Life, Learning, and Letting Go An Intimate Conversation with Author Dr. Chitra Naik

Life is a journey shaped by fleeting encounters, lasting relationships, joy, heartbreak, and the quiet moments in between. In Gritty Beyond 50 – Better Shot After the Best Shot, Author Dr. Chitra Naik captures these lived realities through a collection of short, impactful stories that are intense, quirky, funny, and deeply relatable.

Drawing inspiration from real people and real experiences, her writing reflects emotional evolution, shifting perspectives, and the timeless value of human lessons. Each story leaves readers with something to ponder—proving that when perspective changes, even painful experiences can transform into meaningful learnings.

1. What inspired you to write this particular book, and how did the idea for the story come to you?

Life itself inspired me. Life is a big journey, and during this journey we meet various people—clients, friends, family, and even brief acquaintances. Each person and experience teaches us something new and helps us evolve. These events, incidents, and people inspired me to craft stories around them, which eventually became unforgettable learnings and memories.

2. Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you follow a specific routine or have any unique rituals that help you get into the creative flow?

I mostly write on weekends. Mornings are when my mind feels the sharpest, so I try to catch that “brainy” version of myself and pen down a story. Writing one story a week has become my ritual. That said, there are times when creativity completely deserts me too.

3. The characters in your book are quite distinct and memorable. Are they based on real people, or did they evolve purely from your imagination?

The characters are largely derived from real-life people. Of course, I do add a touch of drama now and then to make the stories more engaging and interesting.

4. Your book delves into intense yet relatable themes. What motivated you to explore these, and what message do you hope readers take away?

My stories can be intense, quirky, or funny—it usually reflects my mood and experiences during the week I’m writing them. I strongly believe shorter stories hold the reader’s attention and leave them wanting more. Each story ends with a message rooted in good human values. The lessons are relatable and adaptable. When you change your perspective, even a bad experience can quickly turn into a valuable learning.

5. The world-building feels vivid and immersive. How did you create the settings? Were they inspired by real places or events?

Yes, most of the stories are inspired by real events and real settings. They are funny, intense, and quirky—just like life itself.

6. How do you balance originality with genre expectations, and what challenges do you face as a writer?

The biggest challenge is sometimes falling short of ideas or creativity. I don’t think much about reader expectations. I truly believe that if you are authentic, there is a market for everyone. If I start writing to please readers, I risk losing my originality and creative voice.

7. The pacing keeps readers engaged. What’s your approach to maintaining momentum in your storytelling?

This question doesn’t entirely apply to my work since these are short stories rather than a single long narrative.

8. In today’s fast-changing media landscape, how do you see traditional storytelling evolving?

My stories are quite contemporary in nature. I feel short, sweet stories can never go out of trend, regardless of how media or reader preferences change.

???? Buy your copy on Amazon today and embrace the art of perspective, resilience, and reinvention.