In Author's Chair – The Inspiring Journey of Natasha Chai

"For a long time, I had thought that because of my lack of presence, this story would not be worthy - and for many, it still might not be. But perhaps for the few in this world who, like me, have also been chosen to carry this burden, they will, if nothing else, find comfort knowing they are not alone. Though most names and characters of my recount have been changed, the story I share is real. The voice that tells this story is real. It has been real not only for me but for my closest family and friends, who have watched helplessly on the sidelines. It certainly has been real for many others who have been struggling to find their sense of self in the face of this cruel fate.

Call this whatever you deem fit – a memoir, personal essay, a work of nonfiction, or a blend of everything in between. There will be things unresolved and events likely remembered wrong. But in the end, labels, and categories aside, this is a recount of just one person’s journey. It is the retelling of my story, a long-awaited attempt to pick up the scattered pieces of whatever that has been left in a tattered memory bank in hopes that there is still a future for me to live in."

Please joining me in welcoming Natasha Chai, a public servant working in Learning and Development from Canada, and listen to her inspiring journey from experiencing a life-threatening migraine attack to finding therapy and solace in writing. This episode of Stories and Stanza takes you along Natasha's path of numerous health trials and triumphs, unveiling her strength and resilience expressed through her stories. Natasha shares her journey of dealing with hemiplegic migraines and relearning life skills narrated in her memoir aiming to spread awareness about the condition. Discover how writing evolved to be her sanctuary, offering her a medium to articulate her emotions and reclaim the control lost due to her health conditions.

Natasha relives her fond memories of her mother fostering her love for writing and the creation of her first children's book, 'The Little Lost Cat'. You'll hear about her journey from winning her first Golden Pen Award to being recognized as one of the youngest writers by her local newspaper. Explore her unique, unstructured writing process and her views on the essence of writing deriving from personal satisfaction and not merely monetary goals. Be inspired by her story of balancing her professional life with her passion for writing, battling writer's block, and the lovely coincidence of her son sharing the same name with her book's protagonist.

Dive deep into the notion of self-promotion and the role it plays in the journey of modern authors, especially for those who identify as introverts. Natasha discusses the importance of writing as a tool for mental health, providing a snippet from her memoir exemplifying the transformative power of words. Moving away from the competitive aspect of writing, Natasha shares her belief in the benefit of collaboration among writers. Find encouragement in her advice for budding writers on the joy of writing for oneself and the importance of relishing the journey more than the outcome. Immerse yourself in this intimate dialogue with Natasha, where writing, resilience, and recovery walk hand in hand.