In Conversation With Anuradha Prasad: On Healing, Self-Discovery and …and Some Stories
Stories rooted in emotion often leave the deepest impact, and …and Some Stories is built on exactly that thought. Released on the meaningful occasion of Women’s Day, the book explores quiet healing, self-discovery, and the courage to rise above personal limitations. In this candid conversation, the author shares the inspiration, intuition, and life experiences that continue to color her words.
1.Your new book releases on Women’s Day—how symbolic is this moment for you?
There were discussions as to which could be the best date. For some reason the release was getting postponed and the last minute post production was taking time. There was this date then that. But suddenly the idea popped up as to why not release it on women’s day? And we did.
It is truly symbolic . All because of the woman power that moves the world . That is so connected to shakti ,so symbolic to all women who are striving hard in their respective fields. So it strikes a chord in me that the power of feminine energy syncs with a day that is dedicated to all of us.
2.‘…….and Some Stories’ focuses on everyday emotions rather than dramatic plots—what drew you to this style?
When I start writing ,the stories just flow. Either long or short the language ,emotion , characters just take shape automatically. It’s not a strategic development. Also each book has its own destiny and moves ahead accordingly . I believe so and I have experienced it. So ……and Some Stories were not planned. But yes I wanted to pen short stories this time and then the themes just fit and fell into place.
3.Many of your stories explore healing and self-discovery. Are these inspired by personal experiences?
I can say every successful person has experienced self discovery to a greater extent. In many cases in totality and in some partly. In fact self discovery leads to healing and vice-versa.
I explore self discovery that takes us to healing. I have discovered my talent for writing very late though I was into it from my childhood. Knowing that I can write and write well and then appreciation of that talent took time. It was a gradual process without self knowledge. When you know you know but when you don’t know the struggle is worth it. It was beautiful and undoubtedly cathartic. My biggest fight was with myself. My battle was won when more people read what I wrote and I came out of my self conscious shell.
When we are brave and give wings to our dreams we inspire others by reaching greater heights.
4.Your debut highlighted a single mother’s journey. How has your perspective as a writer evolved since then?
I learnt to explore different genres. The stories as I said flow automatically. I have a concept in mind and start to write and like magic , the story flows . My language evolved over time . Today I do not struggle with words , I write at one go several pages. It’s effortless and flawless.
The emotions in your stories feel very intimate—how do you connect so deeply with your characters?
When you are connected deeply with yourself, intuition develops . You nurture day to day relationships and learn about others intuitively. So my characters have also evolved. Intuition, emotion and people develop in my book.
5.In today’s fast-paced world, do you think readers still connect with quiet, reflective storytelling?
There are dedicated readers who want to read books irrespective of time constraints and the pace of life. Successful storytelling fulfills the intention of connecting. Readers reflect on the stories , learn from them and talk about the book to make it popular. So readers are the reflectors of writing and the story teller is the mirror of that reflection as well. Everything reading, connecting and reflecting go simultaneously. Short stories are a quick read in a mad fast -paced world.
6.What message do you hope readers take away after finishing this book?
This book is full of emotions but then each story has a separate message to convey. Since the book is a collection I cannot pinpoint a particular lesson. However the sentiment that runs throughout the different stories in the book- is accepting the challenges, to work to overcome limitations, be it personal or professional. This can be a viable take away.
7.As a journalist, artist, and traveler, how do these roles influence your writing?
My writing is colored by my experiences.
8.Your previous book received immense praise—does that add pressure while writing a new one?
I write because I feel happy. I write to be stress free. I am humbled by praise so I feel good. There is no pressure of performance . Praise adds excitement and a tingling rush of adrenaline ,to excel in the next .
9.If you had to describe ‘……and Some Stories’ in one emotion, what would it be?
Transformation towards self evolution.
