Gita Audhya was born in India and found her way to the United States by way of England. Her passion for writing is evident from the love she pours into her books. Her latest, All Those Tears We Can’t See, which recently hit the bestseller list, is no exception. Gita shares her own experiences of immigrating to a new country through her fictional characters.
Gita has her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in literature. In her spare time, she can be found reading books and spending time with her husband.
All Those Tears We Can’t See is a compelling read and includes many intriguing characters. What is one of your keys to creating such dynamic characters?
You have asked a wonderful question. I would like to discuss all key points of the strength of the characters as it is hard to pinpoint just one. The theme of this book, the cultural and educational values, the drama, the eventful journey of Samantha, and the constant entertainment all played a dynamic role to create those versatile and profound characters. But if you want me to pick one, then the theme was the most important key point as it followed Samantha’s journey of self-manifestation in pursuit of acceptance, love, the American dream, realization, and adaptation.
Downtime is necessary for many writers and artists to get their creative mojo going. What do you do when it’s time for you to relax and unwind?
I heard many creative people take time off from writing when they reach a saturation point. I also felt the same way when I get bored and could not think of a good idea. Some of my friends suggested that singing may help as it takes the stress out of the system. I tried that but it did not work because in the first place you should have a good signing voice, otherwise, everyone will leave the room. So, I gave that up and instead I drank a little Irish Bailey and danced with my friends. It did wonders because it was not formal and not stressful. I also tried yoga once, but it gave me more stress than you could imagine so I gave up. Catching up with a movie or talking to my kids and friends without feeling guilty that I did not have time for them did work for me. Another thing that worked was creating mouth-watering dishes to enjoy with my husband without thinking about who will end up cleaning the dishes.
As an author how do you define success on both a professional and personal level?
On a professional level I would appreciate very much if the work I created brings a variety of readers to read my book. Ultimately of course it will be my dream and every writer’s dream to imagine how it will play out as a TV drama or a movie on a silver screen.
One of the promises I tried to fulfill for the readers was an experience to feel something and to learn something from the trials/tragedies/successes of others, and if it creates this sensation with my audience then in a professional level it is joyful for me. I have tried to create an international odyssey for a first-hand look at India in the modern day (and also much of the past), and an internal, emotional, and contemplative journey along with Samantha, who confronts her preconceived notions of life and love. I created a valuable lesson by offering education and entertainment to my modern American audiences who would gain from the exposure of a different culture and tradition. The third one is drama — this work packs a punch from Samantha’s past trauma to the trauma with Monica, not to mention the forbidden love. There is much in this work that will wrench its audience with great effect. A priority for me wisely was not to let my audience get bored. There is always a stimulus, and maintaining the value-per-page is evidently and rightfully a high priority and that is my professional satisfaction.
For the personal level, it makes me feel I have accomplished something to be worthy of being called a writer. I tell the story that makes us cry, touch my reader’s heart, gives the taste of spiritual adventure and so on. When I create the subjects and plots I try to gives them the feelings I personally experienced so that they can relate to them in a personal way. It takes away the burden from my mind.
Another compelling thing is to create and maintain relationships with people around the world which gives me the best satisfaction. When I inspire the reader and educate them that are another personal reward to me.
A well-known writer once said, “To find rest and repose amidst an incredibly busy and bustling life — an oasis found through the writing process and its fruition.” I can’t describe it better than that.
All Those Tears We Can’t See is an amazing read. What was one of the challenges you faced while writing it, and conversely one of your successes?
As the modern era is approaching with all its glamour and elegance in India at present where the middle class are brimming with lots of wealth, the societal unhappiness is on the rise. I never could imagine how rape could take place in this civilized modern world in a dark alley or in open daylight. I decided that moment to undertake this heavy burden on my shoulder so that people from all over the world would realize how serious this situation is in India where horrible crimes are taking place randomly. The victim who suffered horrified indignity doesn’t get any justice. Samantha and Monica was an example in my book. If we ignore this assault on women and look the other way it will never be solved. This was the most hurdle and very hurtful for me when I have to expose these current disorders in my own country nevertheless, I had to pursue this venture so that an effective and stronger law can be passed.
This book brought success to another level too. The American Dream created a wonderful sensation in my audience so they read the book to find out how it has been achieved. The take on immigrants was very successful as they realize how hard it is to be in that position. It was difficult and traumatic for young Samantha to leave everything behind and starts a new life in the US, where the language, culture, traditions, morals, beliefs, and everyday way of life were foreign, while retaining her own culture and beliefs. The concept of the new generation was new as cherished young Monica grows up with Western values, she has plenty of things on her mind — and in her own independent heart — which have little to do with attempting to remain steeped in her mother’s Eastern ideas about correct social mores and her culture. That resonates with the readers as well.
I am sure you have a lot of fans. What was the most interesting feedback or question you have received from a reader?
Over the year I have known many wonderful readers as they have supported me, congratulated me, praised me, criticized me, and scolded me. I have more than 600 followers. I have received many notes with interesting feedbacks from them. I was very much touched by one of the goodreads.com readers who wrote, “Painful tragically drafted with extremely deep passion. I will forever remember this masterpiece novel.” This feedback brought tears to my eyes.
Pat Patterson, another reader said, “I could understand the conflict of coming to another country for opportunity and missing your home where friends and people understand.” I thought this comment was amazing since he understood how immigrants felt leaving their country.
Another comment was, “A sad, but thoughtful story integrates the two cultures. I didn’t agree with some of the medical parts of the story, but that’s because I work in medical and I’m critical of that!” Is it not funny that she was more concerned about the medical facility than the victim?
Becky Holland was amused. She said Loved it!
“Truth-telling, hide your face, but you know it’s true – what a nice little read. And that is the kind of writer we need – especially these days. Entertain us, yes, but dear writer, if you can educate us or make us feel “woke,” then do it. Gita Audhya does it.” Who can comment better than that?
“I felt that the quality of the narration brought this across beautifully, and I also appreciated the commitment to history and small cultural details and differences, in which the author does a wonderful job of educating us. Then she compared me with Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club.
Most of the time I got admiration but once one of the readers was very upset with me because she thought I gave more credit to Samantha who prevented the relationship with Brandon and poor Monica, for whom I neglected to write about her in detail. I was happy to feel that she created a relationship with Monica deeply even though she was just a fictional character.
This was the achievement I got writing this book and I am very proud of it.