- March 19, 2026
Karlyn Prakash Talks About Her Book “The Great Exhale”
About the Author:
Karlyn Prakash is a multi-genre author with a passion for the unhurried life. When she isn’t crafting imaginative science fiction or SEL children’s books, she explores the practical philosophy of slowing down through her non-fiction series, Letters From the Sixth Sky. The first volume, The Great Exhale, offers a gentle sanctuary for the weary, blending the insight of a storyteller with the empathy of a friend. Karlyn’s work invites readers to pause, release the weight of expectations, and view their daily lives from a higher, quieter altitude.
Exclusive interview with the author
Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?
A: The inspiration for The Great Exhale came during a turning point in my life when I finally had the space to reflect on the years since graduating from college. After spending much of my professional life striving, chasing promotions, navigating workplace challenges; including moments of sexism and facing personal crises along the way, I realized how much of my energy had been devoted to simply pushing forward. When my position was dissolved in 2023, it unexpectedly gave me the pause I had never allowed myself before. That moment of stillness helped me look at my journey more honestly and thoughtfully. The book grew out of those reflections; the lessons, realizations, and insights that emerged when I finally allowed myself to breathe and examine the path I had traveled.
Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?
A: The Great Exhale is a reflective book that encourages readers to slow down and take a deeper look at their lives. Through thoughtful observations and personal insights, it explores how life’s challenges, transitions, and everyday moments often hold the wisdom we only recognize when we pause and reflect.
Q: What Does The Title Mean?
A: The title, The Great Exhale reflects something many people experience at some point in life; a moment when we pause, release the pressure we’ve been holding, and see our journey more clearly. The Great Exhale is about that quiet moment of reflection when we finally allow ourselves to breathe and understand where we are.
Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?
A: Writing the book taught me that our experiences often make sense only when we take the time to look at them in hindsight. As I reflected on my professional journey and personal challenges, I began to see patterns, lessons, and insights that weren’t obvious while I was living through them. Another lesson I discovered while writing The Great Exhale was the importance of stepping away from constant striving. For many years I focused on proving myself and moving forward professionally, but the writing process helped me understand the value of pausing, reassessing, and recognizing that growth often happens in quieter moments of reflection.
Q: Where Do You Get Your Information Or Ideas For Your Books?
A: I’m naturally curious about how life unfolds and how people make sense of their experiences. That curiosity often leads me to reflect deeply on different situations, and those reflections become the starting point for ideas that eventually evolve into a book.
Q: Do You Have Any Suggestions To Help Others To Become A Better Writer? If So, What Are They?
A: Writing is a process that requires patience. Not every draft will feel perfect, and that’s completely normal. Allow yourself the time to revise, refine, and rethink your ideas. Sometimes the most thoughtful writing comes from taking the time to revisit and improve what you’ve already written.
Q: What, In Your Opinion, Are The Most Important Elements Of Good Writing?
A: One of the most important elements of good writing is having meaningful ideas behind the words. Whether the writing is fiction or reflective nonfiction, the themes should invite readers to think, question, or see something from a different perspective.
Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?
A: My definition of success has changed over time. In my twenties, I viewed success mainly through what I describe in the book as “vertical ambition”; climbing the ladder, pursuing promotions, and achieving professional milestones. As life unfolded, my perspective shifted. Today, success means living a peaceful and happy life, being surrounded by love from the people I care about, and maintaining good health for myself and my family. At the same time, I also believe success includes achieving your deepest personal ambitions. For me, one of those ambitions was becoming a published author.
Q: Where Do You Get Your Greatest Ideas For Writing?
A: Many of my ideas come from reflecting on life experiences. When you pause and look back at different moments whether they are professional challenges, personal turning points, or everyday observations, you often discover insights that naturally evolve into ideas for writing.
Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?
A: My advice to aspiring authors is to keep writing and not wait for the “perfect” moment to begin. Writing improves with practice, and the more you write, the more confident and clear your voice becomes over time.
This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.
