Anita Nair
Her books, including the latest, Ladies Coup, are not just among the bestsellers in the country, but are also being translated across the globe. Anita Nair’s inspirations range from women in a train compartment to reality.
Journey in the writer’s world:
It has been a very exciting journey of discovery. Over the years what I have discovered is that with each book I feel the need to raise the bar and make sure that I don’t get stuck in a comfort zone of writing.
Being among the best-sellers:
There is no real formula that describes why one writer is read more than another. Especially if one writes literary fiction rather than commercial fiction. However, what does help is a freshness of style and accessibility.
Inspiration:
A story or novel is born out of an abstract thought I haven’t been able to find an answer for. The novel or the story becomes my way of looking at it and grappling with the thought.
Essentials of a writer:
I think it is very essential for a writer to stay connected to her roots if her subject of writing is the human condition.
Fellowship from the Virginia Center for Creative Arts:
It isn’t a school of study as much as a centre for artistic expression. Artists — painters, poets, composers, sculptures, photographers, writers — all come together and work on individual pieces of art. It was the first time in my life that I could dedicate all my time and energy to writing a novel and this allowed me to write at a greater pace and depth.
The unexpected world:
Twenty years ago, I climbed on to the top berth of a ladies compartment in a train from Bangalore to Madras and discovered an unexpected world. Once the door was closed and the blue night lamp switched on, the middle-aged women began a conversation that riveted me to my sleeping berth. It was a no-holds-barred conversation on mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, husbands and servants. It was a combination of the confined space and assurance of anonymity as they were strangers to each other that turned the coupe into a confessional box. Their candour, their subversiveness, their subtle strength and courage inspired Ladies Coupe.
Future plans:
Next is a set of three plays titled A Twist of Lime that will be performed as part of the Jagriti Season in March 2012, in Bangalore. Then a literary crime novel scheduled to be published in mid 2012. Currently, I am working on a historical novel set in medieval Kerala.