The conscious contribution the writer Priyanka has made is in being a faithful scribe to the muse of her dreams and giving the title for each chapter. Priyanka is a media professional, IP curator, and prolific storyteller in her professional life. She is an avid reader. 

In our Q&A session with the author, she shares her thoughts and priceless experience of life’s events…

What do you think makes a good story? Why did you choose to write such an emotional one?

As an English literature student, I have often dissected a well-known work and tried to figure out what makes a mere book a classic. One of the basic things we figured was that in some manner, the book needs to be able to mirror the readers' emotions and create a sense of camaraderie. However, I must confess I didn't choose to write this story; the story chose me. Over a few years, the story about Sujata came in bits and pieces to me in my dreams. It did start when I was going through a lot of upheaval in my personal life, so I have often wondered if this was my subconscious projecting in some manner. 

Did Sujata’s escape prove to be fruitful?

Ah! If I told you that, I would be giving away the story. However, let me say that every escape is fruitful since it creates a new experience and opportunity to learn and grow.

What would you say is your strength as a writer?

I have been told a few times that I have a knack for drawing people into the narrative and getting them to live my protagonists' lives. 

Is your book a work of fiction?

Absolutely. I have never met anyone like Sujata, though I believe Sujata lives in every little girl's heart with a secret dream.

According to you, what compels one to test boundaries?

Many things compel us, but circumstances significantly contribute to our choices. A sedate, comfortable life often keeps one in a stupor; when things get shaken up, we tend to step out of the known comfort zone into the scary unknown.

What would you say was the most challenging chapter of your book?

Possibly the letter to her friend, where she pours out her heart and packs a lifetime’s worth of emotions into a single narrative. Also, as a writer, I was a little sceptical about including an entire chapter as a letter. Many of the usual norms of writing were discarded while writing it. I hope audiences will connect and let me know how they feel about it.

How heartbreaking was the incident for your character of being deceived by the guru? 

To my mind, a guru or mentor is more than a parent. You don't choose your parents, but you do choose your guru and have a relationship of trust and reverence. When that gets broken, it hurts at multiple levels. 

Do you believe that one’s karma is the cause of their happiness or sorrow? 

Karma or actions have a part to play, but I would take a step more to add that, so do thoughts and non-actions. Not standing up, not asserting ourselves, and being unable to be decisive is also Karma and affects the outcome.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite? 

Well, this is the first. As they say, everyone has at least one book in them. I am hoping I will have a few more. Let us see what life and the audiences have in store for me.

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