The Literature Times: Welcome to The Literature Times, author. Congratulations on the release of your book. What responses are you getting from your readers? Please share your experience with this book.
Shyamala: Thank you so much! This really means a lot. I am so glad to be here today.
This was a continuous journey and an incredible experience. Beginning with the prologue, scaling it to the theme till the epilogue was a journey that is hard to be blessed by the Oblivion’s curse. That brought back many memories and made me want to live the good old days again. Nostalgia strikes me hard today, but I’m glad that the readers are liking the book and are able to connect with the book.
The Literature Times: What encourages you to become an Author?
Shyamala: Becoming an author was something that didn’t happen to me. I chose it by all means.
I think there is no substitute for putting out the emotions and feelings out raw. That’s the most purest form of literature. Back then, it was the depression and the lack of self-acceptance and the desperation to feel loved and cared for, or atleast to be heard, for that matter, that made me write on a serious note.
Otherwise, I have always been a writer since childhood.
The Literature Times: What are your favorite topics of writing? Please tell us something about your interest areas in the literature.
Shyamala: Like I said, there is no substitute for putting out the emotions and feelings out on paper. Realistic writing is what impresses me and I would always choose to be real.
Literature which people can easily relate to and feel connected on a personal level is what I would love to write always. For me personally, there is nothing like reflexive writing.
The Literature Times: We were hoping you could tell us about some of those writers who had inspired you and whom you follow!
Shyamala: Inspiration must be drawn from within is what I would always say. For me, the biggest inspiration will always be my father, though he was never really a writer. It shall stay the same way. If there is one person whom I shall always look up to it will be dad always.
I hope that he is proud of me today!
The Literature Times: The title seems different and catchy; how you decided it? Please let us know the story behind it.
Shyamala: Honestly, there was not much time that I spent for deciding on the title. I was as clear as a crystal about what my intention behind writing the book was. It was to immortalize my rare father, who was diagnosed with a rare disease in 2017. I so wanted the world to remember my father and so goes the title.
I only wish he were here today but nevertheless he shall always be with me. In my heart he shall always stay.
The Literature Times: What are your achievements so far? Tell us something about your writing career.
Shyamala: I have co-authored 10+ books and got them published but this is my first time as a novelist.
The novel is approximately of 53,000 words and written straight from the heart. I poured my heart out in this book.
Apart from that I am a dentist by profession and a Rare Disease Advocate by passion. I think there’s no greater satisfaction or achievement that I can mention apart from being in a noble profession.
The Literature Times: What is your current goal in writing as a career? How do you see your future in writing?
Shyamala: I would undoubtedly see myself as a successful young debut author who is working for a cause, that is care for rare. My book is dedicated to all the rare disease warriors across the globe.
Success is again purely subjective to the individual. So for me, being a successful author is not about selling 1 lakh copies or so. (but if at all I am able to do so, I shall always be grateful). For me success is about inspiring atleast one person, one reader with my story. If somebody else, did not give up after reading my book, I shall proudly consider myself successful.
For me, writing is a never ending journey. I have a very long way to go in this field. I want to create awareness about the rare diseases and be a voice for the rare disease community.
The Literature Times: Is there any other book you are working on? Please let us know about your future projects.
Shyamala: I would never want to stop writing. I am planning to launch my second book in 2022. I am at it.
The Literature Times: How you see Indian writing in the 21st century? What changes do you see in the modern way of writing? Do you feel it has been changed by the time?
Shyamala: Writing has always changed in time and it will continue to change with time.
Indian literature is spellbound. I can say that 21st century Indian writing is versatile. We can see books being published in all genres and topics.
I am hoping for this trend to continue.
The Literature Times: How easy/ difficult was it for you to publish your book? What message would you like to give to budding authors?
Shyamala: Writing it all was an experience that I would want to live again. Publishing a book was an exciting experience. It felt like reaching the stars for me to see my book finally being published. The first time I ever touched those pages in the author copy when I saw my write-up finally in a book format, I had nothing but tears in my eyes.
The journey was worth the wait and all the effort. I do not want to rate it as good or bad but I would love to say that it is all worth it. Worth the drama, worth the tears, worth the pain and worth the wait!
To the budding authors I would say, never stop writing. Consistency is the key and embrace your style of writing. Literature comes in many forms. Embrace your own style. Take risks in life at times, there’s no harm in it. You either win or learn.
Above all choose the road less travelled by.
