AUTHOR INTERVIEW - AARTI JAIN. SAHAI

AUTHOR INTERVIEW- AARTI JAIN SAHAI



 

1) When did you decide that you should also write?

When I was in school then I was in athletics and being a sports person I was always exposed to being involved in new activities. Then my English teacher approached me to participate in the Debate Competition when I was in grade 11. I was a bit nervous at that time but with the passing time nervousness slipped into a bit of confidence and soon I prepared myself mentally to represent the topic assigned by my teacher. Then itself I decided that I should write more and work on my skills.

 

2) Do you want to inspire people through your writing or do you write just as a hobby?

I want to inspire through my writing. Though this is the process that nourishes my soul and makes me a better person with every write up of mine but I make sure that each of my writing that I pen down, in different mediums or platforms, is worthy enough of reading and inspiring the people around. I have written 3 books by far and with each book, I learn new things and I ensure that my readers also learn something new from my writing that I offer for reading.

 

3) What inspires you to write?

My daughter is just 6 years old and does not understand marketing gimmicks and all but whenever she sees my name and photo on any of the platforms or books then it surely gives me immense happiness and pride by her appreciation. This is also a great learning for me as a mother and her applause and appreciation for sure motivates me to write more and make my thinking public. She for sure motivates and inspires me through her small gestures and when her friends also like my write-up then I feel as I’m rewarded for my work and efforts.

 

4) Who are your favorite characters from your own books and why? 

I have written 3 books by far from 2019 and my favorite character is Asha from my debut book. She is for sure an inspirational character who is put in the storyline by myself as the one who learns from the contemporary women of India. She learns that despite the struggles faced by famous personalities such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kiran Bedi, Aishwarya Rai, and so on they come forth with splendid colors and do not sit back. Despite the problems, they help us learn new things. For sure, Asha is a good fictional character and she inspires us from the beginning of the book.

 

5) Who are your favorite writers?

Paulo Coelho is my favorite writer who writes upon different genres but his writing is intriguing and gives us the writers a newness in our approach. His books are all BESTSELLERS and for sure, there is a reason for it and I think that his books are so relatable. He is an ace-writer and every book of his gives us in-depth knowledge. I like the author and whenever I go through his writing then I get lost in it and want to read more.

 

6) One piece of advice you would give to the upcoming writers?

WRITER’S BLOCK is the condition when a writer is unable to think creatively or to proceed with writing. Generally, I have also seen that whenever the writers are starting to write then there are mixed opinions by the readers around which can be very harsh and demotivating. Hence, I would request all the authors who are new in writing to just take the opinions of people for improvement and not for demotivating themselves. And WRITER’S BLOCK, which may come in any way, should be avoided. So, KEEP WRITING!!!

 

7) Did you face issues in publishing or editing?

As far as publishing and editing is concerned, I have faced no blocks as yet because as a writer we cannot go wrong in publicizing the time and effort that we have put in the writing process. For me as a writer time of publishing is the final step in my writing process and I ensure to take utmost care and responsibility at that time because my book would be in the final stages of offering it to my readers. Both publishing and editing are a great doorway for the authors to present their work to their readers.

 

 

 8) How did you get the idea to write the book the No more lurking thoughts? 

I had written two books before NO MORE LURKING THOUGHTS which is a self-help book. As everyone is aware that we are facing pandemic times and because of LOCKDOWN our basic activities have received a jolt. Numerous people have experienced a block in their salary or cut out of some percentage from the salary allotted to the employees is also experienced by them. Even some people have lost their jobs. Thinking on those lines, I thought of writing my self-help book and titled it NO MORE LURKING THOUGHTS.

 

 Let's know you more (Fire round)

 

a) Your inspiration 

My daughter who is 6 years of age is my inspiration to write and publicize my thoughts.

 

b) Any other hobbies apart from writing

I like reading, traveling, and dancing to keep myself fit and in good shape.

 

c) Your favorite holiday spot 

I haven’t been to many places around the world by far but I like Shimla where I had gone with my husband after marriage.

