Preserving Humanity Through Literature: A Conversation with Ruchi Acharya
Interview Conducted by Sally Saleh
Ruchi Acharya is a distinguished author based in Mumbai, India, renowned for her captivating book Off the Cliff. She is a devoted champion for writers, a visionary literary entrepreneur, and the powerhouse behind Wingless Dreamer. With a prolific presence in the literary world, Ruchi has been featured in over 100 journals globally. Her academic pursuits include a summer course in English Literature from the University of Oxford, which further fueled her passion for British classics. As the founder of Wingless Dreamer Publisher, she continues to champion emerging voices in literature.
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Ruchi Acharya – Acclaimed Author, Literary Visionary & Founder of Wingless Dreamer Publisher
Sally Saleh: Welcome, Ruchi! It’s a pleasure to have you here. To start, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey in the literary world?
Ruchi Acharya: Thank you for having me! It started with great encouragement from my fifth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Meenu George, who always appreciated and encouraged me to explore my hidden talent and pursue creative writing. According to my siblings, I am good at storytelling, which led me to pursue a career in writing. Over the years, it has been a difficult journey, coming from a conservative Asian background where creative careers are given less respect compared to professions like medical science, business, and engineering. With a rebellious heart, I founded a community called Wingless Dreamer, which is my most prized possession. I have explored various genres and styles, but my true passion lies in supporting other writers. I believe that every voice deserves to be heard, and that’s what drives my work.
Saleh: You founded Wingless Dreamer in 2019. What inspired you to create a platform for emerging writers, and what challenges did you face along the way?
Acharya: The idea came from my own struggles as a writer—let’s face it, breaking into the literary scene often feels like trying to get through a locked door without a key. Between dealing with societal expectations, managing financial issues, and sometimes clashing with skeptical family members, the journey is far from easy. Mental breakdowns? They seem to be a rite of passage. Finding the right resources without draining your wallet? That’s another tough challenge. And don’t even get me started on the difficulty of being seen and heard in an industry that often treats writers like they’re invisible.
That’s why I founded Wingless Dreamer—because poetry and storytelling deserve more than just being written down. I wanted words to come alive, to be seen, heard, touched, and felt. Sure, creating a literary community in this noisy, crowded market has sometimes felt like shouting into the void. But when I witness writers embracing their power, sharing their work with the world, and realizing their voices matter—that makes every obstacle completely worthwhile.
Saleh: Ruchi, Wingless Dreamer has created a thriving literary community, but if you could collaborate with any historical or contemporary writer—dead or alive—who would it be, and why?
Acharya: I would say none other than father of literature, Sir William Shakespeare.
There are three reasons to choose him: First, he was a master of words and practically invented a significant portion of the English language (okay, maybe not that much, but words like swagger, bedazzled, and addiction—thank him for that!). His talent for twisting, bending, and crafting words into something magical would make him the ultimate modern lyricist. Just picture him dropping incredible sonnets on Twitter or ghostwriting rap battles—Shakespeare x Kendrick Lamar? Now that would be a collaboration for the ages!
Second, I truly believe he could write dramas that hit harder than a Netflix series. Love triangles, mistaken identities, political betrayals, star-crossed lovers—Shakespeare’s plays have more twists than a season finale of Game of Thrones.
Finally, his works are like a timeless exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of love, power, greed, ambition, and existential crises—essentially everything that still troubles our 21st-century souls. If he were around today, he’d have a field day writing about influencer culture, corporate greed, and AI existentialism. To tweet or not to tweet? Now that’s the real question.
Saleh: Many writers struggle with self-doubt and creative blocks. Have you ever faced a moment where you questioned your path? If so, how did you overcome it, and what advice would you give to writers going through the same?
Acharya: Oh, now that’s a question I love! And guess what? My editorial team and I have gone full-on detective mode over this topic—we’ve debated it on our podcast, dissected it in our workshops, and probably overanalyzed it in our coffee-fueled brainstorming sessions.
Here’s the thing—I never doubted my path. Writing was my ride-or-die since childhood. I knew, with the clarity of a poet mid-sonnet, that I was destined for something greater. The dream? To wear the crown of an English Laureate. And so, I marched toward it, tuning out the naysayers like background noise in a busy café.
But plot twist! Just when I thought I was this close to my dream, COVID hit like a rogue Shakespearean tragedy, wiping out six years of my hard-earned work in a single cruel act. The biggest villain? Not the pandemic, not the setbacks—but my own mind. Self-doubt became my loudest critic, blocking my creativity like a writer’s worst case of stage fright.
Lucky for me, I cracked the case. Instead of brushing off the problem, I zoomed in. The cure? A full-on creative detox—less screen time, more soul time. I ditched the party invites, embraced nature like a long-lost muse, meditated like a modern-day Wordsworth, and, most importantly, listened to my own heart. And let me tell you—once you regain yourself, the words start flowing again, like ink finally remembering its purpose. Creativity isn’t lost, my friend; sometimes, it just needs a little nudge to come home.
Saleh: Your mission highlights the significance of human emotions in literature. In a time when AI and rapid digital content are prevalent, how do you maintain literature as a true reflection of human expression?
Acharya: I’ve always felt that the true magic of literature lies in the beautiful, messy chaos of human experiences. If you want to write something genuine, immerse yourself in your own life—your triumphs, your heartbreaks, your little “oops” moments. At Wingless Dreamer, we focus on keeping it authentic and heartfelt. Our workshops, Spotify Podcast, and YouTube Channels go beyond just fancy literary techniques; they’re about finding your unique voice and letting it shine. Because let’s be honest—no AI, no algorithm, and no advanced technology can ever match the impact of a well-told human story.
Saleh: You’ve expressed interest in the Breakthrough Writing Program. How do you think this initiative aligns with your vision for supporting underrepresented writers?
Acharya: The Breakthrough Writing Program offers an incredible chance for underrepresented voices. It resonates deeply with my vision, as it provides essential resources, mentorship, and a platform for those who are often overlooked. I view it as a means to create a more equitable environment and guarantee that diverse stories are shared, enhancing the literary landscape for all.
Saleh: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring writers who struggle to find their place in the literary world?
Acharya: My advice? Stick to your voice like ink to paper and just keep writing! In a world full of noise, it’s easy to feel like a tiny scribble in the margins—but remember, every writer holds a story no one else can tell. Most people live just one life, but a writer? We get to live a thousand, all between the pages. Find a tribe that fuels your passion (like Wingless Dreamer!) and take that first leap. Once you’re in motion, you’re already halfway there. And if you’ve got that fire in your belly? Well, my friend, you’re not just writing stories—you’re writing history!
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About Sally Saleh
Sally Saleh and Ruchi Acharya
Sally Saleh is a dedicated PhD scholar, skilled translator, and creative content developer with a passion for language, learning, and connection. A native Arabic speaker, she brings clarity, depth, and authenticity to every project she touches—whether translating, moderating voice content, or designing engaging educational materials in Articulate Rise. Sally is known for her innovative thinking, warm energy, and ability to simplify complex ideas with heart. Outside of work, she’s an avid traveler, music lover, and wellness enthusiast who enjoys peaceful mornings with nutritious seeds and a mindful approach to life. She thrives in warm, welcoming environments and is drawn to simple, genuine people. With every step she takes, Sally blends intellect with empathy, inspiring those around her with a rare mix of creativity, discipline, and soul.