"Writing Is an Art, Not a Business"

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I could say it is in my blood, some out of passion, some out of life experiences and some while getting bored, is all that describes my journey in writing. My late grandfather being a mesmerizing shayar wrote pieces which gave goosebumps to everyone listening.

I suppose the writing gene got transferred to my father, who still loves to write and sing the poetries written by him and his father. As time went by, writing became a talent for many in my family tree, and finally, a few years back, I started writing.

Ever since I was five years old, I have been maintaining a diary, writing my thoughts which I couldn’t share with anyone and experiences which I want to take further with me forever in my life.

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

Frankly, at the age of fourteen when I was in ninth standard. So, I was just sitting with my family at night, like every day, and my dad was recounting his struggles and success stories over the years. Listening to his experience, I got was motivated, and decided to write a book on my father’s journey.

I decided to start writing and keep improving my English, in order to type down something so inspirational for the audience that they simply remember ‘Lekhika’ (https://www.instagram.com/lekhikaaaaaa/) by her name.

Then step-by-step, I started putting up blogs and poetries in order to see what others are doing and where I stand. And recently, I achieved one of my long-cherished dreams, when I got featured for an Anthology named ‘Ethereal'.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

To be honest, it purely depends on the passion, dedication and the knowledge you invest in order to make it happen. There are writers working for multinational companies who give their day and night to achieve what they desire.

But at the same time, there are writers who spend ample time to deliver something which might make them millionaires and gain them respect in the world of literature. But logically both are acquiring what they have dreamt of.

Thus, all career opportunities are stable, but it just depends on the approach you have to attain it. And my approach is to write something every day, share it with my audience and get their reviews in order to be prepared enough to write the book I’ve dreamt of.

4. Who is your favourite writer, and why?

Having an interest in reading a lot of motivational books surely helps me in leading a happy and successful life. It not only motivates you to think positively but also helps you shape your coming life in a systematic manner.

I have read many books by various authors, including ‘Build A Better You by Emmanuel Anthony Das’, ‘Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill’, ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.’

But the one that stands out for me is Jack Canfield’s ‘How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.’ He talks about the twenty-five principles, how to build your life and be responsible for your actions. He even talks about how important it is to consider the feedback your people are giving in order to shine like a star.

5. Where does your inspiration lie?

From whosoever, I am to whoever I want to be; my only inspiration is my parents. I’ve listened to what they have gone through, many things I’ve even seen in reality. I wish to pen it down not just for them, but even for the people out there who might face the same scenarios in their lives.

I am inspired to be a writer as I acquire what my parents have – Humanity, Dedication and Talent. And when you have it, then why not flaunt it? I believe that the experiences we go through in life, both the good and the bad, are learning experience.

I think it is selfish if we keep those experience only to ourselves. Since God has given me the talent to write, I want to not only share my experience, but I want to give others the chance to express themselves and share their lives.

6. What does your typical day look like?

This one would be really interesting to answer, I suppose. So, my typical day is getting up checking my phone and having something healthy in the morning, like my favourite sweet lime juice. Then I plan my day according to what I have in my to-do list.

From researching for my upcoming blog ideas to just scribbling down a few lines for poetry is surely what I begin with. Then I sit down to read at least an hour daily for which I’ve downloaded an app called ‘Bookly’ to track my time, build my own dictionary, and track down the quotes I like while listening to soothing ambient sounds unbuilt in it.

By the end of the day, my job is to prepare dinner for my family and even give half an hour to the utmost love – Dancing.

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

Though currently I stand nowhere but working and writing since these years what I have learnt is one should ‘feel and express.’ Be it the one already popular in this field, or future aspiring writers, whenever you pick a pen to jot something down, go in-depth of it. How? Read the fellow people write-ups and do not see them as competitors as writing is an art and not a business.

Understand the cause and the emotion before you start writing as that will give an essence, and lastly do not go for fancy words, just focus on how to express and make your audience feel what you are trying to convey.

8. Which is your favourite book, and why?

Nothing promotional, but I love it because I am the co-author for the same. As mentioned above, I recently got featured for an anthology named ‘Ethereal’. Anthologies are basically a collection of poems and other short pieces of writings. Published last week, its currently doing great on Amazon and Flipkart all over the world.

I not only consider it my favourite because I have my piece of content in it, but because that content is for a social cause. The poetries which got selected are on sexual abuse which is surely a topic to talk about. I feel proud to be apart of this contribution and would love to take it further.

Interview by - Suhani Mangleek