 

d) Your favorite book and film

I like the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and I like the movies made on books such as Bride and Prejudice because they are so relatable and entertaining.

 

e) What does life mean to you? If given a chance what would you like to change on this earth or add?

Life is the quality that showcases that we human beings have and it symbolizes that we are not dead. No matter what life we decide for ourselves but we experience a lot of new things that teach us to deal with challenging circumstances at every jiffy. Life to me is also the same and it for sure enables us to learn to sail through the ups and downs every time. Life lessons are a great way for us to learn. If I get an opportunity to change anything on this earth is to eradicate CRIME AGAINST WOMEN. Be it domestic assault, rapes, molestation, and so on the list is endless, and much fewer acts or laws have been made in our law system to stop these heinous crimes. Hence, this has to be stopped and proper law should be in-action for this. This is my plea to the constitution of India. 

Education system in India

[6/7, 12:39 PM] Ayesha In: "Education" which basically means enlightening a person or children in a systematic way on a particular subject at school and universities. Even before the formal schooling which took over in India in 1920 (approx), the gurukuls have had a profound role in educating the masses. There has been tremendous growth in the education system since the 1920s, there lies a vast difference in Gurukul and the present day education system.

The gurukul system was never decided on the age basis, but the gurus (teachers) used to train children on the basis of their wisdom, interest and capability to grasp. Indeed there were junior and senior levels, but there was no strict division. The daily tasks that were given by the gurus to the students were to imbibe disciplines and morals in them through practical way of learning, and not just on theory basis. As the students had to live in the Gurukul, an emotional bond developed between gurus and shishyas (students). This also taught the students to value relations. The fee given here was in the form of dakshina. The guru did not expect any fees but whatever the student gave back was in the form of gift, but obliged to whatever the student gave in form of gift.

Today the education system in India aims at educating on the basis of age via schools and universities. It mostly resembles the western way, where the idea is to educate the child with basic knowledge of every subject and later help him to master in the field where his interest lies.

Indeed the invention of schools was a great accomplishment for the government, as it became very easy for masses to have access towards education and tribulations which they faced while sending these children to gurukuls, Children who were not able to acquire knowledge, because their parents were reluctant to send them to Gurukul, was no more an issue. We could see that all these issues were basically resolved with the invention of schools. All the schools levied minimal fees with the idea of equality, the syllabus was now no more just connected to Indian roots like the gurukul system but social, science, maths were now made broader, as the books from all over the world were referred. This was indeed the golden period for there was no much difference between government and non government schools. Every school prepared child to be more intellectual rather than just being intelligent. Teaching was considered one of the most noble professions during that period but the global change took place once again in the 1990s.

When privatization took over and more the number of private schools came up than the government ones. Competitions began at cut throat level. Core subjects like moral science, general knowledge were now being marginalized, slowly the root cultural ethics were excluded from the subjects. The main concern now was the "percentage " than the IQ level. It is being commercialized day by day with upcoming tutorials and extra coaching classes. The students are now no more enthusiastic to ask questions like how, when or any other for they are more concerned with the marks due to the pressure of both parents and school. Every school desires for toppers therefore exams are conducted to find out if the child is eligible to study in their school or not. Down the spectrum it is turning into a business deal. Indeed the schools are increasing the intelligence level of the students but their intellect level fails to meet their intelligence level mark.

[6/7, 12:39 PM] Ayesha In: The fees of these schools are really very high, hence most of the people run for education loans. Indeed India has established IIT universities, but only few can afford, they are either the ones who have scored extremely good marks or the ones who can pay for seats. Education is now becoming a lucrative job, therefore it's sad to note, as once the idea in India was to produce excellent teachers, writers, doctors and lawyers has now ended up producing students with excellent marks. This is definitely an irony because where we are projecting Indian students as most talented, at the same time there are many suicides due to the pressure. Down below the laws, we have lost our intellect in search of intelligence.

