In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are highlighting stories written by Asian and Pacific Islander authors. Today's interview is with Nablai, whose story was a 2020 Bootcamp Mentorship Participant. 

About the Author: Nab is 47 years old, and she lives with her husband and two children. She's from Ahmadabad, India. She's a great fan of Jane Austen with Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility being her favourites. She loves music and listens to the Back Street Boys, Cold Play, Imagine Dragons, Nickelback amongst others.

About 'From Me To You: A Tale Untold': Santosh and Ibrahim are two individuals brought together through violence in the Kashmir Valley. With both nursing broken hearts and shattered dreams, it will take a lot to trust each other and move on to realize their true potential. This is a story about discovering ourselves, finding what matters to us most and staying on that course.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hey everyone :) I'm Nab. 47, and I'm a writer on Wattpad. I'm a big fan of Jane Austen with Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility being my favourites. I like to listen to music and am a fan of the Back Street Boys, Cold Play, Imagine Dragons, Nickelback amongst others.

2. How do you identify within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and how has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

I'm from India and identify with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in sharing a strong set of values of hardwork, tolerance, inclusivity, humility, perseverance, determination and passion.

3. Does your family have any traditions that are important to you? Feel free to share at least one experience here!

We make sure to have at least one meal together. All of us lead busy lives and sometimes, life just happens. It's the moments that count. 

4. If you could introduce something from your culture to someone else, what would it be and why? It can be a tradition/custom, food, music, or anything else that comes to mind!

I'd love to share biryani (both mutton and chicken version)with our community. Food is a great way to connect with the people and we learn so much about the diverse cultures through food.

5. What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

It's more than just a month. It's a cultural celebration that recognizes the contributions, histories, and cultures of AAPI individuals and communities.

6. How do your experiences as an AAPI author shape your stories? Do you take inspiration from your culture to tell your story? You may talk about 1-2 stories here.

I try to incorporate the culture of India and Asia in my story "From Me To You: A Tale Untold". It can be something Indian based like talking about the patriarchal mindset or the way Asian moms fuss over their kids and are fiercely overprotective of them. It can be the way fathers are the silent supporters and show their love for their families in so many ways--not very evocative, but always by our side. 

7. What is your favorite myth or legend? Why?

As a woman, Goddess Durga is a constant inspiration to me. In Indian mythology, goddess Durga is a fierce warrior who is the destroyer of evil. She is also known to be kind and nurturing like a mother figure whenever needed. 

In the eastern states of India, like West Bengal, the Hindu festival of Dussehra is centred around a legend surrounding Durga. The celebrations commemorate the homecoming of the goddess after defeating the buffalo demon Mahishasura, who was blessed with a gift that no male could ever kill him.

8. If you could have the same powers as a creature and/or deity from mythology or legends, what would it be? Why?

I'd love have the powers of Goddess Durga as she is feminine epitome of strength. She combines the qualities of feminine prowess, power, determination, wisdom and punishment with relative ease. A multitasker like all of us :)

9. What is your advice for other writers who want to use mythology in their story?

Be true to your roots and authentic to your culture. Everything else can be made up. My best wishes are with you ❤ I'm always here for you :)

That's it for the month, it was fun getting to know about Nablai. You can check her stories featured in our reading list as well as her other works. If you're interested in learning more about other AAPI authors, check out Myth & Legend's AAPIHM reading list here.