From Carleton Grad to Accomplished Novelist

Priya Ramsingh (BA ’93) has always had a way with words. From her early passion for literature to her career as a novelist, her path hasn’t always been linear, but it has been filled with perseverance and purpose. Now, with a new book and a wealth of experience behind her, Ramsingh reflects on her journey from English student to accomplished novelist.
Ramsingh graduated from Carleton in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature. During her studies, she was drawn to Canadian novelists like Margaret Laurence and Margaret Atwood but pursued communications and marketing roles shortly after graduation. She drew from her writing background to establish herself in the corporate world and began freelancing as a reporter for the Etobicoke Guardian, alongside other magazines and publications.
“What’s funny is that I came out of school with an English degree, and for some reason, I stopped writing fiction,” said Ramsingh.
Ramsingh said she knew she had a book inside her from a young age, despite pursuing a career in business writing and journalism. She began writing fiction again in her 30s but put the project she was working on at the time aside to concentrate on her communications career. She knew it was time to start writing fiction again when a negative experience she encountered in the workplace prompted her to briefly leave the corporate world.
“One day I sat down and those bad experiences started to come to the surface, so I started writing,” says Ramsingh. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was at home for six months, so I finished my first book in that time.”
Ramsingh’s first novel Brown Girl in the Room is loosely based on her experiences in the corporate world. The book sparked her career as a novelist, and she hasn’t stopped writing fiction since.
Her latest book, The Elevator, draws inspiration from her own experience of running into a person she encountered on a dating app in her Toronto apartment building. She said readers can expect a quick read but stresses that it covers a few difficult topics and doesn’t follow the formula of a traditional romance novel.
Additionally, Ramsingh continues to write about topics like diversity and environmentalism for the Toronto Star and considers herself an advocate for anyone or anything without a voice.

“I write about things that I’m passionate about,” says Ramsingh. “Events will spark something in me, so I’ll sit down and write an op-ed about it and sent it to my editor.”
Since beginning her career as a novelist, she’s even met Margaret Atwood – one of her earliest inspirations – who she asked to support a Bill tabled in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The Bill, which would mandate that all new construction in the province features bird-safe windows, received Atwood’s enthusiastic support and voice.
“It’s amazing that I studied her work in university and then I got to meet and work with her,” said Ramsingh.
Ramsingh expressed that, no matter how hard she tried to get away from writing, it always found her again.
“I’d be discouraged because of how tough writing is. But every time I tried to change paths, somebody would come out of the blue and tell me I was a good writer,” said Ramsingh. “These instances would continue to push me and give me the encouragement I needed to persevere.”
When asked what words of wisdom she had for newer members of the Carleton alumni community, she stressed the importance of following your instincts and surrounding yourself with people who are invested in your success.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself because nobody has it all. Follow your dreams but be practical about it.”
Ramsingh’s final piece of advice: “Check your envy when observing the success of others around you. When others seem to be thriving, remind yourself to keep an eye on your own prize and celebrate others as you would yourself.”
“If you compare yourself to someone else, you’re living someone else’s dream.”