Author Interview: Dr. Santosh Chahar - Rohtak, India
Author Interview
Tell us something about yourself. Who are you as a person? What are your likes and dislikes?
I am a person with high moral values and ideals. I like traveling and am a voracious reader. I don’t like dishonest people. I believe in being down to earth yet aspire to learn new skills as and when the opportunity arises.
When were you first bitten by the writer’s bug? Who or what inspired you to take up writing?
The situation and conditions of women around me inspired me to write about their lives. I loved and lost the Love of my life, and his absence was the bug that coaxed me to use my pen to express my feelings for him.
What do you do? How has it influenced your poetry?
I am a professor in a woman’s college, and teaching English Literature for years together has greatly impacted my writing.
As an author, where do you see yourself five years from now?
I see myself as a proud possessor of at least five books.
How do you face Writers’ Block? What motivates you to keep writing?
Yes, I do face this, but then for a few days, I keep writing work aside and spend time in the lap of nature. I have a huge collection of plants, and tending to these refreshes my soul and replenishes my energy.
How has writing built you?
Writing has made me more content and confident. I feel the joy of having created something which boosts up my energies.
What are your Achievements? Awards, if any?
I am on Instagram for some months and have participated in many anthologies as well as won positions in National Level Raabta Poetry Competition and Squad Talent Media. I have two theses converted into books.
Tell us a bit about how much time you spend in a day on writing. Are you a disciplined writer or a spontaneous one?
I spend at least an hour, but my writings are spontaneous ones.
Are you a reader yourself? What are some of your favorite books?
Most of the works by Premchand in Hindi and all works by Manju Kapur and Bapsi. Actually, I have read many authors like Tony Morrison.
Reading in the mountains or reading on the beach?
Mountains. Actually, I can read anywhere in some secluded spot.
A quote that never fails to motivate you.
“Nothing can dim the light that shines within.”
Coffee or tea?
Tea.
A literary figure you would love to meet.
Maya Angelou.
Any new projects that you are currently working on?
Writing a novel in English.
When did you write your first book/poem, and how old were you?
When I was in eighth class, I wrote my first poem.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to devote time to my little garden and listen to music.
What does your family think of your writing?
My children appreciate, but my husband is indifferent to what I write.
Other family members don’t bother.
Tell us where your fans can get your work?
At Instagram ID @wordsofzoya
I have given my link tree.
Parting Shot:
We all are writers at heart but hesitant to put emotions in words for fear of being evaluated, giving vent to our subdued feelings. Awaken the muse within; that’s what I want to say.
