1. Can you tell us about your journey as a writer? What inspired you to start writing?
My journey as a writer began very recently. As an educator, I was always fascinated by stories for young children. I love reading books and am often lost in the worlds created by authors. This adoration naturally led me to try my hands on writing Children’s picture book. Through this journey, writing has become a way for me to explore my thoughts and connect with others on a deeper level. My journey as a writer has been fuelled by a love for storytelling and the inspiration I draw from well-written words. It is a path that continues to evolve, bringing new experiences and opportunities to express myself and connect with readers as well as young minds.
2. How do you develop your characters? Do you draw inspiration from real-life people or create them entirely from your imagination?
I am very inquisitive of nature and the smallest of creatures on this Mother Earth. I start developing on their traits whether my character is bold, shy or curious, thus developing an individual who can drive the story and connect with young children.Would love to create both fictional and non-fictional characters.
3. What is your typical writing process like? Do you follow a strict routine or write whenever inspiration strikes?
Somehow, I cannot follow any writing process or any strict routine to write my story. It’s just a flash of idea striking over me to push me to hold my pencils and rough sheets of paper and oozing out numerous ideas. Ofcourse, my mug of cold coffee is always with me everywhere I go.
4. How do you handle writer’s block or moments when you feel stuck in your writing?
Taking a short break from writing has always helped me to clear my mind, thus alleviating my stress. I leave for my long walks which helps me regain my ideas and then bringing me back to my writing time.
5. What role does research play in your writing? How do you approach the research process for your books?
Research plays an important role in my life. This is mainly to be precise while using new vocabulary as my target audience is young children.
6. How important is the setting or location in your stories? Do you prefer using real places or creating fictional ones?
Setting is one of the most important element in a story. The setting needs to be very descriptive and colourful for a child to keep looking at the book again and again. I believe that the character shows up when a setting of the story is expressive. I prefer using both real and fictional settings, depending on the plot.
7. Are there any particular themes or messages that you try to convey through your writing?
My main aim is to make Grammar aspect easy to understand for a child. Through my stories, I intend to make the concept easier by giving different examples, thus making a book more innovative and decipherable.
8. How do you handle criticism or negative reviews of your work? Do they affect your writing process or style?
Since I am very new to this, I cannot much say. But yes, I am preparing myself to handle criticism as a way to learn from them and infact not consider it as a negative review but focus on it and improve myself.
9. Can you share any memorable fan interactions or feedback that have impacted you as an author?
My family and my ex coworkers have actually helped me reach this level. Their reviews matter me and ofcourse, still looking out for more reviews.P.S- My son, surprising me by purchasing a copy of my book in London and sending me a picture of it. I consider this as my most memorable feedback
. 10. Do you have any specific writing rituals or habits that help you stay focused and productive?
A mental wellbeing, setting clear writing goals, creating a calm writing space and most importantly- staying inspired can significantly enhance my productivity and creativity.
