WITH AN INSPIRITING AND COMPELLING LITERARY OEUVRE

Author Interview: Anuradha Prasad

Anuradha Prasad is an artist, columnist, academician, author and a fitness buff. Presently living in Mumbai, she has done her post graduation and PhD in English Literature from Mumbai University. We conducted an author interview with her when her second book Coming Back Home was released. Now, she has come out with her third book Rain Drops and Caterpillars, and we, at The News Now congratulate her on accomplishing this remarkable feat. She tells us that she has recently developed a penchant for travelling., and her all time dream is to travel the world, to build homes in exotic locations and to explore the local culture and cuisine. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, she talks about her latest book, the writing process involved in this book, her blog, and much more.



Please tell us more about Anuradha Prasad as a person.
I am an artist, columnist, academician, author and a fitness buff. I have a PhD in African-American Literature from Mumbai University. I must do everything hands-on till I am satisfied. I am passionate about reading, writing, painting, sketching and being a hands-on mom. Always multitasking! I can say I was a model for a while. I modeled in my twenties, endorsing brands on television and print media. I did not pursue it full time as I fell into life with a family on tow.
The earliest and strongest memory of writing is when I was 7 and used to write poems after the school hours. So as long as I know, I was writing. I love to soak in the culture of a new place and interact with the locals during my travels. I am a full-time homemaker and an author, and am addicted to the idea of living life to the maximum. I feel fruitful when I am useful to others. I believe in preaching after setting a precedent. Mere words do not carry much value for me. I believe destiny and hard work go hand in hand!

Having authored three books in quick succession, and with an oeuvre that is both myriad and marvellous, your literary career is taking great strides. How do you feel about it?
I never thought it would grow so much. Yes I feel great!

Can you tell us more about your latest book Rain Drops and Caterpillars?
Its a collection of short stories. For the time being I would like to disclose only a little as I do not want to take away the suspense. The Stories run on the following emotions- Sublimity, Acceptance, Courage, Compassion, Devotion and Deceit. The tears, joy, inspiration abound in proportions unthinkable in the narration. I have kept the language simple to do away with the heavy feeling that comes with reading bombastic English. The play of emotions in the stories sometimes brings Joy, sometimes exhilaration, sometimes tears and sometimes hatred to our mind. The book deals with human evolution, entertainment to the senses, while it grounds us with a reality check!

How has the response of readers been to this book?
At the book launch the response was very good. The title caught everyone’s attention. Expecting a good one after it’s released in the market.

What type of research went into writing this book?
The stories are inspired from real people and real incidents. So there was no research as such.

In terms of the complexity of the character and the nuances of the dialogues, the character development of whom was the most difficult in this book?
All characters are unique. Every character has something to prove. One has to read it to know the difference and complexity of characters from my other books as well to soak in the uniqueness of characters of this one.

This book is a collection of six short stories of six beautiful lives. Can you share some interesting instances from your own life that you have incorporated in the book?
The narration, language are all mine but the stories belong to real people. So the book is unique. Not a single story is from my life. They are all different people, different lives.

You are also an active blogger. Can you tell us more about the themes and topics that you blog about?
I blog about Lifestyle, some small incidents from day to day life, and also about some inspirational situations.

What do you think about the literary scenario in contemporary Indian English fiction in the short story genre? According to you, on what themes and topics should Indian authors write more about?
I think very differently on this topic. I feel every writer should have a free hand at what he/she wants to write about and portray. I would like to add that authors must concentrate on improvising their English language. Sometimes editing is bad as well. So these are the lacunas, in today’s writing scenario. Having said that, I do not like writers who use bombastic words to prove a point that they are smart. I personally feel short stories come as a breath of fresh air. They are short, sweet and quick to read and really are apt for todays fast paced life! It’s very exciting to live in today’s times, when the youngsters are exploring their literary and other talents galore.

Are there any other literary projects in the pipeline?
I am planning for my new book. It’s a hidden agenda right now.

The book has been described as a page turner and a roller coaster ride of emotions. What more, in terms of the storyline, is in store for the readers?
It can be describes as A page turner and a lot of real life lessons through the ride”.



Updated On 2/27/2019 5:58:17 PM