Novelist R. L. K. Eastabrooks chats with me today about her debut novel, Inauspicious.
Bio:
R. L. K. Eastabrooks is an American author. Inauspicious, her debut novel, took her sixteen years to research and write, and for which she traveled extensively throughout northern India and Rajasthan. She earned degrees from Hunter College, Harvard University, and Fordham Law School, and is an adjunct professor of world religions, ethics, and college writing. For over three decades, she has provided pro bono assistance to international survivors of sexual and domestic violence. A mother of one son and two dogs, she currently calls Greenville, NC home.
Please tell us about your current release.
Inauspicious is the international saga of Rajasthani teenage bride, Triti Sharma, whose harrowing escape from the flames of a forbidden ancient ritual takes her from the desert sands of India to the streets of New York City where her soul twin, Jaq Morel, helps her uncover the horrors of her forgotten past. Spanning two continents, five cities, and three divergent cultures, Inauspicious is a modern story of survival, redemption, and the transcendent brilliance of synchronicity.
What inspired you to write this book?
The horrific murder of teenage Indian bride Roop Kanwar in 1987 shook me. As a lifelong advocate for survivors of domestic violence, and a professor of world religions, Roop’s sati murder inspired me to fictionalize her story. The novel took 16 years from concept to publication because I went to India for research and I had to get it right.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m starting the process for the screenplay project for Inauspicious. I’m contemplating bringing in a co-writer.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve done a range of writing projects including poetry as a child, judicial decisions for a NY Supreme Court Judge, 501C3 applications and grant proposals, and entries in the Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Since the publication of Inauspicious, I’ve been working with my publicist to promote the novel. I’ve recently moved to Greenville, North Carolina and have been immersed in the process of setting up my new office for writing full time.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m a lifelong immersion learner, so I find personal experience an essential key to me writing authentically. For Inauspicious, I spent over a month traveling alone all over northern India. I’ve added to the adage “write what you know” – “write where you go”.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My dream was first to be a ballerina, and I spent 16 years studying and performing as a dancer in NYC.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
The process of writing and editing are so vastly different, and essential. Having taught College Composition, I lean heavily on the lessons I teach my students about being willing to change, move, or delete my words, and doing good research for each project.
Links:
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