What led you to writing a chick-lit that delivers a strong message against body shaming?
Body shaming is a subject close to my heart because I have been at the receiving end of it, as have many of my friends and people I know. And it comes in so many forms – jibes on complexion, height, body type, cup size, penis size... It’s nasty, demeaning and I wish it would stop.
What have been the most annoying comments you’ve been subjected to?
Plenty of times and I believe everyone does in some way or the other. However, it is up to us how we choose to let it affect us. I’m not plus-sized and yet I keep getting unsolicited advice from people on how to lose weight. The most annoying phase was when I just had a baby. There I was, breastfeeding an infant and recovering from a C-section, and everyone around me was piling me with tips on how to get back in shape – fast! Also, there have been comments like “for someone your size, you carry off shorts really well”. I don’t understand why anyone should have a problem with the way I look when I don’t find anything wrong with myself.
Since the book came out in February, have readers got back to you with their own body shaming experiences?
{{/usCountry}}Since the book came out in February, have readers got back to you with their own body shaming experiences?
{{/usCountry}}Oh yes, lots of female readers have shared that they could relate very closely to Roli’s character. The most touching email, however, was from a father who said he was going to give the book to his daughter who lacked confidence because of her weight.
From HT Brunch, August 7, 2016
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