The Literature Times: Welcome to The Literature Times, author. Congratulations on the release of your book. What responses are you getting from your readers? Please share your experience with this book.
Author: It is quite heartening to know that people have liked the concept of my book and have appreciated me for writing children’s stories! They also liked the fact that I have drawn my own illustrations and have included a separate section for difficult words.
The Literature Times: What encourages you to become an Author?
Author: My love for writing a personal diary right from my childhood where I made minute observations of my friends and incidences around me made me pen down my thoughts in the form of stories. I have also been extremely fond of reading right from my childhood and get absorbed in the marvellous world of reading different genres. I felt it was the best way to convey one’s innermost feelings through stories and tales.
The Literature Times: What are your favourite topics of writing? Please tell us something about your interest areas in the literature.
Author: Short stories and Mystery stories for young children are some of my favourite topics. Novels and articles are some of my interest areas in literature. Travel experiences are something I would love to pen down and is in my wish list!
The Literature Times: We were hoping you could tell us about some of those writers who had inspired you and whom you follow!
Author: Late Enid Blyton, Ruskin Bond Sir, Sidney Sheldon, Priti Shenoy and Jeffery Archer are some of my favourite authors! Ruskin Bond Sir is someone I really look upon and admire since my childhood days!
The Literature Times: The titles seem different and catchy; how you decided it? Please let us know the story behind it.
Author: “Bedtime Dhamaka” talks about the bond between children and their parents/guardians. Since kids are very active at night and take a long time to settle down; the best way to calm them down –is by narrating an exciting story to them! Just cuddle up with children in bed and read out to kids!
The Literature Times: What are your achievements so far? Tell us something about your writing career.
Author: In the year 1976, I suffered from a viral infection called Encephalitis. However by god’s grace, I recovered to such an extent that I became a school teacher, an artist and a writer! This I feel is my biggest personal achievement! Since college days, I have been very actively involved in helping with the Adult Literacy Classes. I have spent at least twenty years in volunteering and assisting children and young adults in basic education in renowned institutes like the Ramkrishna Mission, The Children’s Rehabilitation Centre where I got a golden opportunity to work as an Educational Therapist, Assema and The Urban Community Development Centre. (UCDC)
I have also received a Certificate for aiding Cancer patients in the Psycho-Oncology as a Volunteer Training programme; and in the Leprosy Elimination Action programme. I have completed my Post graduation Diploma in Education Management, Post-graduation Diploma in Counselling, a Degree in fascinating Psychology and a Diploma Course in Teachers Training.
When I got a chance to work in Panchgani as a school teacher in a Residential School, I was really lonely and missed my family and friends. It was at that time that I started seriously penning down my observations about people in my personal diary. I felt calm and relaxed…It was at that time I started dreaming about putting all my thoughts and ideas together in the form of a book. Later, my first book of stories was published by Lead start Publishers in the year 2005 and it was ingauarted by Priya Dutt.
The Literature Times: What is your current goal in writing as a career? How do you see your future in writing?
Author: I definitely see myself writing as a fruitful career in the future as it really makes me relax and think about creative ways in expressing my thoughts. I want to attempt as many genres of writing – as a possible goal.
The Literature Times: Are there any other books being worked by you? Please let us know about your future projects.
Author: Yes –I have a few books lined up and am in the editing stage. The next book is Shh…that’s a secret! ‘Secret Brews’ is a collection of true stories. Part 2 of my first book- “Over a Cup of Coffee” and coming up is a series of Mystery books for children.
The Literature Times: How you see Indian writing in the 21st century? What changes do you see in the modern way of writing? Do you feel it has been changed by the time?
Author: Today in the 21st century, people write both –in print as well as online. Writing is a fundamental skill that enables us to communicate effectively and express ourselves clearly. People can express in words in their language. The modern ways of writing has changed as writing is evolving due to new technology. Letters have replaced emails, telephone to smart phones, news to the internet…
The Literature Times: How easy/ difficult it was for you to publish your book? What message would you like to give to budding authors?
Author: In the beginning, getting my work published was quite a challenge for me. Researching and understanding every publishing house’s requirement and the type of work they do is a challenging home work. You have to undertake it if you are serious in your writing skills. But once you have tried to convince the publishers that what you want to express out to the world is unique and people are going to learn from your writing- THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!
My message for budding writers is-
1. Find out which authors or authoresses you like their style and STUDY A BOOK to see how they express. 2. Identify your genre first 3. READ, READ and READ as much as possible! READ ALL TYPES OF BOOKS, MAGAZINES, PERIODICALS –Whatever you find! 4. Express yourself in the language which is most comfortable for you. 5. Try to get your writing checked for grammar, spelling errors and send your drafts to people who are thorough in English like your own mentors, friends etc before sending it to publishing houses. 6. Goggle is a very effective tool in assisting you with tips and suggestions while writing to various publishing houses and whatever information you need. 7. Always keep an excellent dictionary/reference books for guidance and help.
