Azraa Killru Writer

Since my pregnancy 2.5 years ago until a few weeks ago, I only read fiction, taking a long break from non-fiction and self-help genres.

I’m glad I picked The Mountain is You as my first in a long time as it reignited my fondness for self-help books.

Swipe to read a few of my favourite quotes. There’s a lot more. It’s a relatively quick and easy read but packed with wisdom. There are few sections such as self-sabotage (which I related to the most) and trauma (which I couldn’t relate to much) but the point of a book varies by who reads it and when.

This is the kind of book you should definitely read if you haven’t already. If you already did, tell me what spoke to you the most?

[ books, bookstagram, brianna wiest, kindle books, ebooks, self help books, what to read, mindset books, books for better habits, limiting beliefs, subconscious mind, inspirational books ]

It’s been 5 years since this beautiful story left my heart and meet new readers ❤️ It’s been 5 years since my dream of becoming an author (a dream I never thought possible), came true and in the best way possible Alhamdulillah.

Till today, I’m grateful to everyone who supported me, from my family to friends to readers. Without you, it wouldn’t have been possible. I never expected the copies to sell out that fast or for the book to get nominated for the State Literary Award 2022. The experience Tea Town gave me IS THE MOST PRECIOUS AND MOST BEAUTIFUL one in my life.

Among the beautiful reviews from readers, I randomly picked a few and added them here. Trust me, there’s a lot more and each and every one of them means so so so much to me 💕

Here’s to more books and lots more love ❤️❤️❤️


Debut novel, contemporary fiction, romance, mental health, tea estate, Kandy, Colombo, Sri Lankan books, Asian author, diverse books

Soooo many messages asking when the next Blind Book Date with Bookish Friends is happening and it’s finally time for the next one! ❤️

We weren’t expecting the first one to turn out the way it did.

Strangers walked in with wrapped books, and left with new friends and a new book ❤️ So... we’re doing it again.

And the best part? It’s happening on 9th August, which is the Book Lovers Day! Let’s celebrate our love for books together 📚

Here’s all you need to do:
📖 Bring one wrapped book to gift.
☕ Buy your favourite drink.
🎁 Leave with a surprise book.
🤍 Meet people who love reading as much as you do.

Whether you come alone or with a friend, I promise you won’t be the only one walking in without knowing anyone.

📍Location and other details will be shared only with confirmed participants.
📩 DM to join us!


Book club, bookish events, readers, Colombo, Sri Lanka, blind book date

Something weird happens to you when you grow up ambitious, live the life of a workaholic, and then run into a wall bearing the name ‘Burnout’.

This happened to me about 4.5 years ago.

Everything around me remained the same but the world within me stalled. Much like a sensation where everything rushes past you while you remain rooted to the spot.

I started hearing words like: “Incompetent… Lazy… Unsuccessful…”

First, I was baffled, never having been attributed to terms like these before because hard work and hustle were always intertwined with me.

These words could’ve easily broken me. Thanks to God, I’ve already worked on my mindset years before. My path was shaky but my self belief was intact. That saved me again.

Gradually, I could finally take up small projects and soon enough, bigger ones followed suit. My schedule became packed once more.

Then, I became pregnant and work had to take a back seat once more. This time, it was by choice.

But motherhood brought with it the kind of challenges I was not prepared for. While love and gratitude fills my heart, my mind sometimes crumbles under exhaustion and frustration. I hear it’s normal but my ambitions and dreams and doubts and goals fail to listen to reasoning.

Meanwhile, my writing mellowed down just like myself. I wrote about the 90s, about chocolate, about books. I should’ve written about my rage instead. But I didn’t.

It’s said that every trial, every test, every waiting period is all for a reason. It culminates to something that would otherwise not be born. I wondered about it too… and then out of the blue, a brand new concept for a book dropped into my mind, unlike anything I’ve thought about before.

This is WAY bigger than me. A scale so grand, an idea so staggering that it can only be attempted with caution and a clear mind. But without going through what I went through mentally, this book wouldn’t have been ready for me nor I for it.

I haven’t written a single word of this new book yet. But I know in my heart, it will be one of the most important ones I’d ever write.


