What made you want to dabble in writing erotica?
It was quite accidental really. My Editor and sounding board Trisha approached me because she had read some of my work and thought I’d be a good voice because she felt (rightly so) that there was no urban erotica that was being dished out. Let’s face it, we all want to be mills and boon but all we have is Kamala mills.
(We are one question down and I’m already in splits!)
What’s the best part about your job?
Erotica: I didn’t think it would liberate me, but it has. It’s given me a voice and personality that I didn’t know I had (like all my personalities weren’t enough already :p). I am far more observant, more open minded and innovative (especially when people ask me what I do)
Journalism: There’s nothing as rewarding than sharing someone else’s experience or witnessing the inception and unfolding of a good story.
If you weren’t this awesome-writer-lady, what would you be?
Bed and breakfast owner of an arts residency in the mountains/beach.
(You know what? I see it!)
Tell us one thing about yourself that no one knows.
I have an old school side ?
One thing you would never endorse?
I won’t stop at one…
Yoko height increase, slimming belts and Fairness creams obv!
What does being a Real Girl mean to you?
Being true to yourself.
Any advice for those who want to become writers/journalists?
Don’t.
Joking.
Do it. Do it often. It builds character
What’s the toughest part of the profession?
It’s mentally and physically exhausting. Something that probably struck a chord with you subconsciously can bite you in the ass when you least expect it, on the job.
Tell me something dumb a reader has said to you…
This is not erotica.
How was it facing the camera when you worked as a broadcast journalist?
In the newsroom it’s strangely calm because it’s just you and the director’s voices in your head ! I am a fidgety, anxious person so I often think I’m the wrong person for the job because I can’t sit still and not make funny faces.
What keeps you motivated?
My sense of humour ? I cry and whine a lot, but I laugh at everything and look forward too.
Someone you look up to?
My mummy and close friends Aviral and Mansi. All ballsy, sassy chics who love the things about me that I hate the most.
Describe your personal style in one line.
“it’s not in the wash”
What would you tell a young girl who’s not too sure what career path she wants to take?
Do everything ya. But do it well. And don’t ever ever be scared.
What’s your idea of unwinding?
It’s illegal. But a run and reading always helps me.
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What feeds your soul?
Good food against a picturesque setting. Damn it’s got me smiling even now.
How addicted are you to social media?
Instagram I can’t live without. Facebook and twitter are meh.
What’s your take on feminism?
Equality always. But first, level the playing field.
One thing that “growing up” has taught you?
ALWAYS EAT BREAKFAST. It helps combat even anxiety. Trust me.
(I really need to try that one!)
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Complete the following sentence for me;
www.realgirl.co is —— refreshing.
Leave us with a message for women since it’s Women’s Day!
Gosh, hard one.
Be the best version of yourself possible.
Thank you so much Sanjana for being unabashedly real and for just being this inimitable brand of awesome. You make a great case for Real Girls everywhere. 🙂
(Apart from being someone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for a long time now, Sanjana is a writer, journalist, and multimedia author. You can find her writing on Juggernaut (download the app) and her @sanuchow on Instagram)
*This is the third part in a 3 part series of interviews to commemorate some awesome, badass, inspirational real girls on Women’s Day.
