Interview with Aarti Pathak, Author of ‘Triple Negative’
It was May 2021. Aarti Pathak had just lost her mother to COVID and didn’t know a cancer diagnosis awaited her just hours later. However, this memoir isn’t centred around grief, pain, or loss; instead, it explores the strength that emerges only after breaking, the faith that holds when nothing else can, a love that deepens amidst despair, the flickers of joy that shine through even in the darkest days, and the surrender that brings a quiet sense of power.
This is a true story. This fast-paced emotional rollercoaster will leave the reader feeling inspired, uplifted, and with a quiet awakening.
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?
My book Triple Negative ~ a tale of love, faith, and surrender is my memoir. It covers two years of my life where I battled the grief of losing my mother suddenly to Covid and my breast cancer. I would say the genre chose me! The memoir happened as a natural progression of my mental and spiritual healing. As for the title, you have to read the book to find out.
2. What inspired you to write this story? How did you find the resources and research material for your book?
The answer to both those questions is overlaps. Losing a parent and being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer is not easy to handle. At least it wasn’t for me. I would journal to keep making sense of things, gain clarity, and find inner calmness. As the cancer treatment progressed and my friends witnessed my journey and outlook on life, they suggested I write about my experience so that others in need may benefit from it. Once the treatment was over, the journal entries evolved into the full-fledged memoir that is Triple Negative.
3. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? How did you overcome it?
I questioned why I was writing a book on death, grief, cancer, and depression. I couldn’t understand why anyone would read on these heavy, real-life subjects when they could use their time and mind space for lighter, happier things. I often thought of giving up, but my husband encouraged me to continue. And an inner force helped me trudge along. I’m glad I did not stop, and the book is out there. Hundreds of messages, phone calls, and reviews later, I can see that readers of all ages and backgrounds found the book relatable and uplifting. It brings me deep satisfaction to have connected with people this way. It shows me that despite our differences, we are not so different at all.
4. Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced the book?
Not really. This is my journey, and the only way I could do it justice was to write it with full honesty and truth. I had to be myself. There is a quote that inspired me. I think it went something like, “If the book you want to read is not written, write it yourself!”
5. What role did editing play in the writing process? How did you decide when the manuscript was ready for publication?
Editing was vital. I edited the book over a hundred times. Every time I gave the manuscript a read, I found myself making changes. I reached out to brilliant beta-readers who also gave me priceless feedback. I had a wonderful editor, too, and together we gave it two additional professional edits. The book is now easy to read, and people have read it overnight, in one journey or in one sitting. It’s because of the ruthless editing process. I shared the MS with a renowned author, Ami Ganatra. She read it in one go and loved it. I knew then that it was ready, and we sent it to print.
6. Do you have any upcoming projects or ideas for future books that you’d like to share with your readers?
Yes, I am working on a self-help book as well as the Hindi translation of Triple Negative.
7. In the age of digital publishing and social media, how do you engage with your readers and promote your work?
I love staying connected to the readers. Fortunately, they have been reaching out to me through various platforms as well. I am the most active on Instagram.
8. How do you balance your writing career with other aspects of your life, like work and family?
Fortunately, I have reached a stage where all aspects of my life get along really well. I, too, have learned to prioritize and plan better. Being a workaholic, I had to learn to take it easy sometimes.
9. What’s the pen ultimate takeaway for readers reading your book?
Every reader will have their own takeaway. But let me speak about the tag line of Triple Negative, which is ‘a tale of love, faith and surrender,’ and that is the strongest message running through its pages. See, recognize and celebrate the love in your life. Have faith and surrender to the glorious Divine.
10. What’s the one advice you’d like to share with aspiring writers of the genre?
Don’t give up. Keep writing. Edit edit edit – create something the reader who spent money on your book will love to read. Make it worth their time.
Read the heartwarming memoir ‘Triple Negative’ now.
