Characters Like Us

By Geetanshi Sharma

Exploring the art of diverse and inclusive storytelling 📚🎧 Conversations on writing craft & more with your favorite authors and host Geetanshi Sharma.

... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Characters Like Us:

How many episodes does Characters Like Us have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

Characters Like Us episodes:

August 13, 2025 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: [email protected]
Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay.
Sound Effects from Pixabay.
#MalavikaKannan #AllTheYellowSuns #CharactersLikeUs #QueerWriters #SouthAsianAuthors #YAfiction #InclusiveStorytelling #ComingOfAge #DebutAuthor
...more
53min
July 30, 2025 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: [email protected]
Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
57min
July 16, 2025 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: [email protected]
Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
54min
July 02, 2025 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: [email protected]
Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
45min
June 18, 2025 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: [email protected]
Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
33min
June 04, 2025 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: [email protected]
Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
35min
May 21, 2025 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: [email protected]
⏳ 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.
...more
42min
May 18, 2025 Welcome to Characters Like Us -- Coming May 21!
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: [email protected]
Music by Hafijur Rahman from Pixabay. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
4min
February 26, 2025 Reading Confessions
In this episode, host Geetanshi Sharma and guest co-host Anvita Patwari chat about reading confessions.
CHARACTERS LIKE US is a podcast exploring the art of diverse and inclusive storytelling in the books that we read and write. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode ~ you can also find us on any other platform podcasts are found! Thanks for reading and writing with us 📚💕
http://instagram.com/characterslikeuspod
📚 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB ON DISCORD:
https://discord.gg/KbBTkqGFat
Anvita ✨
@anvitascorner
http://instagram.com/anvitascorner
Geetanshi 🌻
@Geetanshi-Sharma
http://instagram.com/book.noted
Business Email: [email protected]
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
42min
February 12, 2025 Life Updates & Current Reads
In this first ever in-person episode, host Geetanshi Sharma and guest co-host Anvita Patwari chat about meeting each other in person for the first time, life updates, and their current reads.
CHARACTERS LIKE US is a podcast exploring the art of diverse and inclusive storytelling in the books that we read and write. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode ~ you can also find us on any other platform podcasts are found!
Thanks for reading and writing with us 📚💕
http://instagram.com/characterslikeuspod
📚 JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB ON DISCORD:
https://discord.gg/KbBTkqGFat
Anvita ✨
@anvitascorner
http://instagram.com/anvitascorner
Geetanshi 🌻
@Geetanshi-Sharma
http://instagram.com/book.noted
Business Email: [email protected]
Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Sound Effects from Pixabay.
...more
33min

FAQs about Characters Like Us:

How many episodes does Characters Like Us have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.