Author Arpita Chakraborty shared her journey and insights in an exclusive interview with Unnati Shahi, the founder of The Bookish Gossips. Her debut novel, The Fight Of The Asuras, marks the beginning of a writing career shaped by intuition, personal conviction, and a strong connection to the themes that guide her work.
A Story That Began Instinctively
For Chakraborty, writing did not begin with a long-term plan or a structured ambition to become an author. Instead, it grew out of a spontaneous moment. While speaking with her family one day, she asked whether she should attempt to write a book. Their encouragement created the spark she needed. That same night, she opened her laptop and began writing. The story unfolded with a clarity that surprised her, and she soon realized she had stepped into a creative process that felt both natural and necessary.
She characterizes this start as both surprising and genuinely significant. She soon found that writing was a way to connect with aspects of herself that had never been explored through fiction before, as well as a means of expressing ideas she had carried for years. What began as a whim became the starting point for her first book.
Exploring Themes of Light, Darkness, and Identity
Throughout the interview, it became clear that certain themes recur in Chakraborty’s writing. She frequently returns to the tension between light and darkness, not as simple opposites but as interconnected forces that exist within every individual. As she explains, “the eternal struggle and balance between light and darkness” is central to her storytelling, and she views these forces as “intertwined truths that live within every being.” Her fascination with these dynamics leads her to explore how people confront their inner contradictions, the choices that define them, and the circumstances that shape their character.
In The Fight Of The Asuras, these ideas take shape through a narrative that positions destiny, power, loyalty, and personal struggle at its core. Chakraborty reflects on this directly, noting that she often returns to themes of “power, redemption, loyalty, and identity,” letting them develop organically from the depth of her characters’ emotions rather than from a preconceived plan. She approaches these issues as lived conceptions that develop as she learns more about the world rather than as academic concepts. As she puts it, the story allowed her to “give form to thoughts and emotions that have lived within me for years,” offering her a space to explore the moral and emotional decisions that influence a person’s path.
Introducing the World of “The Fight Of The Asuras”
Her novel follows Kalki, who is born into a feared bloodline and expected to stand against an ancient darkness rising once again. His position at the intersection of destruction and survival shapes the entire arc of the story. When the celestial warrior Chitrangada enters his life, the balance of the universe begins to shift. Forgotten truths emerge, alliances begin to change, and Kalki is forced to confront the responsibilities of his past and the obligations of his future.
Through this narrative structure, Chakraborty examines questions about identity and belonging. The novel also reflects on how a single choice can alter the direction of an entire world. For her, the story is not only a work of imagination but also an exploration of the emotional weight carried by individuals who must decide between personal desire and collective responsibility.
A Writing Process Shaped by Structure and Intuition
Chakraborty describes her writing process as a blend of planning and spontaneity. She usually begins with a broad outline to understand the direction of the story, but she allows room for the unexpected. As she explains, her process is “a blend of both structure and spontaneity” where she creates an outline yet remains open to shifts as the story unfolds. There are moments when inspiration arrives suddenly, altering the course of a scene or even an entire chapter. She notes that “there are nights when a single line changes the course of an entire chapter,” and over time she has learned to trust these moments and reshape the narrative when necessary.
This approach reflects her conviction that writing is both intuitive and disciplined. Although structure offers stability, creativity frequently results from letting ideas grow and develop. Her process highlights the importance of staying open to change and recognizing that stories can develop in ways the writer never initially imagined. As she puts it, her writing is guided equally by “intention” and “intuition,” and it is this balance that brings her work to life.
The Influence of Real Life on Fiction
Although her novel takes place in a world of celestial warriors, ancient forces, and mythological roots, real life continues to shape Chakraborty’s storytelling. She explains that emotions, memories, and lived experiences often become the foundation for the scenes she creates. A conversation, a moment of doubt, an expression on someone’s face, or an unexpected challenge may later become part of a character or narrative turn.
According to Chakraborty, this connection to real life grounds her writing and makes the novel's emotional landscape more approachable. She aspires for genuineness in the emotions, conflicts, and connections that shape her characters, even in a fantasy world.
Writing as a Source of Discovery
Through writing, Chakraborty has come to understand parts of herself she had never fully recognized before. She realized that storytelling allows her to express emotions she does not always voice in everyday life. As she explained, writing helped her see that “even though I am not very expressive in daily life, I can still put my feelings into words.” The page became a space where her inner world could surface more openly and honestly.
She also discovered the quiet power of imagination. In her words, “knowledge gives us direction, but it is imagination that allows us to explore what seems impossible at first.” Writing showed her how abstract feelings or ideas can turn into something meaningful the moment they are written down. For her, creativity is not just inspiration, but a way of giving form to what cannot yet be seen.
Finishing her debut novel also strengthened her confidence in ways she did not expect. She reflects that one of her most surprising realizations was simply “that I can actually write and that I truly enjoy it.” Every step of the process taught her something new about persistence, vulnerability, and the discipline it takes to turn a private idea into a finished story. She says writing continues to teach her every day, shaping not only her craft but also her understanding of herself.
Understanding the Life of an Author
Chakraborty also reflected on how people often misunderstand the work behind a book. She explained that every line involves careful thought, emotional investment, and an ongoing attempt to express something meaningful. The life of an author is shaped by commitment rather than glamour. Writing requires patience, repeated revisions, and a willingness to confront one’s own doubts.
Feedback, she says, is an essential part of this journey. Whether positive or critical, it provides new perspectives that help strengthen the work. Even when feedback conflicts with instinct, she approaches it with openness, recognizing that every response offers insight into how readers engage with the story.
Staying Motivated Through Challenges and Looking Ahead
Difficult phases are an inevitable part of any creative process, and Chakraborty approaches them with the resilience she has gained through her personal experiences, particularly as the partner of an Army officer. She sees challenges not as barriers but as moments that sharpen focus and strengthen resolve, allowing her to keep writing even when motivation dips. As she explained, facing difficulty often brings “an unexpected clarity and energy,” reminding her to keep moving even when the path feels uncertain. This perspective continues to guide her as she looks toward the future.
With The Fight Of The Asuras, she has created a story that brings together imagination and emotional depth, and she hopes readers will connect not only with the world she has built but also with the human questions it explores. As she moves forward in her writing journey, she remains dedicated to shaping stories that reflect sincerity, purpose, and the complexities that influence the choices we make.
Interview by The Bookish Gossips
Written by Ana Lopes