- Tell me about yourself and about your journey of writing.
As an educator and a public speech trainer for over fifteen years, writing was the next lap in my journey to nirwana as my foray into the literary world seemed inevitable. Its initiation was with random scrawls, rhymed verses, limericks and diary jottings at the age of twelve until I realised I should embark upon serious writing.
- What inspired you to write?
The yearning to write had already sprouted roots within my consciousness. since I was twelve but the person who first inspired me was my mother. She was also my greatest critic and consistently gave me the impetus to ink my thoughts on paper. Before I knew, my muses were levitating to different locales as I drew inspiration from elements of nature, the tangible and untangible, real and fictional, the known and the unknown, from other poets or authors and even from life itself. I started reading authors like Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath and this evolved into something profounder and of a greater magnitude as I grew up.
- What problems did you face during writing and publishing your book?
The process of writing posed challenges. There were times when I experienced a writer’s bloc which every poet or author encounters in life. Publishing too had its own turbulence but I was fortunate to sail very smoothly though it all. The most important facet of writing is to make your book garner attention of the readers and here the promotional strategies come into play. .
- Tell me about your work and about your books that you have published till now.
I have authored four solo poetry anthologies namely, ‘Quintessential Outpourings’, ‘The Oyster of Love’ and ‘Rippling Overtures’. Success tapped at the door with my fourth book, ‘An Alchemy of Musings’ which reached the number two slot on the Amazon Hot New Releases.
- Your good and bad experience about your book and journey to become a writer.
When I was at the book launch signing my books, a student came up to me and said he read my blog regularly and wanted an autographed copy as I was his favourite teacher. That was an epic moment for me, It made me realise that some dreams seem obscure but later they translate into our lives so candidly and unexpectedly. I can’t recall any bad experience.
- What message would you like to give for budding authors and readers?
Procrastination is a sin when it comes to writing. So live in the present, read other authors for better insights into the nuances and genres of writing. Be as innovative and original. Never compare yourself to others. Don’t get intimidated by criticism but take it positively as an integral process in your evolution.
- What is the best genre of reading and why according to you?
Each genre has its own significance but the genre that appeals to me is poetry because it transcends all barriers and can be penned down quickly. Reading poetry also doesn’t involve too much of time.
- As you have been featured in several newspapers, can you please tell us about the theme of your nominated book?
‘An Alchemy of Musings’ is a book of eighty poems. It is a trajectory of my experiences through life. Alchemy is basically a magical process of transformation. So my musings merged to create and curate this collection. The first fifty-five poems are an exploration into the nuances of life, love, nature, pandemic times and several other themes. These are followed by seven Roseate sonnets and five prose poems that are a part of this collection.
- You favourite author and why?
There is no ‘one’ favourite as I admire several authors. ‘It Ends With Us’ by Colleen Hoover, and ‘The Premonition: A Pandemic Story’ by Michael Lewis are some books I have read recently and relished. Among other books published in India, I have been particularly fascinated by the ‘Ruddy Ravens Anthology’, an Amazon bestseller co-authored and co-edited by Dr. Koshy, Dr. Bakaya and myself.
- What are the three things that a writer should keep in mind while writing and can you suggest the good time of writing in a day?
My advice would be to pen down random thoughts and assimilate them. To get a head-start, read other’s poetic compositions, set writing goals, test the waters before you make the plunge and always weigh the pros and cons before you choose a publisher. Nothing comes instantly so wait for your moment of glory, patience pays in the long run.
Early morning is the most suitable time for writing but if you happen to be a night owl then writing during the witching hour can also be a good option.
Thank you!.
