Set to hit the bookshelves on 6th July (although the eBook is out now), this beautiful debut is a very special read indeed. One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours after the death of Elizabeth II and the queue that formed to witness her lying in state. The Queen was such an incredible influence on this country, her death really marked the end of an era, and people from all walks of life joined the queue to pay respects, united in their grief, all wanting to say goodbye.

A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him.

A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen.

An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she'll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye.

And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.

Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to speak to debut author Swéta Rana about this forthcoming book on the eve of the King's Coronation. Welcome Swéta and thank you for joining us...

1. We love love love the premise of this book. Please tell us about its journey.

It's really important to me to tell British Indian stories. I've found that being a British Indian woman requires a certain mix of strength and sensitivity - and when the queue formed to see the Queen lying-in-state, it reflected those exact same qualities of strength and sensitivity on a national scale. Once that connection became apparent to me, I wrote the book very quickly. It's my hope that it captures the nuances of this moment in recent history, but also embodies enduring ideals of togetherness, compassion, and resilience.

2. Tell us about the first book that really caught your imagination and you fell in love with.

I spent my childhood reading Enid Blyton and A. A. Milne, but I think one of the first books to really affect me was Tolkien's The Hobbit. I truly felt as though I was in another world - I could hear the songs and smell the mountain air, like I was on this epic journey in Middle Earth myself. If even one person reading Queuing for the Queen feels like they've been transported to the queue themselves, I'll be delighted.

3. Was there a novel or moment in time that made you think, I want to be an author?

As soon as I learned how to read and write, I was doing both as often as I could. I wrote little stories about my family going on holidays, or about Winnie-the-Pooh's adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. From the moment I could first understand what an author is, I've wanted to be one.

4. As well as being an author, you are a website manager. Techy as well as creative. What does publishing this book mean to you?

It genuinely means everything to me! Writing is like working on a website, in the sense it necessarily requires being both creative and methodological. It's so fulfilling, but takes a lot of hard work and persistence. This is the realisation of a personal dream, but I also hope it's a step forward for South Asian representation in commercial fiction.

5. What were you doing and how did you celebrate when you first heard Queuing for the Queen was going to be published?

I take an online Hindi class one evening a week. It was about fifteen minutes before a class when my wonderful agents asked to do a quick video call with me. My tired, post-work brain struggled to comprehend the news when they shared it with me, but I was thrilled. Afterwards I logged on to do my Hindi class, trying in vain to focus on grammar and conceal the colossal smile on my face! Later in the week I had chances to enjoy some champagne and celebrate with friends.

6. Can you show us a photograph that sums up your time as a debut author?

This is me and my best friend Chan in Lisbon, in September 2022. It was very interesting to meet other tourists and understand international reactions to the Queen's passing. The queue came up repeatedly in conversation, and that's how Queuing for the Queen really began. Chan’s been my closest friend since sixth form, and she's never once wavered in her enthusiastic support for my writing. She moved to Sydney recently, where I visited her in February. My time as a debut author has reminded me that love and encouragement from family and friends can’t be diminished, no matter how far away they may be.

7. What do you wish you had known before you started writing your debut?

That constantly Googling "will my book get published" will not magically give you a definitive answer, no matter how many hours you spend doing it! There's some great guidance and support for aspiring authors out there, but you have to learn to deal with some level of uncertainty for a while.

8. What's next? Are there more joyful books on their way?

Absolutely! With things the way they are right now - economic turmoil, climate change, political tensions - we all need a bit of joy in our lives wherever possible. I'm a proud British Indian woman and my background gives me a rich perspective for storytelling. I have many more stories to tell, so watch this space!