Dennis Keller: Welcome, Divya! It’s so great to have you here today. Your book, “Of Illusions and Ink Spills”, has resonated deeply with many readers. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to write this book?
Divya Hirani: Thank you for having me! “Of Illusions and Ink Spills” is really a reflection of life in all its complexity—how we often chase illusions of perfection or happiness, only to realize that the true beauty lies in our flaws and imperfections. It’s about the messiness of the human experience. The title, in itself, holds this delicate balance between the things we hold dear and the inevitable spills that happen when we try to control everything. The book came from a need to explore and make sense of life’s contradictions, the quiet moments of self-discovery, and the loud, chaotic mess of it all.
Dennis Keller: That sounds incredibly powerful. There’s such a raw honesty in your words. Your Instagram, @soulofdivya, gives us a deeper peek into your journey. How does your presence on social media tie into the themes of your book?
Divya Hirani: My social media presence is like an extension of my writing—it’s a space where I share those little bursts of insight, moments of introspection, and things that speak to me on a personal level. It’s also a space for connection. I try to create an environment where people can reflect, share their own experiences, or simply find comfort in knowing they aren’t alone in what they’re feeling. Just like in my writing, there’s no pretense—it’s all about being genuine and open.
Dennis Keller: I love how you’re able to connect with others through your words. You’ve created a real sense of community. Going back to your book, what do you hope readers take away from “Of Illusions and Ink Spills”?
Divya Hirani: I hope that readers find comfort in the honesty of it all. Life can be so overwhelming at times, and I think we often feel like we’re navigating it alone. But the truth is, everyone goes through similar emotions—the joys, the heartbreaks, the confusion—and I wanted to create something that reflected that shared experience. My biggest hope is that someone reads it and feels seen, understood, or even a little bit lighter.
Dennis Keller: That’s such a beautiful hope. You’ve touched on the idea of life’s contradictions, and it seems like your cultural background plays a role in shaping your perspective. How do your personal experiences influence your writing?
Divya Hirani: My cultural background has definitely shaped how I see the world. Growing up with influences from multiple cultures, I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people understand identity, love, and belonging. This duality, or even multiplicity, gives me a more nuanced view of life. In my writing, I try to express that mix—drawing from my roots, but also embracing the universality of emotions. It’s a beautiful complexity that I think is present in everyone, no matter where we come from.
Dennis Keller: That’s such a rich perspective to bring to your writing, especially when you highlight how emotions and experiences can transcend cultural boundaries. It’s really evident in your work. With all the depth in your writing and personal presence, what advice would you give to those who want to express themselves through writing or art?
Divya Hirani: My advice would be simple: be brave. Don’t be afraid to share your truth, even if it feels raw or messy. The beauty in art, in writing, comes when you let go of the need for perfection. If you write or create from an authentic place, it will always resonate with someone—sometimes in ways you least expect. And don’t rush the process. Allow yourself to grow with your work. Every word, every piece, is part of your journey.
Dennis Keller: What a powerful reminder. Thank you so much, Divya, for sharing your story and wisdom with us today. It’s been an honor to hear from you.
Divya Hirani: Thank you for your kind words and for having me. It’s been a pleasure to reflect on this journey with you!
