- How does an idea for a story come to you?
Be it story or poem, I develop ideas from real life experiences. Trust me there is nothing better than getting insights from moments for sure. Most of my poems or stories are inspired from my life but a writer should also be a good listener and observer. There are places I love to sit and observe people around like Cafe, movies or malls where I get to see each one dealing with situation. And the stories just flow there as long as I keep my eyes and ears open.
2. At what age did you start writing?
I have started writing from early teens. As I have a less social circle, I always used to pen down my emotions what I am dealing with on daily basis. Initially, it started as a hobby but as I kept going it transformed into a passion.
3. Is this your first book?
My first book title says “Musings on Life” and this is the second book I had written “A soul of Candy Heart”
4. What is the story in ‘A soul of Candy Heart’ about?
I have written a couple of poetry books titled “The musings on life” and “A soul of Candy Heart” which describe the moments of life, the hard ones, the ones which gave absolute bliss, the ones which made us vulnerable and strong at the time same time. I have taken the bits of information from myself and from people whom I know around to blend them together into prose and poetry in a notion to heal a plethora of souls, letting them know they are not alone and they are fighting to overcome the hardships. These are the collection of poems I dedicate to all those for handling themselves in turbulence.
5. Why did you name your book as ‘A soul of Candy Heart’?
Some of the experiences that have really inspired me to write poetry eventually lead me to assign the title “Musings on Life” and “A soul of candy heart” which describes the journey of our lives through a plethora of situations. Some are extremely memorable, some we try to crush them down because reminiscing is more painful. And all those emotions had been compiled into poems where I believe people could relate while traveling through every word.
6. Which is your favorite character from this book?
All the characters that I mentioned in these books are inspired by real life. Those who betrayed, those who never fails to uplift me. In a way, I admire them for teaching me lessons and teaching me to channel my energy into an optimistic vision.
7. What do you think is more important- the words used or the feelings?
I think according to me the feelings are very important. One has to contemplate the feelings of every situation they are into, only then the words would flow through contentment or misery. The feelings are a sheer art form to forge stories and poems in a way of writing path.
8. If a favorite character of your favorite book comes alive in front of you, what would you say?
Firstly, let me admit strongly that my favorite character, I mean the all-time favorite character is Ayan from “A hundred little flames” by Preeti Shenoy. If he ever comes alive, I will surely hug him and land him a kiss out of admiration for his efforts of reuniting his grandfather to his beloved woman whom he had treasured in memories. His journey to discover his grandfather’s past had moved me to the mountains and brought tears to my eyes. Oh, Ayan do you really exist? ( laughs)
9. Is there a particular time of the day when you write your ideas? When?
I usually write every now and then in 24 hours. Whenever an idea pops up in my head, I would race towards my pen and start writing because I don’t want it to get wasted away. It’s important I feel for a writer to carry a book and pen for jotting down ideas on spontaneous. But if I have to specifically fix hours to sit and write then I prefer nights the best time for Owl to accompany me rather than mouths with words (laughs)
10. Just like you are an inspiration to others, who is/are your inspiration?
Is it? I am shocked and overwhelmed if it’s true that I am an inspiration to others. Thank you for acknowledging me that way (laughs) but it’s truly an honor to inspire at least a few. Well, as to your question Megha Rao and Preeti Shenoy are my inspiration to keep my writing on go. In fact, I worship them. And I believe everyone should read their work it’s marvelous.
11. What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
Being focused. Strange isn’t it? But true. Tell me how hard it is to stay focused especially in Era where we’re engulfed in Digital media, it’s hard to resist the temptation from sneaking work and peeping social media content. For me, the biggest accomplishment that I have ever acquired is remaining focused. Trust me once you are focused you will achieve heights, it’s that magical. By all means, even if it requires sacrificing your personal affairs, just do it for the sake of growth. For me there aren’t regrets for losing some people and even now my family doesn’t completely understand my vision but that’s okay as long as I am focused, reaching heights won’t be a rocket science anymore.
12. They say, “Nobody can judge you, as much as you yourself can.” Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
The future is a mystery. I judge my progress from yesterday. How much I have progressed every minute matters. I evaluate my progress at every level in the present scenario. When things are going on the right path, I will have a clear picture that the future has a huge blessing for me. As long as I am alive, armed with pen and words, that’s when I am an entitled writer or author.
13. What would you do if you weren’t into writing?
I would have definitely been into filmmaking I suppose. Cause apart from writing, I do enjoy watching movies in a manner where I observe its perfect way of crafting. And teaching is the core love for me. Am I lucky enough to be an educator as well? Touchwood (laughs)
14. How do you react to the reviews that you get about your writing from your readers?
I deem it as an honor. An absolute pleasure to my eyes. Even if it’s bad, I accept their point as constructive criticism to progress better in writing. Reviews are indeed helpful to improvise and learn to self-betterment.
15. Which is your favorite fictional character?
Parvateshwar from the Meluha series. One should have a loyal friend like him for sure.
16. Who is your favorite author?
Preeti Shenoy, Amish Tripathi, Sudha Murthy, Megha Rao, and Gillian Flynn.
17. List any 3 books that you would recommend to our readers.
I strongly recommend “A Hundred Little Flames”, “5 AM Club” and “Home Going by Yaa Gyasi”. Please do give them a read for the profound narration they had given to it.
18. Is there one specific subject you would never write about? What would that be?
Definitely a big no to autobiography. I had already been on that journey and I was deeply exhausted. The only problem we get to face is that research- from authentic sources. There were days I had never got a response and would stand outside for hours to get the information. But the regret of making choice taught me a lesson. And if somebody approaches me to write an autobiography then I would not repeat the earlier mistake instead I will start researching about that person if it’s totally worth taking a risk then I will jump right into it. Else I wouldn’t regret leaving the offer.
19. Which is your favorite genre? Why?
The drama keeps me on the hook and related to history. These are the genre help me to visualize the emotions of story and dive into the depth of characters treatment.
20. Which genre, according to you, is the most difficult to write?
I believe crime and thrillers are the most difficult to execute. Developing the plot with several manipulations, adding twists, and keeping the suspense in flow by not letting readers to distract is definitely challenging. Something which I am eager to learn. I enjoy reading such books but crafting that kind of book is always my dream. Let’s see if I could make it come true (smiles)
21. Are you working on your next? What is it about?
Yes, I am working on a love story. A story that is extremely close to my heart and it’s my baby. I have been spending every single day nurturing this project to produce the intense emotion to this work. It’s about a woman who wants to be a writer who lands into a project where she is supposed to write about a film actor who happens to be setting the trend in the industry. How they meet, how their journey of relationship going to make wonders is what the story is all about. I am not going to spill more beans about it cause this is so special (laughs)
22. What is your message to other budding poets/writers?
Please please keep writing. If you ever want to be a poet or a writer, yes you are. Cause you have already planted a seed inside your blood now you need to flourish it with consistent thriving. Don’t underestimate the poet and storytelling inside you. Don’t let anyone’s opinion oppress your vision. You are astonishing, keep believing in your work and keep moving ahead. Because time does its business to make the days race, let’s not stand behind shall we?
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Amazon India :- https://www.amazon.in/Soul-Candy-heart-Madhurima/dp/B0992TR5LR/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=A+soul+of+Candy+Heart&qid=1631815991&sr=8-3
