In Conversation with Prashna Narayana Rai

About Prashna Narayana Rai

Hailing from Sullia Mangalore, a region nestled within Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, Prashna is a rising writer in Kannada literature. Her literary journey commenced in December 2021 with the publication of her debut poetry collection, “Kavyagange.” This was swiftly followed by her critically acclaimed debut novel, “Katheyadhale Kavayithree,” released in March 2023.

Born into a family deeply rooted in the agricultural heritage of the region, Prashna’s father, Narayana Rai, transitioned from a corporate career to embrace the life of a farmer upon returning to their native land. Her mother, Shashikala, upholds the traditions of the household. Despite pursuing a successful engineering degree from Canara Engineering College under the ambit of VTU, Prashna’s heart yearned for the creative realm. Currently employed as a Procurement Lead in a multinational corporation, she exemplifies the art of balancing a demanding professional career with her burning passion for writing.

LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?

Prashna Narayana Rai: This book marks my debut novel. Before I begin writing anything, I always remind myself, “I must contribute something different to the world of literature.” I started this novel in Kannada, my mother tongue, and after a year of relentless effort, I finally achieved the outcome I was striving for.

My strong command of Kannada allowed me to write this novel in a poetic style, blending multiple concepts seamlessly. The story is rich in characters and deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of Karnataka, which made translating it into English quite challenging. While the central concept translates well on a global level, it’s often difficult to find equivalent expressions for cultural and native elements in another language. Nevertheless, I’ve done my best in this translation.

When merging multiple concepts, one must be careful to maintain strong connections between characters, themes, and the overall narrative. It’s essential that readers never feel as though something is missing or that unnecessary elements have been added to the story. These were some of the thoughts I wrestled with throughout the writing process, and I handled them as best I could.One who love nature they must read this book. Here many concepts and interesting characters are there.

I don’t know how much this novel will resonate with readers, but the journey has been incredibly valuable. I’ve learned so much, and the lessons from this experience will undoubtedly help me in my future literary endeavors. Above all, I’ve loved every step of this journey.

LiFT: Why you chose this title?

Prashna Narayana Rai: When selecting a title for a book, it should reflect the essence of the entire story. The title plays a crucial role in attracting readers and serves as a powerful marketing tool. It must be interesting and catchy, as readers need to feel a connection to the title before deciding to buy the book. A well-chosen title also gives an indication of the book’s overall quality. After considering several options, I finally decided on “Justice Prevailed at Last” because it embodies all these qualities.

LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?

Prashna Narayana Rai: I began my writing journey back in high school, but took a break during my college years. Up until SSLC, I studied in Kannada medium, but transitioning to an English medium in college left me feeling confused, so I focused solely on my studies during that time.

After securing a job, I realized that something was missing from my life—I felt unfulfilled. That’s when my old passion for writing resurfaced, and whenever I found free time, I would write, finding it both relaxing and rewarding. Around this time, my brother suggested I take a course in film direction. I had the privilege of learning direction through Puttanna Kanagal Institution, with special credit to Mr. Senprakash for his guidance. While I gained valuable insights, I still felt the need to improve my writing.

I started seeking opportunities on social media and came across several online writer groups like Inchara, Ugadhi, Sahithya Siri, Sahithya Sampada, Jnanathrushe, Shithya Kusuma, and many others. These groups hosted daily competitions that helped me hone my skills with great pleasure.

When I was ready to publish my first anthology, Kavayagange, Mr. Parashivappa KB, the owner of Sneha Book House—one of Karnataka’s prominent publishers—graciously gave me the opportunity to launch my book. Following that, my debut novel Katheyadhale Kavayathree was launched by Cleverfox Publications, and my latest work, Justice Prevailed at Last, was published by Exceller Global Press.

LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?

Prashna Narayana Rai: Let me approach this from a different perspective, as the current world can be quite confusing for those striving for greatness.

In today’s landscape, everything you do is judged through the lens of others’ perceptions. Your hard work and dedication often go unnoticed, and even if you produce exceptional content through your writing skills, its success ultimately depends on readers’ tastes. Frequently, a great vision may be misinterpreted, causing it to miss the mark. Given all this, success today isn’t merely about reaching the pinnacle; it’s about remaining true to your journey. The true victory lies in staying grounded while the world spins around you.

