Jhumpa Lahiri discusses her writing process, emphasizing the importance of starting with brief, focused pieces. She often writes about specific subjects such as a moment, a person, or a place, limiting herself to no more than a handwritten page. This method allows her to hone in on particular details, which serve as building blocks for larger narratives.

Lahiri believes that observing reality is crucial for writers. She highlights this in her teaching, encouraging students to create short fragments as a foundational step in storytelling. By grounding their work in the real world, writers can develop authentic narratives that resonate with readers.