The Literature Times: What encourages you to become an Author?
Dr. Glenville Ashby: It simply flowed as a young man. I was very imaginative. Being able to put thoughts to paper always came easy. Interestingly, my mother named me ‘Glenville’ after an educator whose writings she enjoyed.
The Literature Times: What are your favorite topics of writing? Please tell us something about your interest areas in the literature.
Dr. Glenville Ashby: My writing has gone through different phases. I am pretty comfortable and passionate in whatever topic I approach. I liked politics and culture for a while but sometimes such topics can prove ephemeral, especially the former. As I get older, spirituality takes on new meaning. It is very much existential for me at the moment.
The Literature Times: We were hoping you could tell us about some of those writers who had inspired you and whom you follow!
Dr. Glenville Ashby: I have worked as a literary critic so I can attest to the abundance of talent out there. Having grown up in Trinidad and Tobago I was influenced by the likes of Samuel Selvon and V.S.Naipaul. Later in life, I was moved by the translators of sacred texts – Marmaduke William Pickthall immediately comes to mind. Some of these translators have captured the poetic style of original works, be they Bhagavad Gita, the Ouran or the Chandi Path.
The Literature Times: The titles seem different and catchy; how you decided it? Please let us know the story behind it.
Dr. Glenville Ashby: What greater title for this book? ‘Mother’ evokes so many emotions. It’s almost primal. ‘Mother’ is a representation of life itself. No one can escape the psychic reach and inextricable bond of motherhood. Although I lost my mother at a tender age, she still looms large in every fabric of my life. This is book is essentially a spiritual hagiography to her.
The Literature Times: What are some of your achievements so far? Tell us something about your writing career.
Dr. Glenville Ashby: I received the 2019 Book of the Year award from Literary Titan for the audiobook: ‘Anam Cara: Your Soul Friend and Bridge to Enlightenment and Creativity.’ I worked as a columnist for the Jamaica Gleaner for close to a decade. My writings have also appeared in The Vienna Psychoanalyst and the Oxford Philosophical Society.
The Literature Times: What is your current goal in writing a career? How do you see your future in writing?
Dr. Glenville Ashby: I anticipate writing in more detail on spiritual themes. There are so many aspects to this genre and I am ready to bring more of my knowledge to readers.
The Literature Times: Are there any other books being worked by you? Please let us know about your future projects.
Dr. Glenville Ashby: There is a second installment of ‘Finding Mother’ series, so to speak. I intend to travel to India in 2022. Intuitively, I believe that my ideas will bear fruit then.
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?
Dr. Glenville Ashby: I think Indian writers are making their mark in the North American market. Indian culture is profoundly rich and diverse, and writings that reflect such are readily sought in the West. Of course, technology is facilitating this zeitgeist.
The Literature Times: How easy/ difficult it was for you to publish your book? What message would you like to give to budding authors?
Dr. Glenville Ashby: I am very particular. Admittedly, I have lofty expectations when it comes to my craft. Thankfully, Evincepub didn’t disappoint. In fact, they exceeded my expectations.
