Interview by Anupama Krishnakumar
[box]In an interview to Spark, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni talks about her writing journey, her books and shares some advice for aspiring authors, among many other things. Excerpts from her interview to Anupama krishnakumar.[/box] [box type = ‘bio’]Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an award-winning author and poet. Her themes include women, immigration, the South Asian experience, history, myth, magic and celebrating diversity. She writes both for adults and children. Her books have been translated into 20 languages, including Dutch, Hebrew, Russian and Japanese. Two novels, The Mistress of Spices and Sister of My Heart, have been made into films. Her short stories, Arranged Marriage, won an American Book Award. She teaches Creative Writing at the University of Houston.[/box]1. Every writer has a little story on how their writing journey began. There’s no doubting the fact that so many readers are glad that you chose to become a writer. Tell us how you discovered the writer in you and how your journey began.
I started writing after my grandfather died, I had been very close to him and I was feeling sad. I didn’t want to forget him, so I started writing poems about our experiences together. Then slowly I joined a writer’s group and started writing about the immigration experience.
2. How do you feel when you are through the thick of writing a book? Do you keep revising your ideas and what you have written?
I try to write a complete draft first, then I revise it thoroughly.
3. How much of you, your experiences and your beliefs influence your writing?
They do influence my writing, but not directly since I write fiction. I am more inspired by stories I hear about other people’s lives and by the imagination.
4. Of whatever you have written, which is your most favourite work and why?
All my books are special to me. They are like my children! Also, in each of them, I tried to set myself a new challenge. Right now, my 
two favourites are ‘The Palace of Illusions’ (about the Mahabharat told from Draupadi’s point of view) and ‘One Amazing Thing’ (about a group of characters trapped in a life-threatening situation by a major catastrophe).
5. How do you feel when you complete a book? Is there some sort of a hangover?
I feel very happy. Euphoric. It’s such a relief – kind of like giving birth! And, there’s no hangover. For a few days, I read and do simple things like go for long walks to clear my mind. Then I am ready to start on my next project.
6. I also gather that you are a spiritual person. How has spirituality influenced your writing?
I have become more careful about what I portray through books. I am very interested in using my books to promote cross cultural understanding and compassion, to break down barriers.
7. What would you identify as the ultimate purpose of your writing?
Along with what I had mentioned in the last question, I want people to use their imagination. That’s a great gift we have as humans – to use the imagination to feel the lives of others.
8. Talking of your books, I absolutely loved ‘The Palace of Illusions’ and here’s a question that was born in my mind as I read the book. The way you have explored the relationship between Draupadi and Karna is beautiful. Why did you decide to take up this angle? Was it something that struck you suddenly or was it an idea that grew over time?
I have been thinking about writing that book for a long time. I love the story of the Mahabharat– I wanted to retell it from a woman’s point of view. I want to do the same with the Ramayan.
9. I understand that your next novel is ‘Oleander Girl’. Tell us more about it.
It is about a young woman in Kolkata who is engaged to be married and suddenly she discovers a huge secret in her past that changes her understanding of who she is. The novel is about how she deals with this secret which will take her from India to America.
10. I want to ask this question just as an excited child would look up to her role model and ask with a twinkle in her eyes. I see lot of your fans on Facebook writing in to say that they loved one or more of your books. I am sure it delights you but it surprises me how you manage to stay so grounded. How do you do it? 🙂
I know that all talents come from God. They are His gifts. We are only His instruments. I am grateful each day that He has given me such a wonderful and enjoyable job to do. I pray He allows me to do it well.
11. Finally, please do share a few words of advice for aspiring writers.
I would share the things that have helped me: Reading widely, writing regularly and revising carefully.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Facebook Page
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