Subhashini Prasad – Author, Not Really Indian

Interview with Subhashini Prasad – Author, Not Really Indian

An MBA from the Indian School of Business, Subhashini Prasad quit her banking job to pursue her passion for writing. Subhashini’s first book, Not Really Indian, is a collection of ten short stories on women who have lived in India and abroad.

It was ranked among Amazon’s 50 Bestsellers in the first month of release and has over 100 reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Outlook India and The Statesman named Not Really Indian as a must-read anthology for 2021. In 2020, she won Runner-Up, Beyond-the-Box Storyteller of the Year Award.

As a featured writer with Readomania, she has published two short stories with them. Deccan Herald named Subhashini among 10 personalities to have ventured into a field unknown to them.

Subhashini writes tiny tales called Sunday Shorts and shares snippets of motherhood on her Instagram page: @itsmesubhashini.

She has also spearheaded #WomenforWomen on her page, a platform for women experts to share tips on a topic of choice.

To date, #WomenforWomen has featured a social entrepreneur, speech therapist, and a best-selling author.

Having lived in India, Indonesia and America, Subhashini believes any place can be called home. She has travelled to 40 countries and is surprised to have stomached frog legs and grasshopper crisps in one meal!

A professionally trained Bharatanatyam dancer, she believes dancing and laughter solve everything, be it toddler tantrums or maid troubles. Subhashini has performed in several dance dramas on-stage like Dashavatar and Ramayan.

Subhashini currently lives in London with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her children, drawing and doing yoga. Subhashini wishes to continue writing unique stories for adults and children.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Subhashini Prasad: I have always loved writing and wrote poetry for school competitions, edited the newsletter and even contributed to newspaper articles.

In tenth grade, my English teacher told me that she thinks I should take writing seriously and become an author.

I didn’t take her seriously until the next year, in college, I took a creative writing course and impressed by one of the essays I wrote, my professor called me to her room and said: “Be a writer – seriously!”

That’s when I realized that I may have what it takes to be an author one day and wanted to share stories to an audience of readers some day!

How many books have you written?

Subhashini Prasad: Not Really Indian was my first book and it was published in 2020. I have written two more books since.

I have signed with a publisher for my second book which is a romance novel and eagerly looking to get it published this year.

The third book is my first foray into non-fiction and is on an important topic called Mindfulness. Eagerly waiting for the written manuscripts to be published one day.

What is your schedule like when you are writing?

Subhashini Prasad: When I write, I am more of a planner than a writer. I take time to outline my book, every chapter and every plot twist and character mapping.

I even have an Excel sheet detailing characters and timelines. The prep makes me write easily and in a free flowing manner.

I usually write first two hours in the morning and when my children are at school during the day. And I also munch on snacks and keep sipping coffee while I write!

How long does it take you to write a book?

Subhashini Prasad: Each book is different and has different demands. Not Really Indian was written in four months. My second book took around 9 months to write whereas the book on Mindfulness took over a year because of the primary and secondary research it demanded!

When did you write your first book?

Subhashini Prasad: Not Really Indian was finished as a novel in 2018 and then, I converted it into a series of short stories in 2019. It was launched in the Kerala LitFest and Delhi Litfest in January 2020.

What is the most difficult part about writing for you?

Subhashini Prasad: The hardest part of writing is self-doubt and fear of rejection. When I am able to overcome my self-doubt, my writing becomes stronger and more profound.

What advice would you give new writers?

Subhashini Prasad: The most common advice to writers is to read – not just regularly but also a variety. Additionally, I would highly encourage writers to maintain their authenticity and bring a fresh voice to their words no matter who says what. And most importantly, never give up and always find a way to share your story.

Where can readers buy your books?

Subhashini Prasad: Not Really Indian is available on Amazon India and UK and on Kindle. My second book will be published later this year – stay tuned!

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