Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dhara Parekh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dhara, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I was born and raised in India where, for the first eighteen years of my life, I spoke a different tongue, and English was not a language in which I was fluent. Secondly, I was not raised on a diet of books or creative writing. My parents, who themselves were not English speakers, didn’t gift me novels or take me to bookstores—through no fault of their own, of course. My little town didn’t even have a bookstore or a public library. School textbooks were my only solace. My literary awakening occurred at the age of 16 when I read my first proper novel for a school project, ‘Oliver Twist.’ Despite early dabbling in random writing, I didn’t pick up a pen to craft proper prose for another two or three years. Compounding the unconventional nature of my literary journey is my chosen genre—science fiction, a realm that has traditionally been male-dominated. There are very few prominent Indian/South Asian science fiction writers on global level, let alone a woman writer.
So when I mingle with readers and fellow authors here in the US, I am surrounded by individuals who grew up reading fantastic novels. I share spaces with people who started writing when they were five! My books are lying next to those whose authors were introduced to meaningful literature by their parents at an early age. I compete with writers who don’t have to think in multiple languages when articulating their drafts. I do book events with authors for whom science fiction is an integral part of their culture—a stark contrast to my culture where you’d be lucky if you even knew the word “sci-fi” in the 90s.
A face of an Indian woman does not pop up in your head when you think of science fiction. But not only do I look different from the people in the room I am in, I also hail from an exceptionally different background. For a long time, I struggled with that knowledge, but I’ve confronted it head-on now. How? By simply owning it! I’ve come to realize that this distinctiveness only means I have more unique stories to tell.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a writer and science fiction author of Indian origin, currently residing in ‘America’s Finest City,’ San Diego. After taking up various jobs across the globe, I recently made the bold decision to pursue my true calling and become a full-time indie author. February 2023 marked the launch of my debut novel, ‘Unearthing Idyll.’
What makes my work special and exciting is the amalgamation of everything I’ve described above. I craft unconventional narratives about misfits and outcasts discovering their true calling, set against the backdrop of compelling sci-fi elements that mirror introspective and emotive themes.
This December, I am thrilled to publish my second book, ‘Take A Seat At The Cosmic Campfire,’ a collection of short sci-fi stories. It encompasses five peculiar tales, each exploring a unique sub-genre of science fiction. From the mysterious to the thought-provoking, these stories will take readers through the boundless realms of imagination
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three skills that played a paramount role in realizing my dream and making the most impact on my journey are:
1. Constant learning and reading
As a curious-minded woman, the commitment to learning new things has always been instrumental, particularly in honing the craft of writing. This quest for knowledge not only keeps my writing dynamic but also accessible. Being an avid reader complements this pursuit, providing me with a deeper understanding of language and literature.
2. Unwavering willpower
It took me seven years to get my first book out, and while I may have lacked certain qualities that could have expedited the process, what I discovered within myself was an extraordinary reservoir of willpower. This determination to see my dream materialize, regardless of obstacles, became the driving force that kept me going.
3. Steadfast discipline.
While the above two qualities came naturally to me, what caught me somewhat off guard was the necessity for a robust sense of discipline. Being an author is just as much about forming a daily writing routine as it is about creativity and imagination. Without the former, it’s impossible for readers to explore the latter.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The primary obstacle I am currently facing is expanding the reach of my books to a broader audience. For someone with a business and marketing background, I am not a terrific salesperson for my own work. Intensifying this challenge is the fact that I write in a niche sub-genre, lacking readily available spaces where I can promote and leverage my writing.
To address this, I’ve been participating in a lot of local book events and using social media platforms to amplify the visibility of my work.
I’m excited about the journey ahead and exploring new avenues to share my stories. Thank you for this engaging conversation, and I look forward to connecting with more readers on this literary adventure!
For Goodreads, this is a much cleaner link –
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dharaparekh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dha.raiter/
- Other: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/dharaiter.Dhara_Parekh
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