- Tell us a bit about yourself.
Ans- I’m grateful to have a multi-faceted life and assume that I have become an inspiration to the millennials. I’m a proud Guinness book of world record holder, author of two individual books, Words Unsaid… & Love vs= Weed on Amazon.), and 8 anthologies in my kitty. I’m happy to be a member of several writing communities and have won numerous awards for my literary work.
I’m from the clan of those contemporary Indian poets and authors who love to write about real-life experiences, society, women, climate change, sustainability, and awareness on the whole. I, majorly write about travel, self-love, humanity, patriarchy, self-help and more. My romance is my poetry, proses, short stories and verses. I’m a full-time travel junkie and pens down my travel journals and blogs at www.spiritedblogger.com.
I’m the founder of Mystopedia Creations a place that showcases handmade art with sustainability intact. I create abstract artwork that is rich in culture, heritage, nature, idols, human life and more. A share of your purchase here will be donated to NGOs with whom I’m associated and working. That’s my way to pay Gratitude to the Universe.
- What inspired you to take up writing?
Ans- Honestly, inspiration is something that generates from within. For me inspiration is everything. My child, my life experiences, my surroundings, nature, our societal systems, how people are living their life, the present, the past and the future – everything counts as an inspiration. I do not confine myself to one genre in writing. I write whatever I love to write and I read all genres and I also recommend the authors and writers to read all sorts of readings, this generates heightened inspiration.
- What is your take on plagiarism in the writing community? Any suggestions on how writers can safeguard themselves from such practices?
Ans- Avoiding plagiarism is paramount for the writers and the authors in any community. A simple guide to ethical and honest writing is not to copy others work. No one is stopping you to take inspiration or ideas for your work, but copying it for a few bucks or recognition will not help you in the long run. For a writer, it is crucial that the integrity of work shall not be compromised. To avoid this and keep the community fair and honest, use the writing best practices. Whenever you are using someone else’ work, quote, case study or reference give citations, credit, indexing – this helps and show that you are genuine. use plagiarism tools and check for duplicate work if any. Remember a writer shall be true to oneself then only it works.
- Which is your favorite genre to write on?
Ans- I write anything that comes from within. Trust me I love writing to the core and have been writing since 15 years now. The joy and the pleasure of writing takes to an another world of expressing life. However, if you ask my favorite genre to write – it will be travel, poetry, self-help, motivational/inspirational, children books, non-fiction.
- Tell us a bit about your writing journey so far.
Ans- Grab a cup of coffee because my writing journey is a bit stretchy, long and interesting. I’m making it smaller for you. When I started writing I did have not much idea from where and how to begin, although I always wanted to excel in writing. Though not thought to be an author for a long time. I always loved to read and write diaries. Gradually I started filling up my journals. When I started solo travelling, I did not have a phone or camera with me. The only thing that made me capture the moments was my journals and I use to draw or doodle the landscape. Later, I submerged into professional writing as had no money to bring up my child and suffice my expenses. Slowly, began writing blogs and articles for companies and agencies. Did worked full time too for a while. I also got rejected many times saying that I do not have a literature background or you have this and that issues. But I always stick to one thing, that my learning shall not stop and I’m supposed to excel in whatever I do. This is when God reminded me that your hobby needs to go in your profession, as this is required and the word is supposed to spread out. Since then it was no turning back for me. In a way, the divine lord confirmed to me that I’m on the right path. Finally, my books and articles got published and my poems touched many hearts. I found a new me in my articles. My journey is a roller coaster ride and these ups and downs made me stronger day by day. I have more to come in future for all of you to read and learn and stay happy.
- What according to you is your best literary work till date?
Ans- I have published two individual books and contributed in 8 anthologies till now. My third book will be out this month in October 2021. My best Literary work as per me is Words Unsaid (collection of poetry with artwork and illustrations created by me). For me it is the best in books and apart from this my magazine publications and articles published in international websites are also close to my heart.
- What are your upcoming projects in the literary field?
Ans- I’m coming up with a self-help nonfiction book on emotion called GUILT. It is a self-development book that has journal prompts for writing and short stories from life experiences. Then there is poetry book for travelers in the pipeline.
- Who is your favorite writer? What would you do if you get to spend a day with your favorite writer?
Ans- I can’t give you one name, just can’t, every time I’m asked this question I get stuck because there are many whom, I admire and get inspired from. My all-time favorite novels are God Father by Mario Puzo and The Fountain Head by Ayn Rand. Then in Poetry Pablo Neruda and Khalil Gibran. Well, Then, there is Indian writers too whom I appreciate one among them is Namita Das and Sudha Murthy Ma’am. Now with these variants of authors the routine to spend the day with them would change. Ideally, If I club all I would love to understand and learn about their daily routine and how an author can concentrate on the writings. Also, I would just want to be with them for the whole day talking and knowing about their life.
- How does it feel to be an award winner for your amazing work?
Ans- Look it is very simple, any kind of appreciation from anyone for your hard work feels awesome. Even when my kid or a friend appreciates me for my books and awards it feels great. Thus, when your literary work gets recognized in the world of literature and writer community, obviously it is a boost to your morale and you get motivated to deliver good work.
- What would be your two-line advice to upcoming writers?
Ans- Write what you like, don’t write for the people, but write for yourself. When you do this, you will see automatically people would love your work as it is, the real you. Be humble and cultivate good work that shall spread smiles, awareness and learnings.