S. N.
Kashyap

S. N. Kashyap is the author of two collections of short stories, Bonds and Knots, which explore the emotional landscapes of identity, resilience, relationships, and the quiet moments that shape us.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Kashyap spent the 1990s navigating life as a student in the U.S. Those experiences later inspired many of the stories in Bonds. Set before the era of smartphones and social media, the collection blends humor, nostalgia, and reflection, introducing characters that are part memory, part imagination, and all heart.

Knots, his second book, expands this literary tapestry across Prague, Pennsylvania, and India. Deeply collaborative, the book was shaped with the guidance of editor Meera Srikant, thoughtful beta readers, and the artistic contributions of Tulsi and Aditi, whose work brings each chapter to visual life.

Kashyap writes with warmth, curiosity, and a desire to connect. His stories are stitched from the threads of lived experience, cultural observation, and creative invention. He welcomes conversations with readers and fellow storytellers!

Background

Decades ago, I hopped on my first-ever flight from India to the USA, filled with the sadness of leaving my family behind, a sense of adventure about living in a foreign land, and excitement about discovering research opportunities in Computer-Aided Engineering. I spent the early to mid-1990s as a graduate student, learning to navigate a new place and a new chapter of life.

Roots

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit us all, I had the luxury to reflect on my journey and those around me. There were several tales I wanted to share, and once I started putting them into words, I could not stop. One short story led to another, and I decided to publish Bonds in May 2023. I have continued to alternate between music production and storytelling.

Inspiration

While some tales are biographical, each character is an amalgam of myself, my kith, my kin, my creative liberties, and figments of my imagination.

I have set some of the stories before the era of social media and ubiquitous electronic communications. So, certain situations I have presented may seem absurd today, although we did fine with our limited technologies!

Scores & soundtracks

S. N. Kashyap creates original scores and soundtracks for film and audiobook projects, including Aloo Poori, an independent short film written and directed by Aditi Sridhar.

Conversations

Check out S. N. Kashyap's interview on the RJ Vaibhav Show podcast.