Ottawa Author Sonya Singh Shares Dating Insights and New Release

Sonya Singh, a bestselling author known for her captivating romance novels, reflects on her past experiences as a weather presenter in Ottawa while navigating the complexities of dating. Originally from Guelph, Singh moved to Ottawa at the age of 18 to attend Carleton University, where she not only honed her career but also learned invaluable lessons about love and relationships.

Singh gained prominence with her debut novel, Sari, Not Sari, released in 2022, which features a businesswoman running an agency that helps clients end their relationships. Following its success, she is set to launch her second romantic comedy, The Fake Matchmaker, next month.

Memorable Moments in Ottawa

Reflecting on her time as a weather presenter at The New RO and A-Channel in the mid-2000s, Singh recalls the unique dating experiences she encountered in Ottawa. During her tenure, she received interest from viewers, including local celebrities and athletes. “I have a huge smile on my face because I don’t think I would have ever learned to love if I hadn’t gone through those experiences learning love in Ottawa,” she shared.

Singh describes Ottawa as a city infused with romance, likening her experiences to scenes from a movie. “Skating on the canal, that snow-globe moment on George Street, getting a coffee on a cold day—these moments happened to me.”

She recalls a charming Italian restaurant in the ByWard Market called Oregano’s, highlighting how the cobblestone streets added to the romantic ambiance. Singh’s first kiss also took place in Ottawa, marking a pivotal moment in her journey. “It was on the railway overpass behind Carleton, snow falling softly around us. Of course I was going to write rom-coms!”

Cultural Influences and Writing Journey

Growing up as a first-generation South Asian, Singh’s upbringing was characterized by traditional values regarding dating and relationships. “There was very little hand-holding or hugging. My dad was very protective,” she noted. Ottawa, however, introduced her to a more open approach to dating, as she engaged with relatives who embraced love marriages and discussed relationships openly.

Singh began journaling during her university years, capturing moments that later became the foundation for her novels. She emphasized the importance of sharing diverse stories in Canada. “Canada is finally getting recognized for telling different stories,” she stated, reflecting on her journey to publication.

While attempting to find an agent for her debut, Singh faced industry challenges that highlighted the limitations placed on South Asian authors. “I recall getting emails from agents telling me that there wasn’t room for more than one South Asian author to debut in the same year,” she explained. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about the growing recognition of diverse narratives in Canadian literature.

Singh’s personal experiences with relationships have also informed her writing. “I was going through a breakup every few weeks. I wished somebody could sit me down and say, ‘Stop writing this guy emails.’” This inspired the concept of her first book, as she turned her desperation for a relationship into a passion for writing.

Now, with the release of The Fake Matchmaker approaching, Singh reflects on her current relationship, which blossomed from a long-standing friendship. “I’m in a very healthy relationship now,” she shared. “I think when I look back at why this worked so well is that I really just showed up as Sonya Singh.”

As Singh prepares to unveil her latest work, she continues to celebrate the lessons learned during her time in Ottawa, which not only shaped her career but also her understanding of love and connection.