The Literature Times: What encourages you to become an Author?
Dwijisha Katkar: I started reading at a very young age to escape from how lonely I felt and my bullies. So I think those experiences in itself left a huge impact on me as a person. I’ve always loved writing, anything and everything. The thought of being there for someone in need. The ability to make somebody feel things with just my words, is what encourages me to be a writer.
The Literature Times: What are your favorite topics of writing? Please tell us something about your interest areas in the literature.
Dwijisha Katkar: I love the mystery, thriller and fantasy genre. I’ve always wanted to write a novel like that. But I started with poetry, because I’ve written tonnes of articles and abstracts; so I wanted to develop as a poet, once I got into it. Poetry is a genre that has an impact in a limited space, and I wanted to hone that skill. It’s my dream to write a full fledged novel that I am proud of, but I haven’t been able to yet; as I’m highly critical of myself and honestly lack the patience currently.
The Literature Times: We were hoping you could tell us about some of those writers who had inspired you and whom you follow!
Dwijisha Katkar: My ultimate inspiration is definitely J.K. Rowling, I grew up reading Harry Potter. I mean it’s no easy feat to make a world that is entirely your own and have people love and relate to it so much. Another one is Enid Blyton, that man has a knack for writing mystery. I recently got into this amazing author that made me cry buckets; Shin Kyung-sook. I love extremely varied authors because I love different styles of writing. There’s also Sidney Sheldon, Colleen Hoover, Rumi, Madeline Miller.
The Literature Times: The titles seem different and catchy; how you decided it? Please let us know the story behind it.
Dwijisha Katkar: I always have a process when it comes to titles, all my titles seem a bit random and lopsided, and that’s very intentional. Almost always there’s a connection to something in my life. My last book was named “Moonchild Souls” because of a song named MOONCHILD by RM which has influenced me a lot; also I just love the concept of being a moonchild.
This book is named Butterflies and Peppermint as an ode to my mom and Peppermint tea, both of which are very pivotal in my life. That tea really calms me down a lot!
The Literature Times: What are your achievements so far? Tell us something about your writing career.
Dwijisha Katkar: I don’t think I have anything substantial to write yet, apart from the fact that there are quite a few people who have come upto me and said that I’ve helped them with my writing, and that’s enough for me. I got nominated in the best poetry section in Pragati E Vichaar Literature awards but I did not win.
The Literature Times: What is your current goal in writing a career? How do you see your future in writing?
Dwijisha Katkar: I see myself writing a novel in the coming years, I want to be patient with myself and let the story flow and really deliver a good book.
The Literature Times: Are there any other books being worked by you? Please let us know about your future projects.
Dwijisha Katkar: Currently I’m in the process of getting admitted to my medical post graduation, so for now I’m taking a break from writing books. I want to work on a novel next.
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?
Dwijisha Katkar: I think writing has become less restricted, more flowing and free. I love the fact that people are ready to put their opinions out there irrespective of the outcome. People have become brave and I also genuinely love and appreciate writers writing for what they truly believe in.
The Literature Times: How easy/ difficult it was for you to publish your book? What message would you like to give to budding authors?
Dwijisha Katkar: To answer the first question, it is and will always be difficult. Be determined, weigh the pros and cons and research about everything. From the publishing process to marketing, you should know or atleast read up on all of it, to understand better.
Just go ahead and do it. If you don’t start, you’ll never reach an end point or mid point. Giving up is okay, but what matters is you coming back to it. Sometimes taking it slow can be the best decision. But just start putting yourself out there, don’t wait for opportunities, create them for yourself.
