Characters Like Us

Characters Like Us

by Geetanshi Sharma
BooksFiction
Season 1
Writing Queer Asian American Girlhood with Ann Zhao
On this episode of Characters Like Us, I talk with young adult author Ann Zhao about writing queer Asian American girlhood, online friendships, fandom culture, and creating stories that feel honest, messy, and deeply personal. We discuss Ann’s novel Dear Wendy, the influence of fanfiction and internet communities on storytelling, and the importance of writing queer Asian American characters with complexity, humor, and joy. ✨ In this episode: Queer Asian American representation in YA Fanfiction and online writing communities Writing friendship, identity, and girlhood Creating authentic queer stories The role of the internet in modern storytelling and publishing 📚 Follow Ann on Instagram @annzhao_ and check out Dear Wendy and more books on the Characters Like Us Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 📖 Follow Characters Like Us on Instagram @characterslikeuspod https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ and host Geetanshi @gee.tan.shi https://www.instagram.com/gee.tan.shi/ If you enjoy Characters Like Us, here are a few ways to support the show: 📚 Buy books through our Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 💌 Subscribe on Substack for new episodes and reflections: https://geetanshisharma.substack.com 🤝 Join our Patreon for behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Subscribe for more conversations on inclusive storytelling and diverse books. Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E9
May 20, 2026
41:14
Maya Prasad on Writing Beyond Stereotypes
In this episode of Characters Like Us, I talk with children’s and young adult author Maya Prasad about representation in literature and what it means to write beyond one-dimensional portrayals of identity. We discuss creating complex, multidimensional characters, writing multiple perspectives, and why meaningful representation is about more than inclusion—it’s about complexity. ✨ In this episode: Representation in literature Writing diverse and inclusive stories South Asian identity in fiction Character development and multiple perspectives 📚 Follow Maya on Instagram @msmayaprasad and check out all her books on the Characters Like Us Bookshop! 📖 Follow Characters Like Us on Instagram @characterslikeuspod and host Geetanshi @gee.tan.shi. If you enjoy Characters Like Us, here are a few ways to support the show: 📚 Buy books through our Bookshop 💌 Subscribe on Substack for new episodes and reflections 🤝 Join our Patreon for behind-the-scenes conten Subscribe for more conversations on inclusive storytelling and diverse books. Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E8
May 6, 2026
47:22
Protests & Protagonists: Malavika Kannan on Queer Girlhood and YA Fiction
On this episode of Characters Like Us, we’re joined by author and multi-hyphenate creative Malavika Kannan for a conversation about queer girlhood, radical storytelling, and writing at the intersection of the personal and political. Malavika reflects on her journey from self-publishing in high school to releasing her YA debut All the Yellow Suns, a novel shaped by her experiences as a queer South Asian American growing up in Florida. We talk about what it means to write boldly when you don’t see yourself in books, how her Stanford years and journalism career shaped her voice, and what she’s working on now—including her upcoming adult novel set during the COVID-19 pandemic. From zines to sapphic supper clubs, this episode is a celebration of craft, community, and coming of (r)age. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on inclusive storytelling! Follow Malavika on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/literarymal/ and check out her debut YA novel ALL THE YELLOW SUNS on our Bookshop Page! https://tinyurl.com/clubookshopATYS ⏳ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:39 - Numbered Narratives Segment 05:46 - Malavika's Journey to Becoming an Author 09:14 - Malavika's Writing Practice 11:52 - Transition to Full-time Writing 12:28 - Writing First Novel During the Pandemic 15:11 - Malavika's Approach to Reading as a Writer 22:29 - Exploring Nonfiction and Essay Writing 23:01 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Authenticity 27:20 - Advice for Emerging Writers 32:17 - Reflecting on Early Work 39:05 - Navigating Cancel Culture and Online Criticism 48:32 - Closing Segment 50:32 - Closing This video comes with captions and a transcript. Characters Like Us is a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write. 💫 Enjoyed this episode? 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs Buy Malavika's book on our bookshop / https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 🌻 Follow Geetanshi 🌻: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/gee.tan.shi/ YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@Geetanshi-Sharma 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay. #MalavikaKannan #AllTheYellowSuns #CharactersLikeUs #QueerWriters #SouthAsianAuthors #YAfiction #InclusiveStorytelling #ComingOfAge #DebutAuthor
