contradictory took some work, but that complexity made him one of my favourites to bring to life.

    What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

      Second chances—whether in love, career, or self-discovery—were a big one for me. I wanted to explore what it truly means to start over, not as a wide-eyed twenty-something but as someone who has already weathered life’s messes and learned from them. There’s also a strong thread of identity: Who are you when you strip away the titles, the job, and the carefully curated image? And, of course, family. No matter where life takes you or what stage you’re in, there’s something grounding and often healing about returning to your roots.

      I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to continue the story. Is there a second book planned?

      Not with this story. When I finished writing Just Not My Type, I felt a sense of closure—like Amber’s journey had come full circle. By the end, she was exactly where she needed to be, ready to live her life on her own terms. For me, that felt like the right place to leave her—happy, grounded, and complete.

        Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon

        Amber, a spirited fashion magazine editor, returns to her quaint hometown of Nelson Bay after years in the chaos of New York. Determined to rebuild her life, she reconnects with her vibrant family, her mischievous daughter Charlotte, and her witty best friend Sam. But her carefully crafted plans take an unexpected turn when Keith, Sam’s charming and infuriating cousin and Amber’s childhood nemesis re-enters her life. As Amber navigates family antics, career shifts, and Charlotte’s delightful chaos, her undeniable chemistry with Keith stirs up old rivalries and surprising emotions. Amid paintball battles, karaoke disasters, and heartfelt moments under the stars, Amber begins to wonder if opposites really do attract or if she’s just losing her mind. Packed with humour, heart, and small-town charm, this is a story about finding love in unexpected places, embracing the quirks of life, and realizing that sometimes, the best endings are the ones you never saw coming.


        Posted on August 10, 2025, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

        Comment

        This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.