Interview with Chawa Nandini Meghana:

Hi Chawa. Could you share a few fun facts about yourself, as well as some of your hobbies outside of writing?

Outside of writing, I enjoy reading literature, discovering new ideas, journaling, listening to music, and observing everyday moments that inspire creativity. I also enjoy exploring different writing styles and turning simple experiences into meaningful stories and poems.

How did you first become interested in poetry, and in writing in general?

My interest in poetry and writing began from a desire to express thoughts and emotions in a way that ordinary conversations sometimes cannot. Reading different works inspired me to start writing my own pieces, and over time writing became both a creative outlet and a way to understand experiences more deeply.

How has your experience influenced your poetry and perspective as a writer?

My experiences have shaped my writing by teaching me to observe emotions, people, and everyday life more closely. They have encouraged me to write with authenticity, empathy, and purpose, allowing my work to reflect both personal growth and broader human experiences.

"A House Full of Rules" and "Diary of a Silent Daughter" are featured in Issue 5 of Eterna Journal. They explore personal experience, identity, and belonging.

What inspired you to write each piece? What do you hope for readers to take away after reading your poetry?

Each piece was inspired by personal reflections, emotions, and moments that shaped my understanding of identity, belonging, and growth. I often write from experiences that feel deeply human but are not always easy to express in everyday conversation. Through my poetry, I hope readers find connection, reflection, and reassurance that their own thoughts and emotions are meaningful and shared.

Are there any themes, ideas, or messages that frequently appear in your work? Are there themes you hope to explore more in future works?

The themes that frequently appear in my work include identity, self-discovery, belonging, emotional resilience, and the quiet experiences that often go unnoticed. I am interested in exploring how personal experiences shape our perspectives and relationships. In future works, I hope to explore themes of transformation, cultural identity, memory, and the ways people find meaning and connection through change.

Is there a particular project or piece of work that you're especially proud of? Why?

I am especially proud of the pieces that challenged me to be honest and vulnerable in my writing. Those works pushed me to move beyond simply describing experiences and instead communicate emotions in a way that feels authentic and relatable. What makes them meaningful to me is not only the final result, but the growth and self-understanding that came through the writing process.

Are there any artists, writers, or thinkers who have influenced you? How?

I have been influenced by writers and poets who write with honesty, emotional depth, and attention to the human experience. I admire creators who transform ordinary moments into meaningful reflections and who are unafraid to explore identity, belonging, and vulnerability. Their work has encouraged me to write more authentically and to trust the power of simple but intentional language.

Is there a favorite line you would like to share from any of your poems/creations so far? Why is this line meaningful to you?

One line that feels meaningful to me is: “Sometimes becoming yourself means learning to carry both silence and hope.” I value this line because it reflects growth, resilience, and the idea that identity is not always formed through certainty but through embracing change and continuing forward.

What challenges have you faced as an emerging poet, and what has helped you continue writing?

One challenge has been overcoming self-doubt and learning to trust my own voice while growing as a writer. It can be difficult to share personal work and remain confident in its value. What has helped me continue is remembering that writing is both a process and a form of connection—every piece becomes an opportunity to learn, reflect, and reach someone else.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other emerging poets and writers?

My advice would be to write honestly and consistently, even when progress feels slow. Read widely, stay open to feedback, and allow yourself to experiment without chasing perfection. Growth comes from continuing to create and trusting that your perspective has value.

What projects or goals are you currently pursuing? What are some of your plans for the future?

At the moment, I am focused on continuing to develop my voice through poetry and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth. Looking ahead, I hope to publish more work, collaborate with literary communities, and challenge myself through new forms of storytelling and creative expression.

To conclude, is there a message you would like to share with your readers about your journey as a writer?

I am grateful for every opportunity to share my work and connect with readers. For me, poetry is not only about expression but also about creating space for reflection, conversation, and understanding. I hope my writing continues to grow alongside the experiences that inspire it.

Thank you to Chawa for sharing her story and her passion for poetry. We hope readers find inspiration in her journey.