"Don't Let Anyone's Opinion Bother You"

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

Well, I belong to a village named Madhubani of District Ballia in Uttar Pradesh and To be honest I’m proud of the fact that I belong to a village. I have seen people hiding this part of their life at various times. I don’t understand why though. Whatever I am, Whatever thought process I behold, It’s all came from there. Well the journey of being a village kid to be interviewed by Eat My News was actually tough, Mostly because in India we don’t appreciate talent when it’s at the first stage. We start appreciating it when it reaches to a place of our liking and I guess that becomes the reason why we don’t see more talented people at huge places. So yes, The journey was tough but it’s always good to be someone who made it.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

Well, To be honest, I first started writing 2 liners, 1 lines back in 2014 when I decided to become an admin of my favourite page on Facebook from that time but I wasn’t selected. As I said in our country we never appreciate a talent when it’s at first stage. So I gave up. I thought let it be but I kept on writing in my diary and stuff. Then at times I used to share my work with few friends of mine and they kept asking me to create a page and to let people have a chance to read my work and that was when I created The Soulmelting Words but then with love comes the hatred and I decided to take on some meme pages for posting offensive content towards women, got into their bad eyes, My content was used to be sensitive, Hence they kept on getting my page reported until they finally got it removed on 224K followers. It was not that big but to me it was everything.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

To be honest I’m not a professional writer yet. But yes if you have the talent inside you, You always find a way to make it stable. Like writing scripts for various platforms. Less hectic, Good money.

4. Who is your favourite writer and why?

Zakir Khan, sounds a bit different ? Yeah, but I have followed him since his talent was on its first stage. I have seen the man’s struggle and If I have to choose a reason to why he’s my favourite, I’ll always go for the way he makes things look so simple. Like he writes these amazing poetries in such simpler words that makes me crazy about him.

5. Where does your inspiration lie?

My inspiration lies in the love I get from people. That’s the only thing I thrive for and that’s the only thing which inspires me to do what I am doing today.

6. What does your typical day look like?

Well, Getting up and the usuals. Then I always write a poetry , Always. No matter what happens, It’s kinda my goal to write a poetry everyday. Then I look for the cases that has been happening around and are getting ignored. I start doing my research about it. I talk to the families of the victims if I get a chance and then I make sure it comes in front of everyone. Then again, The usuals.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

Be simple. I know English or Hindi both are rich languages but I have seen onething in so many days is that the simpler you’re, People relate with your work more. And yes onething more NEVER EVER FEEL ASHAMED OF SHOWCASING YOUR TALENT. DO NOT LET ANYONE’S OPIONION BOTHER YOU.

8. Which is your favourite book and why?

You Are a Badass : How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life. A book by Jen Sincero. You know I read this book when I was going through the moments of failure in my own eyes. My insecurities, lack of confidence was eating me up and That’s when a friend suggested me this book. To be honest I recommend it to everyone who needs to gain self confidence. I’m not saying this book will turn you into a confident person over night, But it will change your attitude towards life for sure.

- Anand Prakash Tiwari

Interview By - Abhirup Dey