S1 · E7
Aug 13, 2025
52:07
Earthly Gods, Survival Songs: Jessica Nirvana Ram on Queer Diasporic Poetics
On this episode of Characters Like Us, I speak with poet Jessica Nirvana Ram about finding voice, navigating the margins, and writing the poems that won’t let you go. Jessica shares her path to poetry, what it was like pursuing an MFA, and how writing from a place of layered identity—queer, Indo-Guyanese, South Asian—shapes both her creative work and her experience in the literary world. We talk about claiming space in a landscape that doesn’t always feel like it was made for us, building community, and writing through the feeling of not having “permission,” but knowing you have something to say. From survival songs to earthly gods, Jessica’s work is a testament to the power of naming what hurts—and what heals. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on inclusive storytelling. Follow Jess on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewritingdestiny/ and check out her debut poetry collection EARTHLY GODS on our Bookshop Page! https://tinyurl.com/earthlygods ⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⌛️ 00:00 - Introduction 03:46 - Numbered Narratives 04:35 - Queerness and Bisexuality 10:46 - Jessica's Writing Journey 16:36 - Queer Media and Representation 19:37 - Queerness, Family, and Cultural Context 24:49 - Jessica's Writing Process 36:44 - Spoken Word Poetry 38:03 - Indo-Caribbean Identity 43:09 - MFA Programs 50:14 - Finding Writing Community on Social Media 53:25 - Closing Thoughts and Conclusion This video comes with captions and a transcript. Characters Like Us is a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write. 💫 Enjoyed this episode? 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs Buy Jessica's book on our bookshop / https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 🌻 Follow Geetanshi 🌻: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/gee.tan.shi/ YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@Geetanshi-Sharma 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E6
Jul 30, 2025
56:37
Breaking the Form: Tara Sidhoo Fraser on Memory, Disability, & the Craft of Memoir
On this episode of Characters Like Us, I speak with author Tara Sidhoo Fraser about crafting memoirs that break the mold and speak truth to the complexities of identity, disability, and memory. Tara opens up about the nonlinear process behind her powerful memoir When My Ghost Sings, exploring what it means to write about amnesia, queerness, and disability without centering recovery as the end goal. We talk form, inspiration, and the importance of making space for stories that don’t fit the usual narrative. This is a conversation about writing from the margins—with honesty, artistry, and care. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on inclusive storytelling! Follow Tara on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tara_sidhoo_fraser/ and check out her memoir WHEN MY GHOST SINGS on our Bookshop Page! https://tinyurl.com/CLUBookshopTara ⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⌛️ 00:00 - Introduction 01:23 - Numbered Narratives 04:28 - Tara's Writing Journey 10:45 - Writing During the Pandemic 17:26 - Writing Process for 'When My Ghost Sings' 26:31 - The Impact of Amnesia 29:38 - Stereotypes Surrounding Amnesia and Disability 31:15 - Physical Changes and Identity 36:29 - Connecting with Your Past Self and "Crip Time" 46:36 - Writing a Memoir: Memory and Perspective 48:24 - Advice for Writers 50:00 - Upcoming Projects 51:42 - Closing This video comes with captions and a transcript. Characters Like Us is a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write. 💫 Enjoyed this episode? 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs Buy Tara's book on our bookshop / https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 🌻 Follow Geetanshi 🌻: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/gee.tan.shi/ YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@Geetanshi-Sharma 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E5
