WHY I WRITE

My first novel was "Inheritance," and it was published when I was 29. I know a lot more about the ins and outs of publishing now – I’m a little more versed in the technicalities of publishing contracts, and I know what to expect from publishing process, like discussing the cover design and going through the various stages of editing. You learn so much about your own writing during the editorial process, and it helps you to refine your word choices and pull back from going too far in the wrong direction when you write another manuscript. Writing only gets better with practice, but it also gets better as you engage with feedback and are able to discern what works best for the story.

I write because I have a lot to say, and it’s empowering to be able to create imagined narratives that reflect reality. I also write to give people a voice – we live in a world where too many people are silenced, and putting them at the forefront of my novels gives them a chance to control the narrative for a change. I also just love stories. I have always loved reading, and getting lost in a well-told, absorbing and satisfying story. It’s an absolute privilege to be able to write the sorts of stories I have always wanted to read, starring people from places and cultures that are meaningful to me.

I’m interested in the driving forces behind inequality, and its impact on people. My writing tends to address issues that affect people all over the world, like racism and sexism, but also about the dynamics that need to be reconciled within smaller communities. These themes always show up in my work, and I think I write about them to create an ideal narrative where the people who experience prejudice or are treated unfairly get to triumph in a way that we don’t always see in real life.

My dream as a novelist is to just continue having the time and space to write and read. I also want to provide platforms and opportunities for emerging writers to add to the narrative so we can continue to diversify the publishing world. I do teach workshops and mentor new writers, and to me, that’s a fulfilling use of my time that complements the writing process, because it’s about interaction and engagement with other writers, not just about writing my own stories.

Ms. Jaswal’s latest novel is "The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters."