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| Author Sudesna Ghosh |
Do we really blow the whistle when we hear about body shaming? Or do we play along? Read this interesting book and know the author's mind about a very sensitive issue. . .
I believe that people of all ages have always found some reason to shame others who do not meet their ideals. Body shaming has definitely existed for a long time - directed at both overweight and underweight individuals.
Sanchita: A sensitive topic, apt portrayal and beautiful execution of an issue which has now become commonplace! How did the seed of thought germinate in you?
Sudesna: Just me, the Sink & the Pot was my first manuscript ever written. Initially, I started writing it with a focus on my own need to purge myself of negative experiences during my own school days. But as I went along and interacted with other women who were overweight in their childhood, I realised that I was not the only one feeling the long term effects of body shaming and negative body image. So I made up my mind that everyone needed to know how serious an issue this was.
Sanchita: Do you think body shaming is a recent trend or was it always there, just that people are now being vocal about it? Yes or no and why?
Sudesna: I believe that people of all ages have always found some reason to shame others who do not meet their ideals. Body shaming has definitely existed for a long time - directed at both overweight and underweight individuals. Yes, we are more vocal about issues like this thanks to social media, women empowerment and the encouragement to express empathy for causes.
Sanchita: An interesting title! Did you start with that in mind or did it evolve later? Tell us how you got to choose the title for this book?
Sudesna: Thank you. The title came up as I wrote the book. I came up with it as I wrote about that sad, but defining moment in Pamela's life when she was alone in the school bathroom, crying.
Sanchita: You have written both fiction and non-fiction. So share with us the challenges of writing in these different genres.
Sudesna: I started out wanting to write fiction and only fiction. The two non fiction books came as a surprise and introduced me to the world of non fiction. In fact, I read a lot of non fiction since then, which I hadn't really done before. I see the main challenge of writing non fiction to be balancing creativity with truth. In other words, the writer needs to put the facts out there in the most interesting, engaging way possible. In case of fiction writing, you can use your imagination as much as you want to.
Sanchita: Sneak peek into your next project
Sudesna: I tried my hand at a romance novella last year during NaNoWriMo. I think being surrounded by romance author friends inspired me to do that. It's a romance in an international setting and should be released later this year.
Rapid fire round (First thought that comes to mind on hearing these words)
a. Obese - Depression
b. Fit - Healthy and happy
c. Diet - Self control
d. Personality - Attitude
e. Inhibition - Lack of confidence
About the Author
Sudesna (Sue) Ghosh is a writer based in Kolkata. She was born in the United States and moved to India when she was 9. After completing high school there, she went back to the US for her higher education at University of Rochester. She has also penned What Would I Tell Her @ 13 and News Now, along with several short stories. When Sudesna isn’t writing, she tries to do her bit for animal welfare.
Her book, 'Just me, the Sink & the Pot' is available at:
