Q&A with Amita Trasi
She lives in Woodlands, Texas, with her husband and two cats, and is currently working on her second novel.
Q Why do you write?
I write because I have to! There are stories in my head that I have to put down on paper.
Q Describe your favourite writing space.
By the beach listening to the waves and sipping margaritas is my favourite writing space in my dreams. In reality, my study is where I write, and I have to tell myself this is my favourite, so I can write.
Q Your favourite word?
It’s a four-letter word. And it’s not N-I-C-E.
Q Do you have a writing schedule?
I usually write in the afternoon and try to squeeze in a few hours of writing.
Q Ever struggled with writer’s block?
Oh yes! I try everything — long walks, playing with my cats, listening to music, meditation, watching TV — something works eventually!
Q Do you keep a diary?
Yes! I’ve been writing a journal since my teens! It helps me live better when I’ve sorted my thoughts!
Q What inspires you to write? Do you have a secret trick, or a book/author that helps?
Being in nature mostly. I love being around trees and water bodies — peaceful enough to enhance creativity.
Q Best piece of advice you’ve ever got?
Sit down and keep writing even if you think it’s not going to be worth it.
Q Who is your favourite literary character?
There are many but Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice easily makes it to the top of my list. She is one of the most admirable heroines of her time.
Q Coffee/tea/cigarettes — numbers please — while you are writing…
Music is more like it…I keep listening to music in the background — new age music by David Nevue, Yiruma, Kevin Kern, Brian Crain, Enya are some of my favourites. Not addicted to the rest (thankfully!)
Q Which books are you reading at present?
The Folded Earth by Anuradha Roy and The Turner House by Angela Flournoy
Q Who are your favourite authors?
Elizabeth Strout, Arundhati Roy, Abraham Verghese to name a few.
Q Which book/author should be banned on grounds of bad taste?
None. I believe in free speech.
Q Which are your favourite children’s books?
Matilda by Roald Dahl. I loved the telekinetic powers the little girl has and how she is so different from her family.
Q Which classics do you want to read?
I’d love to re-read Rebecca. It’s a good stay-up-all-night book for me.
Q Who is your favourite literary character?
There are many but Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice easily makes it to the top of my list. She is one of the most admirable heroines of her time.
Q Which is the funniest book you have read?
The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse. No one can beat this author at humour!
Q Which book do you wish you had written?
White Oleander by Janet Fitch — I love the way the author does such a great job portraying the life of Astrid as a child in the foster care system. The author writes beautifully, and I would have liked the experience of writing it!