INTERVIEW WITH THE CONTEMPORARY POET MEEK AND EXTRACTS FROM HIS DEBUT BOOK

) When did you decide that you should also write?

Ans) In 2013 I had some feelings about writing but I never expressed it to her. It until 2016 that I bought a diary where I was pouring my day to day feelings and thoughts (I have lived a sick childhood, so writing and God became are my only therapists and friends). Till today writing is now my daily bread and butter.

2) Do you want to inspire people through your writing or do you write just as a hobby?

Ans) I write to heal, nourish, reflect, sooth reader’s minds.  I write for all kinds of people, the sick, broken hearted, lost, refugees, oppressed, raped, fatherless or motherless and hopeless. I usually try my best to relate what I once went through with what others are going through to inform them that there is hope on the other side.

 

3) What inspires you to write?

Ans) Writing is the most vital form of communication to me. I truly believe that it is one of best ways that I can reach billions of people around the globe with my message.

 

4) Share 3 favourite poems of yours of from your book.

DEEP

Deep

Inside your precious life

There is a clean spirit

That makes you feel pity and guilty

When you mistreat yourself and others

But you fail to manifest it

Because of your perceptions and beliefs

Wake up and manifest it

Be honest to your inner spirit

 

 Cloud In This Desert

 

I long to be a cloud in this desert

A cloud aiming to wrestle the sun

So that rivers can swell without limits

To create millions of ever flowing sources

Sources of sweet and clear water

 

STARS

 

The sky is an extended mirror

Facing the earth downwards

It absorbs our images and dreams

Every time we look upwards

And reflects them on earth (for us)

When darkness pours on earth

There are no creatures known as stars in the sky

Our eyes give us our own images

Whenever we look in the sky

We are the stars

 

 

5) Who are your favourite writers?

Ans) It’s hard for me to just choose three from a pool of my favourite writers. However, these the creativity of these three excites me most; Rupi Kaur, Rudy Fransisco, Rick Warren and Benny Hinn. Oh sorry I have mentioned four. All in all, I am a big fan of every who expresses him or herself through writing and who reads a lot too.

 

6) One advice you would give to the upcoming writers?

Ans) They should put trust in God not in people who can sometimes frustrate them with negative comments about their writing life. They should also  believe in themselves too and not give up when the inspiration to write is lost.

 

7) Did you face issue in publishing or editing?

Ans) Not really, I tried my best to do a good research about self-publishing. This helped me to know who the best publishers are. As for editing, I had a team of editors for that.

 

 Let's know you more (Fire round)

a) Your inspiration

Ans)  My day to day excitement to pour my deep hidden feelings, thoughts and observations on paper.

 b) Any other hobbies apart from writing

Ans) Sports. I used to watch soccer but I no longer do like I used to in the past. I am now into Cricket; my favourite player is Virat Kohli. I watch netball, boxing, swimming, wrestling, in short all sorts of sports disciplines.

*  Listening to music (soul music)

*  Listening to other people’s stories, being there for people when they are through something, writing them letters.

 c) Your favourite holiday spot

Ans) Lake Malawi in Malawi, Africa. That’s a best place for the writers and readers. The mesmerising beaches, amazing islands and its breeze are breath taking and mind soothing.

 d) Your favourite book and film

* My favourite book is ‘Good morning Holy Spirit’

* My favourite film is ‘Blood Diamond’

 

e) Your favourite film artist/ singer /dancer??

*My favourite film artist is Samuel Jackson

* My favourite singer singer is Kim Walker-Smith

*  My favourite dancer is Manjari Fadnnis

 f)  what does life mean to you? If given a chance what would you like to change on this earth or add?

Ans)  Life is fragile, it is meant to be lived morally, being true to one’s mirror of wisdom when being lived. Life sometimes frustrates, disappoints, pinches and pains but life works hand in hand with time. All bad situations fades, inviting a smile on one’s face.

 My dream is to one day live in a world without racism, discrimination, wars, rapes, immorality or selfishness only tranquillity flowing in all parts of the world.