Jul 16, 2025
53:33
Unplucked and Unfiltered: Jesmeen Kaur Deo on Body Hair Stigma, Beauty Norms, and TJ Powar Has Something to Prove
On this episode of Characters Like Us, we sit down with author Jesmeen Kaur Deo to talk all things writing, representation, and redefining beauty. Jesmeen shares the inspiration behind her debut novel TJ Powar Has Something to Prove, a powerful story that challenges body hair stigma and South Asian beauty standards. We also get a sneak peek into her upcoming book Reasons We Break, explore her writing journey, creative process, and the importance of telling stories that feel personal, authentic, and empowering. If you’ve ever felt like the outsider in your own story, this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on inclusive storytelling! Follow Jesmeen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jdeowrites/ and check out her debut novel TJ POWAR HAS SOMETHING TO PROVE on our Bookshop Page! https://bookshop.org/p/books/tj-powar-has-something-to-prove-jesmeen-kaur-deo/17502931?aid=113809&ean=9780593403396&listref=books-by-our-guests-characters-like-us ⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⌛️ 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:35 - Numbered Narratives 00:15:29 - Influence of Body Hair Representation in Media 00:16:33 - Body Hair Stigma in South Asian Communities 00:17:41 - Writing about Body Hair Stigma 00:22:26 - Importance of Authenticity Readers 00:25:34 - Body Hair Stigma and Transness 00:27:57 - Writing Community and Support 00:30:00 - Balancing Writing with Other Careers 00:30:44 - Changing Publishers and Genres 00:32:54 - Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Job 00:34:24 - Writing Process for 'Reasons We Break' 00:39:03 - Closing Remarks and Reflections on Writing Impact This video comes with captions and a transcript. Characters Like Us is a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write. 💫 Enjoyed this episode? 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs Buy Jesmeen's book on our bookshop / https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 🌻 Follow Geetanshi 🌻: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/gee.tan.shi/ YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@Geetanshi-Sharma ✨ Follow Anvita ✨: YouTube / @anvitascorner Instagram / http://instagram.com/anvitascorner 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E4
Jul 2, 2025
44:47
From the Slush Pile to the Spotlight: Elba Luz on Publishing, Patience, and Build A Girlfriend
On this episode, debut author Elba Luz joins us to talk about her novel Build A Girlfriend, a queer rom-com inspired by a love of reading, K-pop, video games, and quiet resilience. We dive into her journey from working behind the scenes in publishing to launching her first book, the challenges of balancing a creative life with a full-time job in books, and what it means to keep going — even when the road to publication gets tough. Follow Elba on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elballuz/ & check out her debut novel BUILD A GIRLFRIEND! https://bookshop.org/p/books/build-a-girlfriend-elba-luz/21523087?aid=113809&ean=9781665942515&listref=books-by-our-guests-characters-like-us ⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⌛️ 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:28 - Guest Introduction: Elba Luz 00:01:14 - Opening Segment: Numbered Narratives 00:01:50 - The Hunger Games 00:05:00 - Elba's Writing Journey 00:09:21 - Influence of Video Games on Writing 00:11:19 - K-pop 00:13:15 - Inspiration Behind 'Build-A-Girlfriend' 00:15:34 - Incorporating Personal Experiences into Writing 00:17:12 - Influence of Family and Relationships in Writing 00:21:44 - Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Job in Publishing 00:27:03 - Advice for First-Time Authors 00:30:09 - Elba's Message to Readers This video comes with captions and a transcript. Characters Like Us is a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write. 💫 Enjoyed this episode? 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs Buy Elba's book on our bookshop / https://bookshop.org/shop/clu ✨ Follow Anvita ✨: YouTube / @anvitascorner Instagram / http://instagram.com/anvitascorner 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E3
Jun 18, 2025
32:58
Meet-Cutes and Manuscripts: Writing Romance with Author Swati Hegde