[ author, book writing, mindset, writer life, publishing, career women ]

It’s been about 5-10 years since I read these books but I’ve recommended these time and again because I’ve learnt so much from these books. They’ve helped me during difficult times, aided me in becoming more self-aware and also lean into my potential.

It’s very important to learn from various resources without blindly following any specific writer, writing, rule or system. Take what helps you build a better life and leave out what doesn’t sit right with you. After all, we’re all in a learning journey here.

The book list 📕

1. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
2. Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
4. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
5. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
6. How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield

What’s your top recommendation?

[ bookstagram, book recommendations, book reviews, non fiction, self help, literary fiction, self development, self growth, personal development, bookish, mindset, motivational reads ]

The right room does something to your mind.

The noise settles, the ideas become clearer and the work finally receives your full attention.

The Writers’ Date brings a handful of people together for a morning of deep focus and creative energy.

For those who are ready to take their work seriously.

DM for the private details.


[ writing, WIP, creative writing, creators, entrepreneurs, mindset, deep work, Sri Lanka ]

We’re blessed with the freedom to go about independently and get our work done but that freedom is laced with certain challenges. And sometimes, these challenges are not merely minor inconveniences. They can even be downright dangerous.

Women carry traumatic tales because of the misbehavior of one part of society. At the same time, we also know so many beautiful souls who make an honest living out of tuk tuk rides while providing us an essential service.

If only every tuk tuk ride is safe and peaceful for passengers each time they have to travel, what a wonderful experience it would be for everyone ✨

[ Sri Lanka, women, writing, safe travel ]

It’s unfair how everything else becomes a priority except our dreams.

We all have work, responsibilities, social commitments and a hundred other things demanding our attention.

So we put off our dreams for tomorrow.

Before we know it, tomorrow turns into next week, next month and sometimes, never.

Enough is enough.

Join us for Leap Social’s Writers’ Date.

If you’re a writer, bring your novel, poetry, screenplay or half-finished manuscript.

If you have a business idea, a creative project, a thesis, a portfolio or something else you genuinely want to make progress on, bring that.

The idea is to step away from normal life for a few hours, set a clear goal, get into proper deep work sessions, have an accountability partner, take breaks over coffee and good conversations, and leave having actually moved something forward. 💕

📍 Limited spaces | Colombo | Paid

DM for more details.


Bookstagram, writers, authors, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Swipe to see what it looked like in my head and scroll down to read what I thought about each book.

📖 The Palace of Illusions – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

The Mahabharata retold through Draupadi’s eyes, giving one of India’s greatest epics a fiercely feminine perspective.

My thoughts: 💭
Got me interested in this epic and had me searching for related books for days. For some reason, I was quite taken by Draupadi and Arjun’s pairing but disappointed that I couldn’t find more.

📖 Six Crimson Cranes – Elizabeth Lim

A beautifully imagined fantasy inspired by East Asian folklore, where a cursed princess sets out to save her brothers, who have been turned into cranes.

My thoughts: 💭
A beautiful story. I loved how the romance unfolded and Shiori’s character.

📖 The Dragon’s Promise – Elizabeth Lim

The enchanting sequel that raises the stakes with dragons, kingdoms and impossible choices.

My thoughts: 💭
The dragons’ realm was a treat to read, but the rest of the story fell short of my expectations.

📖 Water Moon – Samantha Sotto Yambao

A mysterious pawnshop trades in life’s deepest regrets for second chances.

My thoughts: 💭
The imaginary worlds were extraordinary. At one point, it got to be too much and had me questioning the purpose of yet another setting. I enjoyed the beginning and the end but not the middle as much.

📖 The Ex Talk – Rachel Lynn Solomon

A witty enemies-to-lovers romance centred around two public radio hosts who fake being exes for a podcast, with predictably messy and heartfelt consequences.

My thoughts: 💭
Liked the unusual workplace setting and how the male lead is given flaws without making them endearing. A quick and predictable read.

📖 Days at the Torunka Cafe – Satoshi Yagisawa

A heartwarming Japanese novel where a quiet café becomes a place of comfort.

My thoughts: 💭
My first healing fiction. The book is split into three parts. I liked the first story but not the second one as much. I’m still reading this book. It’s relatively short and the pacing is like a slow rainy day.

What should I pick up next? I’m always looking for recommendations that make me forget the real world for a while. 🤍📖

book reviews, bookstagram