Born and brought up in Hyderabad, and now settled in Dubai, Harshika Daryanani was egged on by her husband, Dilip, and encouraged by her son, Jahaan to take up writing as a full-fledged profession. Her debut book Dream It. Live It is about the personal journey spread across three countries over a span of 38 years.
When did the idea/inspiration for the book germinate The inspiration came a few thousand miles above ground when I was watching a movie on board a flight. I honestly do not even know which movie it was, or the actors in the movie, I was just reading the subtitles of the movie on my husband’s screen. Completely odd timing, but it happened.
Which genre draws you the most as a reader and a writer Books were my best friends growing up. I used to read a lot of fantasy fiction. The Enchanted Wood series was my absolute favourite, I actually cried at the end of the series. I love Harry Potter. My son and I paid a criminal sum of money to watch the theatrical adaptation of The Cursed Child in London recently. As a writer, ironically this is the genre I struggle with the most. Writing about experiences and people I know comes easy.
One fictional character close to your heart and why I like Detective Eve from the In Death series by JD Robb. She stands for everything I believe in. Truth, justice, honesty — even if that makes her unpopular and possibly would never be in line for promotion, despite being the best one for the job. What is your antidote for writer’s block Take a step back to get rid of writer’s block. I walk away from it. Works every single time!
Which book do you keep revisiting time and again The Enchanted Woods. My son gifted the series to me last Christmas, it has a special space on my shelf.
One classic that you haven’t read so far Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This book was a part of our curriculum in school, which was the main reason why I was so put off. I have never read it as a book, only know the ‘important bits’ for the exam.
