Interview With Author Priya Hutner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on an ashram led by a charismatic Brooklyn housewife turned guru. I’ve met hundreds of spiritual teachers, meditated over 10,000 hours and participated in some bizarre spiritual rituals to attain enlightenment.
These days I am non-fiction writer and author living in the mountains near Lake Tahoe. I’m also a private chef and own The Seasoned Sage catering company. Cooking is a like a meditation for me and supports my creative life.
As a writer, passionate about literary arts and music, I cofounded the Tahoe Literary Festival, which celebrates the literary arts. The event offers a platform for authors, poets and songwriters to share their work and talents. I also understand the importance of recognizing and supporting emerging authors.
I’ve just completed my first book, Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation. The memoir chronicles my epic quest to attain liberation, my devotion to a charismatic female guru, and my eventual journey to break free from the cult-like spiritual ashram I was raised in.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation was initially born out of a need to heal. A personal awakening and the decision to leave my guru and spiritual community after 25 years was the catalyst to write my first book. My exit from the ashram was both traumatic and terrifying. After leaving, I lost everything, my connection to my teacher, family, friends, and community, writing was a way to process the heartache, pain and grief I experienced. I also lost the certainty I had in my life, my purpose as everything I once believed was shattered. It took many years to become whole again.
Eventually, the book took on a life of its own. I wanted it to read like an adventure story. The story explores themes of giving up one’s power, seeking answers outside the self, and finding the courage to walk away from what no longer served me at any cost. I touch upon the complexities of belief, family allegiance, spiritual entrapment, and unfurling myself from the bondage of belief.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure that my writing habits are unusual- being outdoors and exercising in the mountains every day is imperative for me. It turns out this is where many of my ideas emerge for story. Tahoe is an awe-inspiring place that lends itself to creativity. Whether I am on a hike, out biking, or skiing, being in the outdoors allows me to get quiet and step into the stillness of nature that fosters my creativity. I tend to write in my head while I am wandering in the woods or hiking up a hill. Often, I have to stop, pull out my phone and record the ideas that arise to keep them from dissipating into the air. My morning writing routine is generally fueled by coffee and the computer. An evening routine might include an occasional bourbon on a dark winter night and lying on my daybed with my computer writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
These questions always tend to throw me. I read a lot, and there are so many great authors and amazing books I’ve read that have shaped me from a young child until this minute. Patti Smith’s Just Kids, was one of my favorite memoirs-I can’t wait to dive into her new book, Bread of Angels. Mary Karr’s The Liars Club, Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, and Stephen King’s On Writing were early influences. Mark Nepo’s Drinking from the River of Light and Ram Dass’ Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying offered words of wisdom while my father was dying.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the release and launch of Chasing Nirvana. (Who knew that you’d need to become a book marketer after you write a book!) I have several writing projects I am working on, including a cookbook series and a memoir based on my years as a private chef. I am also preparing to send out the call for readers for the Truckee Literary Crawl on April 10-11. It’s a great opportunity for new and emerging authors to get seen. Apparently, there are not enough hours in the day…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Self-promotion is tough. I use social media, my website, and my literary channels to support my book. My background in marketing is also helpful. What I think is most important is connecting with people in my community, the literary world and networking with the people I meet through my work with Tahoe Literary Festival. I think this is key to laying authentic groundwork and helping with support my efforts with my book. I love networking and supporting other authors; it is exciting and creates new relationships and connections. I also make time for speaking engagements. A wise person in the publishing industry once told me say “Yes” to everything and as many opportunities that arise.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be fearless, allow for the creativity to flow and don’t give up your dream. Listen and keep learning. Allow for the stream of consciousness in your writing to fall onto the page and edit later. There are often pearls that arise in the flow.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write because you love the craft. Write what you know. And have fun on the journey.
What are you reading now?
My book queue is a bit unwieldy at the moment. At the moment the following books are being read, James, Percival Everett, Animal Bodies, Suzanne Roberts, A Girl Within a Girl, Nanda Reddy, The Lost Piece, Kim Danielson and Maybe a Note Would Help, Kristen Tremonti. I am definitely a mood reader, so often I have several books going at once. Some are timely for reviews and some are for pleasure. And then I cozy in before bed and read something light.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting my book and more writing. Storytelling is important to me. I am planning several speaking events around Chasing Nirvana’s launch. I am also looking for a home to publish my next book projects. My journey living in a spiritual ashram was unique and shaped who I am. Freeing myself from the belief systems and conditioning, a challenge, I’ve had to reinvent myself after leaving and that has helped me stay present, stay in the moment and also look to the future. I continue to explore new opportunities in my life as a writer.
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?
Wow, that’s hard. I usually ask the question in relation to food (probably sushi in my case). But books -I think I’d bring books I’ve yet to read. Carl Hiaasen to make me laugh, Emily Henry for fun, Rick Rubin to contemplate, and Heather McCollum to escape. I think I’d need a book on 100 ways to survive on a desert island- seems like that would be an important book to have on hand.
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