By Author Ashish Pitale
Discover the soul of Shillong like never before in Shillong Diaries: A Journey Through Calm and Chaos by Author Ashish Pitale — a compelling blend of travelogue and personal reflection. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills, cherry blossoms, and tranquil lakes, this evocative narrative gently peels back the layers of the city’s hidden unrest and cultural complexity.
This isn’t just a travel story — it’s a deeper exploration of a land often misunderstood. Through vivid storytelling and emotional honesty, the author offers a rare perspective that captures both the beauty and the quiet turbulence of Shillong.
Perfect for lovers of meaningful travel writing, contemporary Indian narratives, and anyone curious about the cultural and emotional landscapes of the Northeast — this book will stay with you long after the final page.
1. What was the inspiration behind this book, and how did the idea for the story originate?
I had been writing short stories and essays for some time when I took a trip to the Northeast. I wanted to take on a longer writing project, and the idea for this book naturally took shape during that journey.
2. Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you follow a particular routine or have any unique rituals that help you get into the creative flow?
I usually write over the weekends when I have more free time. I don’t follow a strict routine, but a quiet space and a cup of coffee certainly help me get into the groove.
3. Your characters are quite distinct and memorable. Are they based on real people, or did they emerge purely from your imagination?
The characters in the book are inspired by people I’ve encountered in real life. Some are composites of more than one individual, shaped by different experiences and traits I observed.
4. Your book explores a particular theme. What drew you to this theme, and what do you hope readers will take away from it?
My book delves into the coexistence of natural beauty and social unrest—a serene landscape that contrasts with underlying resentment and a tendency toward violence. I hope readers will see that the Northeast is not “the other.” It’s a region filled with people whose emotions, struggles, and hopes we can deeply relate to, fostering empathy and understanding.
5. The setting in your novel is immersive and vivid. How did you build this world, and were there specific real-world places or events that inspired it?
I drew inspiration from real locations, particularly Shillong and Guwahati, and combined those physical details with my emotional responses to the people and places. The result is a blend of observation and interpretation—what I saw, and what I felt.
6. How do you balance originality with the expectations of your genre? Did you face any challenges in putting your unique spin on familiar elements?
I believe every writer brings a unique perspective to their work. What I feel or perceive about a place or people may differ greatly from someone else’s viewpoint. That individuality helps me strike a balance between originality and genre expectations, and allows me to navigate familiar elements with a fresh lens.
7. The pacing of your story keeps readers engaged throughout. What’s your approach to maintaining narrative tension and momentum?
Much of it came from the experiences I had during my trip to the region. I tried to capture the simultaneous feelings of peace, joy, tension, and fear that I experienced, and translate them into words. I hope this emotional layering keeps readers invested in the story.
8. In a world of rapidly changing media and reader habits, how do you see traditional storytelling evolving? How do you connect your writing with modern audiences?
Storytelling has always been a fundamental part of human culture. While media formats and audience preferences may shift, stories that resonate emotionally and reflect shared human experiences will always find an audience. I try to write in a way that’s emotionally honest and relatable, which I believe bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and contemporary readers.
Buy your copy now and take a journey into Shillong’s soul — through calm, chaos, and everything in between.
