Q.1 Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
A. As such not many people know about me. (Laughs…). I am an introvert who enjoys the solitude. A dreamer who imagines a lot. From the clouds in the skies to the leaves in the trees; from a mud hut to high rises there’s so much to imagine and so many stories that form up.
Q.2 Are we going to read more from you in the near future? Any new project you’re working on?
A. Rhythms in Solitude is my debut publication. Since then one of my short stories has been published in an Anthology based on challenges of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, titled Twilight’s Children-Chronicles of Uncommon Lives. My story A Beautiful Life was selected as one of the fifteen featured, out of many submitted in a competition held by Readomania, a publishing house in Delhi.
Readers reviewed this story as one of the most heart-rending stories they have read in recent times and many told me they could not hold back their tears after reading it. After this, I participated in another short story contest by Readomania, and my story The Boy Who Dreamed of Trains was adjudged the best story.
As of now, I have submitted my manuscript for a collection of short stories to my publisher. I am expecting that the collection themed on shades of love will be published very soon.
Q.3 What did you do with your first advance?
A. I bought books.
Q.4 What advice do you have for writers?
A. Read people, think deep. Casual stuff withers, but substantial ones leave a long lasting impression with the human minds. Intellect can’t be valued by material gains.
Q.5 Does writing energize or exhaust you?
A. It consumes me. Unless I get deeply involved in the story myself; I can’t write. I am not at peace until I am myself emotionally churned out.
Q.6 If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be?
A. You did well by pondering, and pinning them down. In the process see how probably you matured.
Q.7 What are the most important magazines or websites for writers to subscribe to?
A. There is so much to read. I try to read as many books as possible. And of course, there are nice e-books and short stories published in sites like Readomania.com and Juggernaut.in where I have come across excellent pieces of writings.
Q.8 What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
A. With the advent of social media, I started posting my poetries on Facebook. I was a bit skeptical initially thinking about the response from the people. But when the first one fetched serious appreciation I realized this is a good platform to express one’s originality. In fact, the offer to publish my poems happened when a close acquaintance forwarded my poems posted on Facebook to the publisher.
Q.9 Do you believe in writer’s block?
A. Not exactly. Mainly for the reason that I am not a habitual writer. I can’t pen down pieces as a routine. When an idea strikes me I take time to ponder over it. This may take from a few hours to days. Once I feel the urge then only my ink flows.
Q.10 Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
A. The biggest satisfaction for any creator lies in the perception of his creation by others. Every originator seeks acceptance and adulation. Behind every literary work, one leaves his or her emotional self a bit. I feel elated by good words about my writing, but at the same time, I crave for critical acclaim where a reader delves deep into the essence of the poem or story and try to dissect it with his/her intellectual abilities.
Q.11 Does your family support your career as a writer?
A. I am not a professional writer. However, my family members take lots of interest in what I write.
Q.12 What do your fans mean to you?
A. Frankly speaking, I am not in that league as far as popularity is concerned where I have a fan base. I have a few admirers who appreciate my writing. Their kind words act as a morale booster.
Q.13 How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
A. So far I have one collection of poetry to my credit. Other than that one of my short stories have been published in an Anthology, and another one as an e- short story. There are lots of emotions and passion behind each one of these works. I have poured my soul in all of them so can’t select anyone as my favorite.
Q.14 Do you have any unique and quirky writing habits?
A. I sometimes write in parts and then, amalgamate later.
Q.15 What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
A. There was this review of my story, A Beautiful Life in the Anthology Twilight’s Children by a reader which read - “Sitting in a crowded metro…unable to hold back my tears…such is the power of ‘A Beautiful Life’…please apprise the author.” This made my day, and I realized for the first time that how one could strike a chord with others through his writing.
Q.16 What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
A. The publishers, I believe need to be more courteous. People submit their works. They may be good or bad, but the publishers need to respond even if they are regretting. Also, they have a responsibility to provide masses with soulful, substantial things that shape up the psyche of society. I find lots of trash being published just for monetary gains which the readers lap up, but essentially these do not do any good to humanity. People devour what you provide them with. So be responsible.
Q.17 Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?
A. A very close friend who is a writer herself.
Q.18 Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
A. Rabindranath Tagore. I would like to see, how he could manage to express himself with such dynamism, multitude, and volumes.
Q.19 What is your favorite book and why?
A. Can’t name one. From O’ Henry to Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Shakespeare to Tagore, it’s like sailing on the ocean and enjoying the voyage. A special mention for Wilbur Smith, whose novels set in Africa and ancient Egypt appeal to my nomadic instincts.
Q.20 Share the experience of your journey so far?
A. Emotional rollercoaster ride.
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