Author Anisha Lalvani's debut, Girls Who Stray, is more than a novel. It is a work shaped over eight years, carrying the weight of lived experiences, literary influences, and personal determination. From the heart of Mumbai to her work in Delhi's publishing scene and later the development sector, her journey has been layered with stories that demanded to be told.
The Story Behind the Story
When speaking about the roots of her book, Author Anisha Lalvani is candid about the long process. Writing was never just a hobby. It was a necessity, a way to capture feelings that refused to remain private. Instead of journaling, she wanted to sculpt those ideas into fiction that could connect with others.
Her time at St. Xavier's College and later Mumbai University gave her a strong grounding in literature. Moving into the world of publishing at Yoda Press and the Jaipur Literature Festival further exposed her to writers and the dynamics of the book world. Those experiences shaped the foundation of her first novel.
Becoming an Author
Author Anisha Lalvani has always loved language. School and college both nurtured her strengths in English and her appreciation for great writing. For her, studying literature was like holding a conversation with writers across generations.
Yet she only began to see herself as an author when she physically held her book for the first time. Seeing her name printed by Bloomsbury gave her the affirmation that years of effort had been worth it.
Finding Her Voice
Writing evolves, and Author Anisha Lalvani openly credits advice from her friend Deepti Kapoor for sharpening her style. Kapoor encouraged her to keep her writing simple and avoid overwriting. That guidance helped her trust in clarity and rhythm.
The result is a voice that critics describe as both fresh and stylistic. She enjoys playing with language while letting the story remain at the forefront. Writing, for her, is about striking a balance between instinct and craft.
Themes at the Core of Her Work
Girls Who Stray tackles themes that go beyond its thriller form. Author Anisha Lalvani explores the emotional and psychological consequences of modern living, including the overload of technology and information.
The book also questions deeply rooted systems of patriarchy and misogyny. One striking section places a young woman's personal struggles against the backdrop of the Delhi protests following the Nirbhaya case. This interweaving of personal and political reflects her belief that stories must capture the broader social context.
Her debut also addresses family bonds, the liberating power of travel, and the haunting shadow of guilt linked to real-life crimes such as the Nithari murders.
Current Inspirations
Author Anisha Lalvani is already working on her second novel, which follows a woman who witnesses the murder of a maulvi in a masjid. Once again, the inspiration comes from a real case, continuing her approach of blending fact with fiction.
Her reading choices also inspire her. Sally Rooney's Intermezzo left a strong impression on her for its emotional exploration of grief and relationships. At the same time, she has been captivated by Samantha Harvey's Orbital, which she describes as poetic and powerful.
The Discipline of Writing
Writing Girls Who Stray was a spontaneous and intuitive process, which also made it lengthy. Author Anisha Lalvani admits that the lack of discipline stretched the project to eight years. For her next novel, she plans a more structured approach, sitting with her manuscript daily.
She hopes discipline will coexist with spontaneity, ensuring her writing remains fresh while progressing more quickly.
Real Life in Fiction
Much of her storytelling comes from real life. Author Anisha Lalvani acknowledges that her experiences, relationships, and environments shape her work. But fiction transforms them into something new, something more universal. This alchemy between reality and imagination is what she finds magical about writing.
Lessons from the Craft
The long process of writing taught her resilience. Author Anisha Lalvani believes writing will always be part of her life, as the joy of shaping words into sentences is unmatched. It also gave her discipline, showing her that persistence is as necessary as inspiration.
The connection she feels when strangers relate to her work is another gift. For her, writing builds bonds across people and places.
The Realities of Being an Author
Behind the scenes, the author's life is far from easy. Anisha Lalvani balances a demanding job with her writing. Financial sustainability through writing alone is rare, and patience is essential. Books take time to write and even longer to publish. She hopes readers understand that kindness and patience are invaluable to writers.
Feedback and Editing
Feedback, she says, is both necessary and challenging. At times, she has resisted edits that threatened sections closest to her, such as her depiction of Delhi. At other times, she welcomed cuts that improved her book. She sees feedback as a negotiation where instinct and external advice must meet.
Staying Motivated
Every author battles doubts. For Anisha Lalvani, faith in her own ability and belief in her manuscript keep her grounded. She accepts dips in motivation as part of the process but never lets them defeat her. She trusts that good writing builds its own momentum.
Beyond Writing
Outside of writing, Author Anisha Lalvani turns to films, true crime documentaries, and above all, books. These experiences feed her imagination and recharge her creativity. She strongly believes that reading remains the lifeblood of writing.
Closing Thoughts
The journey of Author Anisha Lalvani with Girls Who Stray reveals that literature is not just about storytelling. It is about perseverance, honesty, and transformation. Her debut establishes her as a writer unafraid to merge personal and political realities, while her reflections show her unwavering commitment to the craft.
Her next projects will no doubt continue to explore layered and urgent themes. Author Anisha Lalvani is a writer who will keep shaping stories that reflect both life's beauty and its struggles.
This interview with Author Anisha Lalvani, writer of Girls Who Stray, was conducted by Unnati Shahi, founder of The Bookish Gossips.
