Chitra’s Comments (group member since Apr 22, 2013)

Chitra’s comments from the Ask Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni - Wednesday, May 15th! group.

Thanks very much, Imogen. So glad you connected to the story (it is indeed quite complicated.)

Diane D. wrote: "Chitra, I was able to get a signed copy of Oleander Girl at Vromans, and I'm thrilled. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for chatting with all of us!"

You are welcome. Let me know what you think of the book.

Laura wrote: "Just downloaded Oleander Girl to my Kindle for my flight to Denver tomorrow. Looking forward to reading it."

Let me know what you think, Laura!

Radhika wrote: "Dear Chitraji,

Thank you so much for taking the time to interact with your fans.We are indeed lucky to be in such close proximity to our favorite author!

I am reading Queen of Dreams now, and aft..."

Hi Radhika, thanks for the kind words. You are right, dreams are important in both Queen and Oleander, but they operate in different ways, and the protagonists' relationship to the dream is different.
I'm just starting the novel on Sita. It will take a while, maybe 1 and 1/2 years.

Good night, everyone. It was great chatting with all of you. Thanks for reading my books. I invite you all to continue the conversation on my Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/chitradivaka...

Usha wrote: "Hello Chitra,

I must confess I read your work the "Palace of Illusions" at my friend's insistence and have not regretted it. I loved that you used Draupadi's point of view to bring a modern twist ..."

Thank you, Usha!

Rachel wrote: "Hello, my name is Rachel. I love your writing, even though the only work of yours I've read is One Amazing Thing. It's such a wonderful, beautiful story and is deffinetly one of my favorites of all..."

Hello Rachel, in my mind the ending of One Amazing Thing is a happy one!
The first step to publishing is writing the best possible book you can write. Take your time with that. Along with that, creating a publication history is important. Start publishing short pieces in magazines, journals, etc. The next step is to find an agent. Good luck!

Adite wrote: "Thanks Chitra for your response to my question. I just finished reading Oleander Girl last night and have posted a review. It's a very plot-driven book (more so than your other books) and I really ..."

Thanks for your response, Adite. It was a pleasure to chat with you.

Hi Saborna, good to hear from you!
1. Korobi is imagined. But I was thinking about my favorite young heroine, Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice. I wanted to make Korobi intelligent and courageous like Elizabeth.

2. Yes, it was a weird experience. I went with friends who live in Kolkata now, but I kept feeling how much things have changed. What was considered "bad" for girls to do is now "OK" for many people.

Diane D. wrote: "Chitra, my husband is on his way to Vromans now while I am at work (I am very jealous!) and I'm hoping he can pick up an autographed Oleander Girl."

Sounds good to me! I did sign some extra copies when I was at Vroman's.

Uma wrote: "Chitra wrote: "Uma wrote: "Hi Chitra ji,
I read your book Oleander Girl. I liked the part played by her kin that she found, during her marriage. Question remains, could they have played a more prom..."

Let me get done with the book tour.

Uma wrote: "Chitra wrote: "Uma wrote: "Dr. Chitra ji,
I have started a novel more than a decade back, at least 50 pages of A4 size are written. The story I wanted to discuss is also completed, I have not been..."

That might work. Try and see.

Diane D. wrote: "Chitra wrote: "Diane D. wrote: "Hello, Chitra, I was so excited to receive the invite to this group and learn that you have written another book. My name is Diane and I was your author escort at t..."

Diane, we'll have to wait and see about my movie involvement. I'm usually a consultant--they call me when they want advice or clarification.

Mallika wrote: "Hi Chitra,

I have read The Conch Bearer and The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming. I really enjoyed both of them! I am planning on reading Shadowland soon. Who are your favorite authors that you have re..."


Hi Mallika, Glad you liked the books. some of my favorite authors are Anita Desai, Tim O Brien, Maxine Hong Kingston and Margaret Atwood.
Children's fantasy: Phillip Pullman; J.K.Rowling, and JRR Tolkien.

Friends, I think I answered all the questions put up so far. Please let me know if I missed anyone. I'll check back again at night for more questions. Thanks for such thoughtful queries.

Yana wrote: "Chitra wrote: "Yana wrote: "Hello! I'm a winner of "Oleander Girl" giveaway, which I'm currently reading and profoundly enjoying. There is no question so far, but just wanted to express my fondness..."

Thank you for your review of Oleander! I will check it out.

Roberta wrote: "Hello Chitra,
After watching and hearing how sweetly and gently you told the spellers in past HoustonPBS spelling bees that alas, they had misspelled their words, I was very excited to get to meet ..."

Hi Roberta (and hi to Roberta's book club!) Glad you are reading the books. The Spelling Bee is fun to do. Those kids are so smart. I feel bad that sometimes I have to be the bad guy and tell them they're out.
Here are my answers:
1. What was your "one amazing thing?" (All I know is that it had something to do with a librarian...)

Actually, my most amazing thing was that I was saved while lost on a mountain by a stranger who came from nowhere and whom I never saw again.
2. Leaving Kolkata at 19 to come to the U.S.--why?? How much did you know about what life in the U.S. might be like when you came? In what areas did it match your expectations, and how did it surprise you?

I came for higher studies, to go to grad school. I didn't know much about the US. No internet those days! Almost everything surprised me. It was exciting and scary. The hardest part was missing family and friends.

Ashraks wrote: "Namaste Chitra,

I enjoyed your book titled "palace of illusions" very much. Enjoyed reading about the events that led to the Great War from Draupadi's perspective. The manner in which you've portr..."

Yes, Ashraks--Next novel on Sita, from her point of view.

Ritu wrote: "Hi Chitra, I think Queen of dreams and palace of illusions are your best books and would make wonderful crically aclaimed movies. Have you ever given this thought. I have read all your novels and t..."

Thanks Ritu! I'd love for them to be made into movies, but it's not in my control. Maybe you have some movie director contacts!

Srividya wrote: "Dear Chitra mashi,

Thank you for pursuing your passion to write since I gain the pleasure of reading your works. The first book of yours that I read was 'The Conch Bearer'. I was researching India..."

Dear Srividya,
Thanks so much for your comments and for reading my books.
1. When creating characters who live in an unusual, magical world, I always make sure to give them human and complex psychological characteristics.
2. I let them grow according to the way in which the plot develops. Otherwise their characters would not be organic.
3. You need to cut down on some other activities so you can set aside a chunk of time for writing. Maybe 2 hours about 3 times a week. More is better. Early in my writing life, I gave up TV. I double up and only watch movies when I'm exercising. I'm sure you'll find your own ways.