Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a dreamer and always saw things beyond what was happened to people in their lives. From the very beginning, I used to weave tales about incidents and would scribble here and there on papers. My official journey with words began with poems. Later I switched to prose and began writing stories and scripts. I began to participate in online short story competitions and had won a few prizes. But this book – When Goodbye Begins – is my first short story collection and these stories have been written over a period of five-six years. Prior to this, I have translated a novel from Hindi to English, published by HarperCollins, one short story included in an international anthology and four-five non-fiction books published by Niyogi Books, Pustak Mahal and S Chand & Co. I write fiction, non-fiction, film scripts and make films, too. My latest film – I Remember is presently streaming on Disney-Hotstar.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Well, the title of my latest book is WHEN GOODBYE BEGINS. There are five stories in it and all five stories are in a way issue-based. These five stories are about failed aspirations, bipolar disorder, malfunctioned relationships, infidelity, hopelessness, child sexual abuse and its ramifications on a character, etc. and about the enveloping dark lanes of memories. There is pathos, feelings, inner conflict and stoic acceptance.
I have been working in the area of mental for the last 20 years. Mind, memories and the intricacies of the mental health arrest my thinking. I personally believe that a healthy mind is the most important part of our beings. If a wire gets snapped in our brain, our lives go for a toss. Working as a mental health activist, in my own little way, I have met so many persons with mental illness and caregivers that I couldn’t restrain myself from highlighting various mental health issues through writing and films. People with mental health issues live in shame and shame gives rise to stigma and neglect. That is why most of my work is concentrated around psychology, mental health and memories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing, except that I need complete isolation. Nobody around me. And I work at night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Any good writing. In recent times Khaled Hosseini, Shashi Deshpande, Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni, Manju Kapur and many others.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a film script. Once that is complete I’ll begin working on my next collection of short stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, I’m very shy about promoting my own work. I’m horrible at marketing and promotions. I would rather give it to a promotion agency and invest my time in writing only.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep reading a lot and writing, irrespective of the fact that it sees the sunshine or not. Perseverance is the key.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have patience and believe in yourself and in your writing. Someday your voice will reach to the people who have a similar emotional trajectory and you never know your writing may open a new door to them.
What are you reading now?
Am reading the translation of Tamil short stories – The Curse, written by Salma and translated by N Kalyan Raman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep on writing and writing and writing.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Gone with Wind by Margaret Mitchell and Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder.
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