In Conversation with Sarita Agarwal, Author of US: "Love, Life, You, Me & Everything in-between"

Q. What inspired you to write this book? I started penning down my thoughts and emotions during the pandemic and posted them on Instagram with the #lockdownmusings to send them out into the universe. My words help me heal and my hope was anyone reading my posts would find comfort in them as well. I decided to turn my writings into a book so that I could leave a part of me behind for my children, a safe space they could visit, in times of emotional turmoil, when I am not around to hold them and help them heal. Q. Among all themes and topics, why did you choose this one in particular? The topic chose itself, the book wrote itself. As I started compiling my writing, it dawned on me that there is a common theme running through my writing, which is "life" and "life events". The title of my book also is from one of my posts. Q. How did you come up with the title of your book? The title reflects everything that we experience, from conception until our passing, during our lifetime here on Earth. Our paths and experiences vary but the journey of Life is common to all. Q. What personal experiences have shaped your writing the most? The book is my labour of love, it is a compilation of everything I feel about varied topics such as love, life, nature, death, motherhood. The book is a reflection of my soul, my lived experiences on my ongoing journey of life. Q. What does being a published author mean to you, beyond seeing your words in print? Seeing my words come to life means the world to me. My words have healed me and continue to heal me, more so, in todays "uncertainties". I hope and wish that anyone reading my book is also able to find comfort and healing. Q. What can we, as readers expect from this book? The book is a compilation of poetry and prose and works as a self help journal for readers of all age groups. The writing is simple, raw, relatable, straight from the heart, with elements of humor, without the coating of religious sermons or complicated metaphors. The themes vary from love, life, death, childhood, relationships to universe, nature, pollution etc. The book is a perfect fit for readers who like short stories and poetry. Q. How do you expect your readers to use this book optimally? The book reads as a self help journal for readers who are looking to heal and for those who have not yet embarked on their healing journey. The book also works beautifully for "non readers" simply looking for a book that can be read in "short spurts". You can pick a title that connects with how you are feeling at any given moment in time and start reading. The book has no beginning, middle or end, in the conventional sense and can be read in any order. Healing is a lifelong process with its "good and bad days" and "ups and downs". My words are "timeless" and I revisit my book whenever I am feeling overwhelmed and need guidance, more so these days, because of current global and local events. I make sure I always carry it with me on my travels.

Happy reading dear readers and may you find the light at the end of all the darks tunnels you might face on your journey of Life.

Love, Light and Gratitude.