Author Interview: Divya Venkateswaran, Mumbai, India
I am a bibliophile… I love writing and reviewing upcoming authors. Music is my passion too.
When were you first bitten by the writer’s bug? Who or what inspired you to take up writing?
I came across this story in the Times Of India (online) Soul Curry Section, and it invited anyone and everyone to write their soul-stirring stories. I started contributing and got published there. My mom has been my inspiration throughout.
What do you do, and how has it influenced your poetry?
As I mentioned above, I love reading, so I read a lot of poetry and prose. And it has helped me a lot in improving my writing skills.
As an author, where do you see yourself five years from now?
As a published author, what more can I ask for? I would someday want to come up with a novella.
How do you face Writers’ Block? What motivates you to keep writing?
I just let it be. A block is a block; how much ever you try, thoughts will fail to come to you. So the best thing is to take a break and read something which you like or fascinates you, you may be able to overcome it.
How has writing built you?
There was a time when I used to write daily. Now I am not able to with work and other responsibilities. But it has certainly made a lot of difference in the way I think and perceive things. Also, I am able to express myself more freely through writing.
What are your Achievements? Awards, if any?
I have won several contests across various online platforms. I have more than 29 anthologies for my kitty and coming up with my poetry book. I am also co-authoring a poetry book with a published poet.
Tell us a bit about how much time you spend in a day on writing. Are you a disciplined writer or a spontaneous one?
More of a spontaneous one. I am not a disciplined writer, and if I have to develop a novella, I know I need to be a disciplined writer.
Are you a reader yourself? What are some of your favorite books?
I am one. I love to read Indian authors. Some of the books I love are Secret by Rhonda Byrne, Blink, Difficult Daughters by Manju Kapur… I live to read Paulo Coehlo and many more.
Reading in the mountains or reading on the beach?
I won’t mind anything as long as it is reading.
A quote that never fails to motivate you.
A word after a word after a word is power. – Margaret Atwood
Coffee or tea?
Coffee anytime
A literary figure you would love to meet.
Paulo Coehlo, Amitav Ghosh
Any new projects that you are currently working on?
As I mentioned earlier, co-authoring a book with a fellow poet. She is already a published author.
When did you write your first book/poem, and how old were you?
I started very late. My book of poetry is still to come out. Hope it will be out soon.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Music and reading
What does your family think of your writing?
Well, have never asked this question to them. I hope they like my writing.
Tell us where your fans can get your work?
My fans… I don’t know if I have one, but they can find my work through my book, which will be published soon. And they can find some in my Instagram handle and FB.
Parting Shot:
To all my author and poet friends here. Let the creative juices flow and keep inking!!
