Life isn’t flawless—it’s a patchwork of glittering highs, messy lows and the mundane in between, where even the best-laid plans can veer off course. Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not is a collection of poignant and witty short stories that uncover the cracks beneath seemingly perfect lives—and the truths that emerge from them. From picture-perfect relationships gone wrong to careers derailed by a misstep, these stories delve into the universal struggles with identity, love, fear and belonging. With heart and a touch of irony, Vasudha Sahgal celebrates life’s imperfections in their chaotic, bittersweet charm. If you’ve ever laughed at your own mistakes or found joy in life’s curveballs, this book is for you. After all, who needs perfect when you can have perfectly imperfect!
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your book? Why did you choose this genre and what’s the story behind the title?
The book is a collection of 14 short stories that delve into the cracks of human relationships and facades and the glimmers that meet us when we least expect them to.
2. What inspired you to write this story? How did you find the resources and research material for your book?
It’s been collective inspiration – from encounters along the way, travels , cultural exchanges, and just life in general has inspired me. Nature inspires me. I find inspiration in the way raindrops stay on the leaves after it has rained. I don’t research deliberately . It’s fiction so it’s imagination at play. Inspiration can even come from a song that plays on the radio, while on the drive to work.
3. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? How did you overcome it?
The challenging aspect is when to leave a short story – it should be sweet enough and also ripe enough whilst nearing its end.
4. Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced the book?
There are many authors whose writing I admire. Somebody more modern, whose work I love in the short fiction realm is Jeffery Archer. And somebody more classic – Dostoevsky.
5. What role did editing play in the writing process? How did you decide when the manuscript was ready for publication?
The publishers decided that the manuscript was ready when they read rhetorical stories. I worked with an amazing editor who respected my feedback and we worked in a collaborative fashion.
6. Do you have any upcoming projects or ideas for future books that you’d like to share with your readers?
I would like my readers to find that out when they pick up my next book. Let’s keep the suspense alive 🙂
7. In the age of digital publishing and social media, how do you engage with your readers and promote your work?
I think social media is a fantastic tool. It’s amazing how book bloggers and critics can share their reviews with the readers in real time.
8. How do you balance your writing career with other aspects of your life, such as work and family?
I think writing is not mutually exclusive. Writing; or any art, and life are symbiotic . That being said, I sleep really late and the struggle of juggling it all is very real!
9. What’s the pen ultimate takeaway for readers reading your book?
I want them to give me theirs! Their takeaway from my book 🙂
10. What’s the one advice you’d like to share with aspiring writers of the genre?
I go by the phrase “art is never finished, only abandoned” which was spoken by Leonardo da Vinci. What I take from it is that – so often we get caught up in perfecting the art that we keep it from showing up into the universe in a timely fashion .
That being said, writing is a discipline , if you’re working on something , show up to complete it, like you would show up for a family member or friend. In that same manner, your characters need you and so do their stories . So being disciplined to ‘complete’ their stories goes a long way.
Vasudha Sahgal is an author, freelance journalist and screenwriter. Her storytelling journey began early—at the age of eight, she wrote her first story about a bunch of friendly witches. Over the years, Vasudha has contributed to publications such as The Tribune, Daily Post, The Times of India, HuffPost and The Quint. Her short story was included in the anthology Love in the Times of WhatsApp and Other Stories. She has also authored two illustrated children’s books. Additionally, she has sold the intellectual property rights to her first feature screenplay to a production house. Beyond writing, Vasudha manages operations at her family’s precision engineering company, Micron Instruments Pvt. Ltd. She is passionate about travel, food, words and our existence in the world. Almost Perfect, but Mostly Not marks her debut solo venture into short fiction.
Soak into her heartwarming stories that cherish life just the way it is!