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It was a soothing experience to interview Meek and I personally loved the purity and the positive approach he holds towards the life. His poetry book is definitely must read for all poetry lovers. Wishing him all the success for for future endeavours. 

- An Interview by Ayesha F Muskaan. 

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INTERVIEW WITH JASLEEN SAINI - CONTEMPORARY POET

1) When did you decide that you should also write?
There were many people who identified the writer in me and encouraged me to write. In April/May 2019, I was mesmerized by the divinity of a spiritual human being which prompted me to write a poem "Angel in the age of vice". 

2) Do you want to inspire people through your writing or do you write just as a hobby ? 

Writing gives immense peace and satisfaction. It is neither hobby nor obligation but breath of my soul. It'd be great if my poems help people connect with their heart.

3) What inspires you  to write poetry? 
Anything which stimulates my six senses.

4 ) what kind of poetry do you like? And tell us about your black out poetry? 
Though all poetic forms are exquisite, experimental poems are my heart. Blackout poetry helps when one isn't inspired by anything. I always use newspaper, magazine or too old dictionary for finding a poem because I can get to learn new words, phrases and metaphors which I  can use in my  other poems. 

5 ) Who are your favourite writers/Poets?
There's an account on instagram named as 'yourheartbeatsstrong'  which supports writing accounts with followers  below 500- i love each and every poet featured on that account.Also, Sabarna Roy. 

6 ) One advice you would give to the upcoming writers/Poets ?
Keep writing. Keep writing. And read books as much as you can. 

7) Did you face issue in publishing or editing?
Well, I didn't. 

8) When did you decide to publish your book?Share your overall publishing " In the throat of poppy"
The publishing idea had been wandering in my mind for so long. Last year, I decided to publish a book. It took 6 months(Jan 2020- Jun 2020)  to complete a manuscript. Afterwards, I searched well for a good publisher online and came across white falcon publishing and submitted my manuscript to them. Publishing process took almost 3 months. My experience with them was good; they were cooperative. 

9) share two of your personal favourite poems written by you.
I am sharing excerpts from my not so longer poems:

-"there are souls whose souls lie in moon,

there are souls whose sorrows lie in moon."

-" of unhearing my fancy to pour myself 

on the rising of setting earth"

Let's know you more ( Fire round)

 a)Your Inspiration?
Hard-working and passionate artists. 

b) Any other hobbies apart from writing?
Many months ago, I learnt to play the guitar. I quit playing it then. Now, I am thinking of pursuing this hobby again. Song/Rap-writing too.

c) Who or what has been your motivation?
People who had hurt and humiliated me in the past. 

d) Do you seek anyone's advice while                  writing? If yes who ? 
I read books by great writers for seeking advices. I have an account 'js.reads11' where I post my favourite books. I recommend you to go through them. 

e) The topics you wish to write upon?
 Feminism, caste system, homage to “mercy for animals”..

f) Which is your favourite book and film?
My favourite books are "the story of soulmates reunited by Dr. Brian weiss", "immortal talks by shunya", " Universe has your back by Gabrielle Bernstien" and many more to be. 

g) places you want to visit ? 

Mountains , mountains and mountains 

h) what does life mean to you? If given a chance what would you like to change on this earth or add? 
 Life is a mystery to me. If given a chance, I'd make sure that animals are not tortured, each and every woman of this world gets dignity and love and children are safe and happy. Also, only religion ought to be love. 

