Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Poland in 1956. My early years were spent in Warsaw, until marriage to an Indian diplomat took me first to India and then to a number of other countries.
In years of extensive travels and living among many different cultures in England, Vietnam, South Africa, the Czech Republic and Ireland, I was struck by the pervasive nature of obsessions in humans, manifested in a wide variety of foibles. Almost without exception, every family – in rich or poor countries, in African, European or Asian societies – has members with irrational personal quirks. Manifestations of obsessive behaviour in my circle of friends led me to a more intensive study of their origins, causes and treatment.
I am passionate about psychology, though I have no formal training in it. I have read extensively on obsessive compulsive disorders which has led me to the conclusion that the medical science of such disorders is still in relative infancy and its practitioners do not fully understand their individual causes and specific triggers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first novel “Born to be Perfect” is a story that draws attention to some of the commonly prevalent psychological disorders and the struggle of their sufferers to overcome them.
The second one, “Her Choice”, deals with social and psychological matters surrounding the controversial and sensitive issue of abortion.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I take notes of my experiences, thoughts and anything that comes to my mind. Whether I am angry, sad or happy I take a notebook or a piece of paper and record my feelings. Later I find my notes in old diaries, on the back of envelopes, post-it notes. They are all input for my writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The literature from the period of “positivism” in Poland influenced my thinking and writing. Boleslaw Prus impressed me greatly, and although he wrote in Polish, he inspired me in my English writing.
What are you working on now?
I am writing short stories. I guess some of them will grow into novels.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use recommendation of all trusted websites. It takes a lot of effort but it’s worth it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing!
Avoid re-reading your written material immediately after it is written. One tends to be very critical of one’s own writing, since one gets the feeling that it does not properly express the original idea behind it. It’s best to read your text after you have forgotten what the original idea was, and then you can judge your written material purely on its merit.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing!
What are you reading now?
I read voraciously – a huge variety of books, authors, genres and languages.
A lot of my reading is in Polish. I also like to read Indian authors in English. I recently read all the books of Manju Kapur who is an excellent and perceptive writer.
“The Julian Symons Omnibus” is now on my bedside table. It has three stories: The Man who killed himself, The Man whose dreams came true, and The Man who lost his wife.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once you are bitten by the writing bug you stay bitten. It is not possible to stop writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Complete Novels and stories by Saki (a.k.a. H.H. Munroe), and a few books of P.G. Wodehouse. These are books I can read again and again.
Author Websites and Profiles
Barbara Raghavan Website
Barbara Raghavan Amazon Profile
Barbara Raghavan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile