Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Supriya's Story

Growing up in Ohio and later Texas might not have prepared me for writing novels about Indian communities around the world, but listening to a steady stream of rich, colorful stories on regular trips to India might have had something to do with it. That and trying to explain, sometimes defend, my “other” culture on opposite sides of the globe. The one of my birth, the other of my roots.

Storytelling is in my blood. It even guided my choice of journalism as a career. Stories about cultural intersections have always held a particular fascination for me. As a magazine feature writer, I wrote a piece about refugees, another about the children of migrant workers. As a newspaper reporter, I covered the hidden underclass in a small affluent community. One of my most cherished interviews was with an elderly gentleman who, as a young boy, rode through the Mexican desert with Pancho Villa, the Mexican freedom fighter, before finding his way to Houston and, with limited English, establishing himself as a successful restaurateur.

Still, it took years of thinking about it before I finally took the plunge and began writing fiction. I’d had an idea for a novel that often kept me awake at night, one that eventually evolved into an international suspense series set in the Indian diaspora.


Breathing in Bombay is the story of Indian-American Diya Rao, who moves to Mumbai to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Soon after her arrival, the favorite aunt she’d been staying with is murdered, and the killer is on the loose. Devastated but determined to not give up and move back to D.C., Diya uncovers a trail of family secrets, corporate intrigue, and social causes gone wrong. The story is set in the summer of 2005, against the backdrop of an actual historic monsoon flood and environmental catastrophe that engulfed the city. As the water recedes, Diya’s quest for purpose and adventure in a new city becomes a fight for her life.

Writing this book was exceptionally fun. I was able to revisit fond memories of interesting and beautiful places I’d experienced during childhood vacations to India as well as take great trips in the name of research.


This summer, I put the finishing touches on Breathing in Bombay and started the search for an agent. I’m hard at work on a sequel, Chasing Cairo, and hope to complete a first draft by the end of the year. With any luck, I may even squeeze in some “research” time in Egypt!

Thanks for checking out our blog! We hope you’ll stay with us on our novel adventure.


15 comments:

  1. Good luck, Supriya, with your agent search. Your book sounds wonderful!

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  2. Breathing in Bombay sounds great! Is Diya the heroine of Chasing Cairo as well?

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  3. Thanks, Laurie--I appreciate it!

    Gigi, yep, same heroine for Chasing Cairo! Thanks for the kind words.

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  4. I am really excited by this blog and want to read all these novels. Each one sounds fun and exciting!

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  5. Aw, thanks for your enthusiasm, Marna. We really appreciate it!

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  6. Off to a fabulous start! And if you want to talk to my agent just let me know. She just sold Agathe von Trapp's memoir "Before and After the Sound of Music", the real account of what happened, to Harper Collins.

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  7. I also spent time in Ohio and two of my children were born there, before making my way to Texas. They are very different places. Not as different as the USA and India, though. What a lot you have to draw on!

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  8. Kaye, you and I seem to be following each other around. Come visit next time you're in D.C.

    CJ, wow, that sounds like an interesting book! Let us know when it's out. And thanks for the agent referral. I'll keep it in mind.

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  9. I should do that, Supriya! I had lunch with Guppy Elaine Douts on my most recent trip. I'll be there for Malice!

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  10. Love the new blog! And fingers crossed on your agent search!! Cairo! - wouldn't that be something! Keep me posted!

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  11. Oh yes, Kaye, let's meet at Malice!

    And Kiki, so glad you're enjoying the blog. I'll definitely keep you posted on where things go. Keep those fingers crossed...

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  12. Loved reading your blog! It's lively, heartfelt and quite addictive! Can't wait for more!

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  13. Wow, Vaishnavi, thanks for the awesome review! We hope to see you back often.

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  14. As I read your article, I literally went down memory lane.I grew up in Mumbai and saw all the changes happening before my eyes.
    I marvel at the new Mumbai that is emerging so fast. My heart starts beating with mixed emotions ! I miss my "home".I try to find those
    old land marks, those less crowded streets and simple pleasures we had combing through Mumbai beaches!!!
    At the same time progress has to go on. Your article was very well represented. I am proud of your need to connect with your roots.
    loved reading your article
    vidya kagal

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  15. So good to see you here, amchividya! And I agree. Though I didn't grow up there, the changes were huge. And yes, bittersweet. All the names have changed. The scenery. In some ways, the people too. But you can feel the excitement and anticipation. Big things are coming. Guess it's time to think of a sequel (Return to Mumbai?)....thanks for stopping by and hope to see you more often.

    re: http://noveladventurers.blogspot.com/2010/10/details-details_13.html

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