An Assistant Professor in Sharda University, Greater Noida, Prachi Priyanka had her book ‘Kintsugi’, a compilation of poems, launched at New Delhi World Book Fair held on 1-9 Feb, at Bharat Mandapam. She resides in The Crescent (B601). Below is an excerpt from our conversation.
Ques: Tell us about your book
Ans: ‘Kintsugi’ borrows its title from the Japanese concept that celebrates the art of brokenness. In the delicate art of Kintsugi, broken pottery is not discarded but repaired with gold, transforming the fractures into something beautiful, something uniquely its own. The cracks, once symbols of damage, are instead embraced, highlighted, and cherished for the stories they tell. Similarly, this collection of poems finds its roots in the fractured moments of life – the cracks in the heart, the scars we carry, and the losses that shape us. Not just a name, Kintsugi is a metaphor for the healing process, a testament to the beauty that emerges from the broken pieces of our experiences.
Ques: Your inspiration for writing this book?
Ans: I was going through a phase of turmoil in love and relationships, which led to negativity towards everything in life. Poems helped me to channelize that anxiety and fear into beautiful pieces of art. And that was cathartic in itself. The inspiration was the pain of lived experiences that all of us carry in our hearts. When we release them into poetry, pottery or paintings – they turn into art. And art helps humanity to heal and transform.
Ques: A brief on the book launching
Ans: The book was published by Bigfoot publishing at the World Book Fair, Delhi 2025.
Q: Reaction to your book in the event
A: The book was well received by the readers. They found the poems relatable and beautiful as a means to deal with heartbreaks in life.
Q: Your earlier books?
A: Thistle and Weeds (2016), a short story collection; Caste, Class and Gender in Modern Indian Literature (2020), critical essays; Wabi Sabi (2020), poetry collection; Wo Jo Tha Khwaab Sa (2021), poetry book in Hindi.
Q: Your future plans in writing
A: Currently, I am working on a novella along with an academic project that is almost ready for publication. Wish me luck!
Q: Your advice to the future poets/writers
A: Write from the heart, not the head. Poetry often comes from raw emotion and personal experience. Don’t worry too much about form or structure in the beginning. Let your feelings guide the words. The best poems are the ones that feel authentic and are deeply connected to what you’re experiencing or thinking.
Read, read, read: A good poet is also a good reader. Explore different poets, from the classics to contemporary voices. Pay attention to their use of language, rhythm, and how they evoke emotions. This will expand your understanding of poetry and help you find your unique style.
Embrace revision: Poetry isn’t about getting it perfect on the first try. Be merciless in editing. Don’t be afraid to revise and reshape your work. Let it breathe and evolve.
