Author Interview - Ms Harshita Chauhan Verma from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
I loved reading to the extent that I could be found in my free time in the library. While other students used to bunk classes or sit and watch T.V, I inhale the smell of the yellow pages, sitting in a sunny corner and soaking in all the eras and their writers, getting transported to the city's valleys and the dusty roads of villages.
I have hardly disliked anything since recently. I do not want to work professionally during weekends and holidays. It generally doesn't leave any time for self-enhancement skills, reading, and writing.
When were you first bitten by the writer's bug? Who or what inspired you to take up writing?
First time I wrote was about a sustainable approach to living lives and saving trees. My parents got hold of my page, and they were surprised to see my writings' potential and thoughts. They instantly gave me a hundred rupees bill, which was a considerable amount of money for a child in class four to spend all alone. I couldn't understand what had happened, but my ecstasy knew no bounds. Such appreciation motivated and inspired me to keep writing my thoughts with confidence.
What do you do, and how has it influenced your poetry?
I am an educator by profession. Currently, I am working with Gyan Anant Vidyalaya as an English teacher. Teaching has influenced my poetry and kept me in touch with the works of writers and poets. I generally get carried away in the scenes while teaching my lessons, which gives students a special feeling as they also get transported in the era and live those moments in a fraction of time.
As an author, where do you see yourself five years from now?
As an author, I see myself enjoying writing the content which comes out of my heart and not what is in public demand. To be a good writer, I have noticed that you must write only what your heart gives approval off. The genre can not be forced. It comes naturally. I wish that people may acknowledge my works internationally and receive my results enthusiastically.
How do you face Writers' Block? What motivates you to keep writing?
There are times when I want to write, but words do not flow. There are times when I have ample time to sit and jot but again, my mind goes blank. Sometimes too much in the head is nothing out of hand. Well, I generally take my time off at such times. I do recreational things and don't force my words on the papers. After its own sweet time, that phase ends.
How has writing built you?
Writing has given me an identity. Among a room full of people, I always felt alone and had found myself, misfit, creating an unfamiliar circumstance. Since I started writing, I have come across people who can understand my words my silences, and it's such a pleasure to communicate or not communicate with like-minded people. In a world full of different kinds of people, I have finally been able to find my family and my comfortable space in the outer world.
What are your Achievements? Awards, if any?
I have been awarded many awards from Mahila Prashikshan Sansthan for women empowerment, Mrs. India Pride of Nation, Mrs. India Brand Ambassador 2019, Chamber of Trade Industry Vice President Ghaziabad, Trophies and Women Achievers awards for many social and cultural works, apart from many first positions in creative writing and poetry competitions.
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 am a spontaneous writer. I agree with my favorite author's quote, 'Poetry is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings. It takes me a few minutes to write poetry, a chapter, or a short story. I do not have any regimen for writing. Sometimes, I write multiple poetries or chapters in a couple of hours, and occasionally whole month goes without penning anything. Although, it disturbs me when I have not read or written something for a while.
Are you a reader yourself? What are some of your favorite books?
Yes, I am an avid reader. I have read most of the eminent authors during my graduation and post-graduation days. Since recently, I have been enjoying reading my co-authors' works. They are assorted and give a fresh amalgamation of current times, desires, and feelings.
A few of my favorite works are- Waiting for Godot, Paradise lost, Gone with the wind.
Reading in the mountains or reading on the beach?
Wow! That's a tough one. I would say both. Although I feel cold temperature rather intriguing, I get all muffled up in the blankets and layers. So, I would instead prefer reading on a beach with the cool breeze blowing, the sun being rubbed gently on my palms and face, being in the lap of the mother earth and being looked upon by father sky, with sunrays nourishing my inner strength, waves taking away my blues and wind brushing through my hair.
A quote that never fails to motivate you.
"We make a living with what we get. We make a life with what we give."
Coffee or tea?
Water/ Juice.
A literary figure you would love to meet.
I would have loved to meet Sir William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, John Milton, Samuel Beckett. It's my dream to visit England and especially Stratford and its theatre. The list seems endless. Doing anthologies has brought me closer to more believers and dreamers like myself and could see the world as I see it. I feel rather glad to know them virtually and read their works.
New projects that you are currently working on?
My own collection of simple-to-understand poetry. Most probably, it launches this year. Also, a short story book focusing on a sustainable approach to life, launching in the next couple of years.
When did you write your first book/poem, and how old were you?
I think I was six years old. The time I was able to frame sentences, read and jot down my thoughts. It started with paragraph writing, then essays, stories, and poetry.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to sit on my balcony on the ninth floor and gaze at the sky so vast and far. I want to enjoy seeing the beauty of life. Clouds float in the sky with the sun going down and leaving a silver line behind the clouds. I generally like to see the sun going down, beautifully and majestically. Stars were lighting up the sky with all their might.
What does your family think of your writing?
My parents still appreciate it. My father reads word to word and explains it to my mom, who needs translation sometimes. My husband supports me in writing, as in, he never disturbs me while I am in the zone. Although, he seldom reads or buys my work. All my family and friends are appreciative.
Tell us where your fans can get your work?
My fans can get my works on Amazon India and Kindle, Flipkart, E-bay, Websites of publication houses, and Facebook and Instagram.
Parting Shot:
"All human things are subject to decay, and when fate summons monarchs must obey."
Live what you believe in before you become dust once again. Spread smiles in the lives of everyone around you.
