Congratulations on the release of The Slice I Never Shared. How does it feel to finally share your emotions and writings with readers?
Thank you so much. It feels both exciting and overwhelming. Many of these poems were written during deeply personal moments, and for a long time they lived only in my notebooks. Sharing them with readers feels like opening a door to parts of myself I once kept hidden. At the same time, it’s comforting to know that these emotions may help someone feel understood and less alone.
What inspired you to write this collection of poems and reflective pieces?
The inspiration came from everyday experiences, personal struggles, relationships, memories, and moments of growth. As I navigated different phases of life, writing became a way to process emotions I couldn’t always express aloud. Over time, I realized these experiences formed a larger story about growing up, healing, and discovering oneself, which eventually became this collection.
The title The Slice I Never Shared feels deeply personal. What does the title mean to you?
To me, every person carries hidden pieces of themselves—thoughts, fears, dreams, heartbreaks, and memories that are rarely spoken about. The title represents those unspoken parts of my journey. This book is my attempt to share some of those “slices” that I once kept private, while also encouraging readers to acknowledge their own.
Your book explores themes like loneliness, healing, love, and self-discovery. Which section was the most emotional for you to write?
The section that explores loneliness and silent struggles was probably the most emotional. Writing about difficult moments required me to revisit feelings I had buried for a long time. However, it was also one of the most rewarding sections because it reflects the journey from pain toward healing.
Many young readers may relate to your work. What message do you hope teenagers and young adults take away from this book?
I hope they understand that every emotion they experience is valid. It’s okay to feel lost, uncertain, heartbroken, or different. Growth doesn’t happen all at once, and healing isn’t always linear. Most importantly, I want readers to know that they are not alone in their struggles.
You published your first book at a very young age. How has your writing evolved over the years?
My early writing focused mainly on expressing emotions as they came. Over time, I’ve learned to be more reflective and intentional. I’ve become more comfortable exploring complex themes, embracing vulnerability, and crafting pieces that connect personal experiences to broader human emotions.
Authors like Jane Austen and poet Victoria Chang inspired you. How have they influenced your writing style?
Jane Austen taught me the importance of observing human nature and relationships with honesty and nuance. Victoria Chang’s work showed me how poetry can be deeply personal while remaining universally relatable. Their writing encouraged me to balance emotional depth with simplicity and authenticity.
Alongside writing, you also lead the initiative Annadatri. How do social causes and real-life experiences shape your creativity?
Social work constantly reminds me of the stories people carry and the challenges many face silently. These experiences broaden my perspective and deepen my empathy, both of which influence my writing. They help me move beyond my own experiences and connect with the emotions and realities of others.
Which poem or piece in the collection holds the closest place in your heart, and why?
That’s a difficult question because each piece represents a different chapter of my life. However, the poem that reflects childhood memories and innocence holds a particularly special place in my heart because it captures a time of simplicity, comfort, and wonder that many of us long to revisit.
Writing about personal emotions can be vulnerable. Was there any poem you initially hesitated to include in the book?
Yes. There were a few poems that felt almost too personal because they revealed emotions I rarely discuss openly. I hesitated because vulnerability can be uncomfortable. In the end, I included them because I realized those were often the pieces readers might connect with most deeply.
Are you active on social media? How can readers connect with you and stay updated on your future projects?
I enjoy connecting with readers and sharing updates about writing, books, and ongoing projects. Readers can follow my social media platforms and professional pages for announcements, new releases, and insights into my creative journey.
Where can readers buy The Slice I Never Shared in paperback or digital format?
Readers can find the book in paperback and digital formats through major online bookstores and ebook platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, Google Books, and other listed retailers.
Do you have plans for another poetry collection or future writing projects?
Absolutely. Writing is an ongoing journey for me. I’m always collecting ideas, observations, and experiences that may grow into future projects. While it’s still early to share details, I hope to continue exploring themes of identity, growth, and human connection in future works.
What advice would you give to young writers who wish to express themselves through poetry and storytelling?
Write honestly. Don’t worry about perfection when you begin. Read widely, observe the world closely, and allow yourself to be curious. Your unique voice is your greatest strength. The more authentically you write, the more meaningful your work will become.
Thank you for answering our questions. Is there anything you would like to say to your readers and supporters?
I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me, believed in my work, and taken the time to read my words. Every reader gives a poem new life through their own interpretation and experiences. I hope The Slice I Never Shared reminds you that your feelings matter, your story matters, and even the quietest parts of your heart deserve to be heard.
“Some slices stay hidden, but they shape who we become.” ❤️📖
Anusha has always found herself surrounded by books, publishing one of her own at the age of ten. Being a fond reader, she often immersed herself in classics from authors like Jane Austen or poets like Victoria Chang.
She is a high school student from India, who finds keen interest in developing, researching and expression. When not occupied with competitions, she finds herself taking out time for her student initiative, Annadatri, focusing on reducing food waste and malnutrition, problems that are not only about hunger but about broken systems as well.
Being recognized at different levels, Anusha works at the intersection of narrative and interface, combining creative writing with human-centered design to build meaningful digital experiences.
This book is a record of different selected poems she has written during diverse phases of her life in hopes of helping others her age find language in the silence the world offers them.
Review – The Slice I Never Shared by Anusha
