Author Q&A with Sara Siddiqui Chansarkar

Sara Siddiqui Chansarkar is an Indian American writer. She is the author of Morsels of Purple and Skin Over Milk, and is currently working on her first novel. Her stories and essays have won several awards and have been published in numerous anthologies and journals. She is a fiction editor for SmokeLong Quarterly. Find out more about Chansarkar at saraspunyfingers.com.

Tell us about yourself.

I am an observer, a learner, and lastly a writer putting my words out in the hope that they’ll take flight and land in front of the eyes of the readers, mean something to them, and linger in their minds if only briefly.

Razia Razia is a beautiful story of a mother’s love and desperation to save her daughter. What inspired this story? 

I was talking to my mother on the phone when she told me that in the old days people used to buy birds and free them in the hope of having a wish fulfilled. That thought was in my mind when I wrote Razia Razia.

The symbolism of the mother killing the bird at the bitterness of her daughter’s death is heartbreaking but powerful. Did you consider other endings to the story? Why or why not?

I don’t think of the endings until I literally reach the end of my train of thought. Then, I write what comes to me and stick to it. I hardly change my endings during the revisions, leaning into my first instincts. The same is the case with Razia Razia. I did not think of any other way to end it.

You have had numerous pieces published including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. What is your favorite form of expression and why?

Fiction. True life events inspire my work but the cover of fiction provides the distance and focus I need. Also, in fiction, I can change the outcomes in any way I want. I love reading poetry and want to get better at writing it.

Do you have a favorite theme to consider when writing fiction? If so, what and why?

Stories of women highlighting gender inequality and skewed relationships are my predominant themes. It might sound cliche but I do my part in throwing light on women-centric issues rampant in our society, regardless of the geographical location.

I understand you’re working on a new novel. What can you tell us about it?

It is a story of a family with a strong woman at the center of it. It highlights some social issues as well.

How do you balance a career in Information Technology and writing? How do each complement or detract from the other?

My day job is all logic, results, and timelines. Through writing, I nurture my emotional, softer side. The logical part of my brain helps shape my stories into meaningful entities. On the other hand, reading and writing help me understand my colleagues and environments better.

Do you make writing a part of your daily routine? If so, how? Why is that important to you?

I set time aside every day for writing or reading on most days. This gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for the day. When I am not able to do that, I am cranky. To put it mildly. 

How do you recharge your writing inspiration?

My inspiration comes mostly through reading. As long as I read something that resonates with me and leaves me thinking, I am good and recharged. 

What do you think of when you hear, “the good life?”

The Good Life gives me hope despite all the griefs, illnesses, deceits, and disappointments that come with it. It makes me believe that the goodness of life though obscured at times is not lost.

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Sara’s flash fiction piece, Razia, Razia, is featured in our Spring 2024 Edition ~ Issue #15.

Thank you, Sara, for allowing us to share your story with a wider audience and for taking extra time on this Q&A with us! We’re glad we were able to connect and wish you the best with all your endeavors.