I want to focus on my own growth as a writer and improve my unique style. I aspire to introduce new concepts and forms of entertainment to the literary world. I aim to explore a variety of ideas and seize every opportunity that comes my way, working diligently to achieve my goals. My ultimate dream is to share the beauty of my mother tongue, Kannada, with the entire world.

LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?

Prashna Narayana Rai: In today’s world, marketing undeniably plays a crucial role in every field, and promotion is essential for gaining visibility. Social media, with its vast reach, can be a powerful tool for this. However, there’s a harsh reality that we must confront—readership is steadily declining. While some writers do manage to get noticed, the majority struggle to reach their audience even after publishing their books.

The truth is, many people nowadays are more drawn to quick content like social media reels and videos, and fewer people truly understand the value of reading. They may not realize that reading has the power to shape personalities, build patience, and improve focus. A good story can transport readers to a whole new world, making them forget about their surroundings. Reading not only increases concentration but also offers a unique escape into a fictional universe—without the constant distractions of advertisements or notifications.

When promoting books today, it’s not just about selling the product; it’s about reminding this generation of the value of literature and the importance of reading. The challenge for writers is not just to market their work but to reignite the love of reading itself. Once people rediscover the joy of books, the need for aggressive promotion diminishes. Writers can then focus on refining their craft, knowing their readers are engaged and ready to explore what they have to offer.

LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?

Prashna Narayana Rai: For me, writing is a profound passion that I cherish deeply. Throughout this journey, I’ve encountered failures, struggles, and even criticism. However, it’s essential to find positivity in challenging situations. Embrace your failures, learn from the lessons they offer, and focus on the next steps. Don’t let setbacks deter you; if you persist, you may discover a beautiful new world ahead. So, keep pursuing your dreams, even in the face of adversity.

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Prashna Narayana Rai: Maximum i will work for my professional life improvements.. Because its my bread and butter. I must survive there. Rest of the some time i will spend in writing and improvements areas. Some time i love to give my family. Whenever i go my native i love cooking and gardening.When i feel like i need a break i will watch movies and read some good books

LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?

Prashna Narayana Rai: Writing is my personal sanctuary, a beautiful world where I can escape when reality becomes overwhelming. In that space, I find peace and happiness, and I prefer to keep it to myself. I maintain it with care and clarity, reluctant to let anyone else disrupt its tranquility. While I’m open to suggestions when necessary, I ultimately make my own decisions about my writing. This sometimes disappoints others, but I prioritize sharing my own vision with the world. When I start to listen too much to outside opinions, I often become confused, and my original ideas get lost or take an unintended direction. Therefore, I embrace independent writing and take full responsibility for my successes and failures, regardless of the feedback I receive.

When I encounter writer’s block, I take a short break to recharge. Afterward, I engage in brainstorming or immerse myself in great books. Sometimes, I simply spend time in nature to find inspiration

LiFT: What if your story will be adopted as a movie? Whom would you want to work as a director or actors in it?

Prashna Narayana Rai: I enjoy collaborating with anyone who shares a passion for their craft. I believe there are many talented individuals out there, waiting for the right opportunity to showcase their abilities. If I admire someone’s work, I am eager to partner with them, provided they bring unique ideas and a strong vision to the table.

Additionally, if given the chance, I would love to learn from accomplished directors about current trends in storytelling and direction. While I have some theoretical knowledge in direction and scriptwriting, I aim to deepen my practical understanding to bring my own vision to life.

LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.

Prashna Narayana Rai: I have several projects in the pipeline, but currently, I am focused on an anthology and my Kannada novel titled “Ranbetegararu,” which I have already announced.

LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?

Prashna Narayana Rai: Set you goals.After success also Improve your writing skills daily.Build your unique writing style.dont hesitate to face failures.Be strong and Accept the comments and complements in equal way.

Click here to order Prashna Narayana Rai’s Book – Justice Prevailed at Last