On this episode, we welcome author Swati Hegde to discus her writing and publishing journey, behind-the-scenes of her latest books, and the joys and challenges of crafting swoon-worthy stories. Follow Swati on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/swatihegdeauthor/ and check out her books MATCH ME IF YOU CAN (https://bookshop.org/p/books/match-me-if-you-can-swati-hegde/20601506?aid=113809&ean=9780593722916&listref=books-by-our-guests-characters-like-uss) and CAN'T HELP FAKING IN LOVE (https://bookshop.org/p/books/can-t-help-faking-in-love-swati-hegde/21487974?aid=113809&ean=9780593722930&listref=books-by-our-guests-characters-like-us)! ⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⌛️ 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:34 - Welcoming Swati Hegde 00:03:10 - Segment: Numbered Narratives 00:04:03 - Favorite Authors 00:09:29 - Writing Journey 00:15:39 - Swati's Unique Writing Process 00:19:12 - Advice for First Time Authors 00:25:36 - Being a Queer South Asian Author 00:31:07 - Representation in Literature 00:31:51 - Closing Segment 00:33:18 - Closing This video comes with captions and a transcript. Characters Like Us is a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write. 💫 Enjoyed this episode? 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs Buy Swati's books on our bookshop / https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 🌻 Follow Geetanshi 🌻: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/book.noted/ YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@Geetanshi-Sharma ✨ Follow Anvita ✨: YouTube / ⁨@anvitascorner⁩ Instagram / http://instagram.com/anvitascorner 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E2
Jun 4, 2025
34:41
A Drop in the Ocean, A Voice in the Storm: OCD Representation with Léa Taranto
On this episode, we welcome author Léa Taranto to discuss her debut novel, A DROP IN THE OCEAN, an engaging YA novel about a girl in treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder that combats the dehumanizing stigma around mental illness. Léa and host Geetanshi Sharma talk about writing mental health and disability representation, OCD representation, stigmas associated with psychiatric disorders, and writing journeys. Follow Léa on Instagram @leatarantowrites and check out her debut novel A Drop In The Ocean, which just came out yesterday! You can also find her on her website: (http://leataranto.com/) If you want to learn more about OCD, Léa recommends the International OCD Foundation's website at https://iocdf.org/. For a compiled list of international crisis and suicide hotlines, you can visit https://findahelpline.com/ and https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/. This video comes with captions and a transcript. Characters Like Us is a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write. 💫 Enjoyed this episode? 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs 🌻 Follow Geetanshi 🌻: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/book.noted/ Storygraph / https://app.thestorygraph.com/ YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@Geetanshi-Sharma 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com ⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⌛️ 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:49 - Welcoming Léa Taranto 00:02:06 - Numbered Narratives Segment 00:05:13 - Léa's Writing Journey 00:10:00 - OCD Representation in Media 00:16:13 - Psych Wards 00:19:36 - Basing Characters on Real-Life People 00:21:15 - Mental Health Stigma 00:30:17 - Writing Habits and Care Work 00:34:04 - Léa's New Project 00:37:22 - Closing Segment & Takeaways 00:39:21 - Closing Remarks and Recommendations Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1 · E1
May 21, 2025
41:32
Welcome to Characters Like Us -- Coming May 21!
Trailer
Welcome to Characters Like Us, a podcast dedicated to exploring the craft of diverse and inclusive writing in the books that we read and write, with your host, Geetanshi Sharma. Featuring conversations on writing craft and more with your favorite authors! Subscribe to be notified of the first episode, launching THIS WEDNESDAY, May 21 at 3 PT! This video comes with captions and a transcript. 💫 Support Characters Like Us 💫 Join our Patreon / https://patreon.com/CharactersLikeUs Buy a book from our bookshop / https://bookshop.org/shop/clu 🌻 Follow Geetanshi 🌻: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/book.noted/ Storygraph / https://app.thestorygraph.com/ YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@Geetanshi-Sharma 📚 Follow Characters Like Us 📚: Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/characterslikeuspod/ Business Email: characterslikeusspod@gmail.com Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
S1
May 18, 2025
3:51