In her reflections, Arundhati Roy suggests that the creative process is not merely a matter of writers extracting stories from their surroundings, but rather that stories have a way of drawing writers into their grasp. She believes that narratives, both public and private, hold power over individuals, compelling them to share these experiences. This dynamic reveals the profound relationship between storytellers and the tales that need to be told.

Roy distinguishes between fiction and nonfiction as different methods of storytelling influenced by her personal experiences. She finds that fiction flows naturally from her, while nonfiction emerges from the pain and struggle of the world around her. This insight highlights the interconnectedness of a writer's creativity and the realities they confront, signifying that stories often seek out those who are willing to tell them.