Being an omnivore means, to me, embracing life in all of its contradictions—the joy that is tinged with despair, the beauty that grows right alongside grief. Here, in this space, I share what I am observing, what I am learning, and the ways I am working to make meaning inside of this weird, wonderful human experience.
Why did I create this Substack?
to consolidate my writing presence and community in one virtual place
to share ideas, questions, & resources with an audience of cool people, which brings me joy
to create a system for providing some supplemental income as I undergo major life changes
I have decided to offer the vast majority of my content for free; should you find value in what I share and feel yourself able to give financially, I will gratefully receive any amount that you can offer.
Whether you have found my work to be of value in the past, or you want to patronize a queer woman of color working to make art in this day and age, I am deeply grateful for your support.
What can I expect when I subscribe?
Weekly emails from me, including but not limited to my commentary on current events, the social/political zeitgeist, and whatever else I’m writing at the moment
Miscellaneous recommendations for my favorite books, music playlists, recipes, podcasts, skin care products, sky’s the limit
Occasional guest posts and interviews with writers & thinkers whom I think have fascinating things to say!
What about journal prompts & craft talk?
Please sign up for a paid subscription if you would like to receive journal prompts and more technically inclined writerly observations designed to support and hopefully inspire your own work. If you are a student/teacher and a paid subscription is not feasible for you, please email me directly: nishtajmehra (at) gmail.com & we will get you signed up!
Founding subscribers receive all of the above PLUS:
A thank-you package of home-baked goodies (no, for real!)
A 15% discount on any future “Omnivore of the Human Experience” merchandise
A signed copy of my next book
About me:
I am the first-generation, only-child of Indian immigrants who taught middle and high school English for fifteen years. I lost my dad when I was young. I’m a mom to two amazing humans, neither of whom came out of my body. I’ve written a couple of books — The Pomegranate King & Brown White Black — and I’m working on a third right now.
My work tends to weave around and through grief, identity, race, belonging, belief, and gender. I am a big nerd, but I don’t take myself too seriously. I also like talking about books, music, and food. A lot. I like talking about food a lot.
Pretty awesome things people have said about my work:
“The honesty and clarity with which Mehra lays out how the family traverses and makes decisions around race, gender, and social structures is so refreshing to read, even if you have no interest in parenthood yourself." - Buzzfeed
"Mehra’s book...is a narrative that mixes a kaleidoscope of stories honoring what is both complicated and beautiful. It allows a world that is at once ephemeral, painful, and delicately raised in truth telling, and truly exemplifies Lorde’s meaning of 'Honoring the Difficult.'" - Lambda Literary
"Mehra’s prose is clear and heartfelt whether she’s writing as daughter, queer, wife, mother or teacher. 'Freedom is a constant struggle,' Angela Davis has said, and in this collection Mehra is unafraid to struggle for her own liberty. Readers may finish these pages a bit freer themselves." - New York Times Book Review
"This insightful, searching book will appeal to anyone contemplating race, family, or growing into oneself." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
