Yes. I studied English literature and music in college. Also Indian classical dance. That helps me narrate stories, because that’s what you do through dance and music.
Studying the classics gave me an understanding of genre and style. I do suffer from the first generation immigrant’s lack of understanding of the vernacular. I am learning as I go. My Hinglish lends authenticity to my characters.

I have several equally important characters. My characters, every one of them, is a blend of 3-5 people. I based Ankita on a friend from childhood, a cousin, a classmate, and somewhere in there is a little of my younger self. Papa is nineteen paternal figures put together in a single book. Mama and Z are a little like me, but not entirely. There are fundamental differences between them and yours truly.

Oddly enough, I wrote for my children because I had a health scare, and a death threat or three. I thought they’ll have something to know me by when I am gone. The royalties, if any, will be my gift to them. 
Since they began as anecdotes my kids would eventually read, they have a moral at the end of the story. In my editing phase I have tried to make them less “didactic” and maternal. It’s okay for my readers to find motherly advice tucked away in my stories though. It’s a message of hope, mostly. The moms and dads reading my stories and poems will probably relate to my writing more than the younger generation will.

If they are odd, how would I know? They’re normal for me.

There are lots of critics to go around. If they can’t spell I ignore them.
The best compliments? There are a few. “This is the most interesting thing I’ve read all year” – a professional beta reader.

“You changed my life” – an Amazon best seller writer.

I became a writer by accident. I would tell my younger self to study grammar and read a lot more.

They’re all my little pets, I can’t pick one.

Listen to music, watch reality T.V., cook.