Write On! interviews poet Rachan Hegde
I’m a writer and poet based in London and a first-generation immigrant from the Indian diaspora. My work explores resilience, identity and the transformative power of language through spoken word, lyrical essays and memoir. As a brown woman navigating spaces that often don’t reflect me, I use writing as an act of remembrance and reclamation, amplifying stories and voices from the margins.
My work has appeared in the Thought Catalog, Efiction India, Being Woman. I also wrote the manifesto for the Jawbone Journal and have contributed to London Writers Salon anthologies.
A regular performer at spoken word events such as Word Kitchen, Taking The Mic Exeter, and Ooh Beehive, I strive to spark empathy, foster dialogue and celebrate the transformative possibilities of language.
WO: How would you describe your writing/work to someone new to it?
RH: My writing is a blend of poetry, memoir and lyrical storytelling, exploring resilience, identity and belonging. My work often weaves personal narrative with cultural memory, giving voice to stories that are too often unheard – particularly those of women, immigrants and people navigating the margins. I aim for my words to act as both resistance and refuge: challenging dominant narratives while creating space for empathy, dialogue and transformation.
WO: What inspired you to write in the first place and what inspires you now?
RH: I started writing because I was a very quiet child. Books became my closest companions and, through them, I discovered both comfort and possibility. Writing, at first, was a way of creating my own world; a space where I could be heard even when I didn’t always speak.
Now, writing has become something much deeper: it’s a form of justice for me. My words aren’t just about expression but also about telling the side of the story that too often goes unheard. As a woman of colour and an immigrant, I write to reclaim space, to resist silence and to amplify voices from the margins. What inspires me now is the belief that storytelling can challenge dominant narratives, spark empathy and make room for truths that deserve to be spoken.
WO: Recently, Write On! explored the theme of ‘(R)Evolution’ comparing natural, gradual changes with swift and radical ones. Do you view your own writing as having gently evolved over time? Or do you enjoy switching it up and trying new things regularly?
RH: I view my writing as both an evolving journey and an ongoing experiment. Over time, my voice has naturally developed. I’ve learned to explore themes such as identity, resilience and belonging with greater depth, nuance and confidence. But I also thrive on experimentation, constantly testing new forms and approaches: from lyrical essays to poetry, memoir to spoken word, I enjoy discovering which form best captures a story or emotion.
This interplay between steady evolution and bold experimentation keeps my work alive. Some pieces emerge from quiet reflection, gradually shaped over weeks or months, while others burst forth in a single moment of inspiration, raw and urgent. I like that tension; it mirrors life itself, a mix of gentle growth and sudden change. Writing in this way allows me not only to explore my own experiences but also to give voice to perspectives that are too often unheard, making my creative practice both personal and, in a way, a small act of justice.
WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?
RH: If I had to give one piece of advice to an aspiring writer, it would be to write fearlessly, consistently and with curiosity. Writing is not just about talent or inspiration; it’s about showing up for yourself every day, even when the words feel raw, imperfect, or uncomfortable. Each poem, essay or story you create is part of your own creative education, teaching you about voice, rhythm, structure and the ways language can carry meaning and emotion.
I also love the quote from Frodo in The Lord Of The Rings: “You are responsible for the stories inside your head.” It’s a reminder that the ideas, emotions and perspectives you carry are yours to explore and share. Don’t shy away from difficult subjects, from vulnerability, or from your own unique voice. These are the very things that make your writing resonate with others. Write the stories only you can tell, especially those that reflect experiences that are underrepresented or overlooked.
Finally, read widely, seek feedback and remain curious. Engage with different forms, styles and perspectives. Allow yourself to grow not just technically, but emotionally and intellectually. Writing is both a craft and a calling, and the more you commit to it with honesty and courage, the more your work will reach its fullest potential.
WO: Question from Instagram user: @grasshopper2407 Do you purposefully think about the reader when writing poetry, or is it primarily an emotional response to something, and readers are merely happy accidents?
RH: For me, writing poetry starts as a deeply personal and emotional response. It’s a way to process experiences, feelings and observations. In that sense, the words are first for me: a space to explore identity, memory and the stories that matter. That said, I’m always aware my work might be read, shared and interpreted by others, so there’s also an element of dialogue with a reader. I hope my poems resonate, evoke empathy, or spark reflection, but the initial act is always about honesty and expression. Readers are never just happy accidents – they’re part of the life of the poem – but I don’t write with a strict audience in mind. I write with a sense of purpose and hope that purpose finds others.
WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?
RH: My most recent work has appeared in The London Writers Salon Anthology, and in The Manifesto for Jawbone Journal, a collection highlighting the voices of writers from across the Southwest. These opportunities have allowed me to place my work within a wider literary community, while staying rooted in the personal and cultural narratives that shape my writing.
At the moment, I’m preparing to headline events in Exeter, both an honour and an exciting new stage in my spoken word journey. Alongside performance, I’m also compiling my first full-length poetry collection. This project gathers together poems on resilience, migration, belonging and the complexities of voice, with the aim of amplifying stories from the margins and offering readers both intimacy and universality. For me, this collection is not just a book. It’s an act of reclamation, a space for voices too often overlooked and a testament to the transformative power of language.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to studying and deepening my craft, educating myself in the art of writing through workshops, masterclasses and community learning. I’m also eager to continue contributing essays and creative work to online magazines, staying active in performance spaces – from open mics to poetry slams – where I can share words, connect with audiences and grow through dialogue.
WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?
RH: If I could choose one fictional creature as a companion, I would choose Fawkes the phoenix from Harry Potter. The phoenix embodies resilience, healing, and renewal – qualities I deeply connect with as a writer and poet. Its ability to rise from ashes reminds me of the cycles of struggle and rebirth that shape identity and creativity. Having a phoenix as a companion would feel like carrying hope and light alongside me; a reminder that, even in moments of silence or loss, there’s always the possibility of transformation and song.
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You can find out more about Rachan Hegde here: https://substack.com/@rachanhegde and https://thefleetingpoet.medium.com/
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Issue 27 of Write On! is out now and you can read it online here. Find it in libraries and other outlets. You can find previous editions of our magazines here.
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