The Literature Times: Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya, welcome to The Literature Times. Congratulations on the publication of your book! What feedback do you get from your readers? Please share your thoughts on this book.
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: It’s been incredibly heartening to see the early responses to the book. Readers have appreciated the emotional depth and relatable themes. Many have mentioned how certain poems or stories resonated deeply with their own experiences, which is the greatest compliment a writer can receive. I’m truly grateful for the kind words and thoughtful reflections shared so far.
For me, this book is more than a collection of poems and stories — it’s a journey through silence, emotion, resilience, and reflection. Each piece carries a part of my own observations, struggles, and aspirations. I wrote it with the hope that readers would find not just entertainment but also a moment of pause, a moment of connection with themselves and the world around them.
The Literature Times: What are your favourite writing topics? Please tell us a little bit about your literary interests.
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: I am deeply drawn to themes that explore human emotion, silence, resilience, and the quiet struggles that often go unnoticed. My writing often gravitates toward the emotional undercurrents of everyday life — moments of vulnerability, unspoken love, silent endurance, and the inner battles people fight with dignity.
In “Where the Silence Sings and Stories Breathe Out,” I have tried to bring together poems and stories that reflect both personal and universal experiences. From a shy village boy lost in a city to a traditional tea seller defying modern shortcuts, every piece is rooted in real emotion and quiet strength.
I find a lot of inspiration in the ordinary — a street corner, a forgotten room, a passing conversation — and I like to give voice to those small moments that carry deep meaning. I am also particularly interested in themes like identity, memory, loss, redemption, and the redemptive power of relationships — especially between teachers and students, as seen in some of my stories.
I believe literature becomes truly powerful when it creates space for reflection, empathy, and healing — and that’s the kind of writing I strive for.
The Literature Times: We were hoping you might tell us about some of the authors that have influenced you and who you read!
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: I’ve been deeply influenced by writers who blend emotion, insight, and lyrical beauty. Ernest Hemingway’s simplicity, Shakespeare’s depth, and the romanticism of Keats and Wordsworth have all shaped my literary voice. I admire Robert Frost for his reflective tone, and among Indian authors, Rabindranath Tagore and R. K. Narayan for their timeless wisdom. Vikram Seth’s versatility also continues to inspire me.
The Literature Times: The title is unique and appealing; how did you come up with them? Please tell us the story behind it.
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: Thank you — the title is very close to my heart. “Where the Silence Sings and Stories Breathe Out” was born from a quiet moment of reflection. I wanted the title to capture the essence of the book — a space where silence speaks louder than words, and stories arise gently from the unnoticed corners of life.
Many of the poems and short stories in this collection deal with unspoken emotions, inner struggles, and quiet resilience. I’ve always believed that silence has its own music, and stories are not just told — they are released, as if they’ve been waiting to breathe out into the world. This title felt like the perfect expression of that idea.
It’s a tribute to the hidden voices we carry within us — the ones that sing in silence and finally find a way to speak through words.
The Literature Times: What are your achievements so far? Tell us something about your writing career.
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: Writing has always been a deep personal journey for me. But the publication of “Where the Silence Sings and Stories Breathe Out” is a major milestone — my first full collection of poems and stories brought together with care and conviction.
As a teacher and storyteller, I’ve always believed in the power of words to heal, inspire, and connect. This book is a reflection of that belief and marks the formal beginning of my literary journey.
The Literature Times: What is your current goal in writing a career? How do you see your future in writing?
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: My current goal is to continue writing stories and poems that touch hearts and spark reflection. I want to create literature that is emotionally honest and rooted in real human experiences.
In the future, I hope to publish more books — both creative and academic. I also aim to encourage young writers and readers through workshops, teaching, and mentorship. For me, writing is not just a passion — it’s a lifelong journey of expression, learning, and connection.
The Literature Times: Do you have any other novels in the works? Please keep us updated on your future endeavours.
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: Yes, I’m currently working on a novel that explores the life of a girl who overcomes immense personal and societal challenges through resilience and intelligence. It’s a story of struggle, failure, and ultimately, triumph — something I believe many readers will connect with.
The Literature Times: How do you view Indian writing in the twenty-first century? What changes do you see in today’s writing style? Do you feel it has been changed by the time?
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: Indian writing today is bold, diverse, and more emotionally direct. Writers are exploring personal and social themes with honesty, and the style has become more conversational and accessible. Yes, time has reshaped literature — but the soul of Indian storytelling remains strong, now enriched with new voices and perspectives.
The Literature Times: How simple/difficult was it for you to publish your book? What message do you want to send to aspiring authors?
Dr Kamal Kishore Maurya: Publishing my book was a mix of excitement and challenge. From editing to design and formatting, every step required patience and learning. But the journey was deeply fulfilling. Astitva Publication made it comfortable.
To aspiring authors, I’d say — don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start writing, stay honest to your voice, and trust the process. Every story matters, and yours deserves to be told.
