Love, Longing, & Literature: The Journey of Author Bhagyashrii Ji
In a world overflowing with noise, some stories whisper their way straight into the heart. In this special edition of TALK TIME with Samata, we sit down with Bhagyashrii Ji — a writer whose words speak of love, distance, healing, and everything in between. With her latest novel Mumbai to Boston, she takes readers on an emotional journey that transcends borders and touches universal truths. In this candid conversation, she opens up about her creative beginnings, the vulnerability of sharing her soul through stories, and the transformative power of love. Join us as we explore the heart behind the pen and the story behind the storyteller.
Welcome Bhagyashrii Ji to this session of TALK TIME with Samata. Could you take us back to the beginning—what first sparked your interest in writing?
Writing began as a way to process emotions I couldn’t put into spoken words. Over time, it became my way of understanding love, human connection, and the silence between moments. I’ve always felt stories live within us — I just chose to give mine a voice.
How did your personal or professional background shape your evolution as a writer?
My personal life has been a journey across cities and emotions, and that diversity reflects in my work. Every relationship, every distance, has deepened the way I see love — not as perfect, but as transformative. Professionally, it grounded me to write with honesty and discipline.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced breaking into the literary world?
The hardest part was vulnerability — letting the world read pieces of my heart. Rejections and doubts were inevitable, but they taught me patience and belief. Today, I write knowing even one soul connecting to my words makes it worth it.
Was there a pivotal moment or turning point that made you realize writing was your true calling?
There was a night I wrote endlessly about love and longing, and for the first time, I felt at peace. That moment told me — this is where I belong. Writing became not just passion but healing.
Who have been your biggest literary influences, and how have they inspired your work?
Writers who speak of love in quiet, raw ways inspire me — people like Elif Shafak and Nicholas Sparks. Their ability to turn pain into beauty made me believe love stories deserve depth and truth, not just fairytale endings.
How has your writing style or voice evolved over the years?
I’ve moved from telling stories to feeling them. Earlier, I wrote what I thought readers wanted. Now, I write what the heart knows — moments, silences, and glances that stay long after the words end.
Do you follow a specific writing routine or ritual that keeps you creatively grounded?
I write early mornings or late nights — when the world is quiet, and my heart is the loudest. A cup of tea, soft music, and honesty are my only rituals. That’s when the truest words flow.
What advice would you give aspiring authors navigating the publishing world today?
Write for yourself first — the rest follows. Be patient, stay authentic, and don’t chase trends. If your story carries truth, it will find its readers.
What inspired you to write “Mumbai to Boston”? Is it rooted in personal experiences or completely fictional?
It’s fiction, but born from emotions very real to me. Love across distances, the ache of unspoken feelings, and how two people can change each other’s lives forever — these inspired me deeply.
The title suggests a journey between two culturally rich cities—what does this geographical contrast symbolize in the book?
Mumbai to Boston isn’t just miles; it’s an emotional journey. It’s about leaving behind comfort to find love, about how two worlds can collide yet feel like home when you’re with the right person.
Could you share a glimpse into the main protagonist’s emotional or transformative arc?
She (Yamini) begins guarded, believing love must always hurt. But through her journey, she learns love can also heal — that sometimes the right person doesn’t fix you but makes you want to grow.
What themes or messages did you consciously explore while writing this story?
Long-distance love, vulnerability, and the courage to choose love even when it scares you. It’s about trusting your heart despite past wounds and finding home in someone’s soul.
Were there any scenes or chapters that were particularly challenging—or emotionally intense—for you to write?
Yes, the goodbye scene in Boston. It mirrored emotions I’ve felt in real life — that ache of loving someone and wondering if they’ll ever truly know how much. Writing it was cathartic.
How do you think readers from both India and the West will resonate with the story?
Love is universal. Whether in Mumbai or Boston, hearts break and heal the same way. Readers everywhere will see themselves in the longing, hope, and quiet promises between my characters.
What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing “Mumbai to Boston”?
That love is worth the distance, the risk, and the silence. And sometimes, even if you can’t say it out loud, the heart always knows when it’s found its home.
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