BOOK REVIEW OF THE BOOK - COMPLETE DARKNESS

MY BOOK REVIEW ON AMAZING SCI - Fi  NOVEL BY

MATT ADOCK

I basically don't read sci fi but this book was alluring , The author has blended 2 genres in splendid manner , on one hand as he subtly puts across the questions regarding religion , he further also portrays the desires, wants of human as to what extent they can go evil, There are subtle layers which help us ponder on many aspects of life , if man rejects religion believing it not to be right,threat to humanity and  as begins to challenge the ultimate power. Will this enable him to walk on the path which will lead to genuine happiness , brotherhood and peace of mind are the questions this book throws at us , we can understand that man for his desires , wants can twists laws everywhere and not just in holy scripture , Cleric by using Gix tries to build fear so again it is the same way like how few clergymen do by preaching about hell and heaven. But we notice here Cleric's way via technology probably seems  to be more dangerous to humankind. The hardwork of the author is visible clearly in formation of sentences and blending of 2 genres . It is really intriguing novel which made me more curious as I turned every page , I  am very much excited to read the upcoming book of the author in which the story continues.....and I am sure I will read more sci-fi novels now. 

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Interview with S.A. SANTOS

1)    When did you decide that you should also write?

It was about five years ago. After reading so many books, I had an idea in my mind and started writing my first manuscript. I didn’t finish it at the time. But since 2018 I felt this urge to put the story into paper and I finished my first novel.

Writing for me is a liberating experience. It allows me to create and live in another world. It’s also powerful to think I can control the destiny of all characters. But in the end, it’s the other way around. The characters talk to me and tell me their story.

 

2)    Do you want to inspire people through your writing or do you write just as a hobby ?

At first, it started as a hobby. I didn’t know if could write a full novel. I just wanted to try and do my best to deliver a good story that could entertain people and leave them better or happier than when they started reading it.

 

3)    What inspires to write?

I guess all the books I read in my life are a source of inspiration. All of them left a mark on me, an emotion, and an impact. The idea for the series I’m writing now, for example, popped into mind when I was about to sleep. Out of the blue, a scene started playing in my head, and it was so vivid it was like I was watching a movie. It was instant and brief. I got up and wrote the scene. The next day, I started thinking about the characters, and what the story was about.

 

4 ) who are your favourite characters from your own books and why ? 

I love all my characters as they reflect some small part of me, the good and the bad. From Sacrifice my favorites are Alice because she is a very good friend, spunky, and upbeat; Kat because she is sweet and spicy, and Jason for being Jason. LOL.

5 ) Who are your favourite writers?

I have many. The classical, I like the master Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Mark Twain, to name a few. My favorite contemporary authors are Marion Zimmer Bradley (I read “The Mists of Avalon” numerous times), Samantha Towle, Rebecca Zanetti, Lara Adrian, Laurann Dohner, Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, etc.

 

6 ) one advice you would give to the upcoming writers?

I’ll give two:

·      Don’t give up!

·      Be patient.

The writing process is strenuous. At least it is for me. When you are done and have the result of months of work in your hands is one of the best feelings you can have in life. Your baby is born, and you can finally relax.

But you can’t. It’s only the beginning. When you think your manuscript is finished, you’ll find out that it will take a lot of editing, and a lot more editing, to have it ready to publish.

 

7) Did you face issue in publishing or editing?

I find the process of self-publishing through Amazon and Smashwords quite friendly. The platforms do a good job of guiding you step-by-step through the publishing process. You just follow them and voilà your eBook is online.
Publishing, however, is far more than that. I found out that writing a book is the easy part. If someone can say that. LOL. As an independent author, I must think about the cover design, editing, find beta-readers, edit, again and again, build a social media presence, create a mailing list, prepare the book launch and marketing campaign, and only then publish it on the platform. And maybe I’m still missing some steps. 
I find it complex and time-consuming. I love some parts like writing, cover design, and marketing campaign.

Editing, however, is an acquired taste. I edit the story as I write, but I found that not productive. So, with my current project, I’m refraining from editing while I’m writing. I’m just concentrating on writing and will leave the editing for later.

 8) How did you get the idea to write the book sacrifice ? 

I wanted to write a romance novel with a happy ending. The idea came to my mind and it was just two sentences: Kathleen is on a hospital/mental facility, her father is dead, and her stepmother put her there after a nervous breakdown.

Jason, her father’s godson takes her out of the facility and marries her. She overheard a conversation that he married her out of pity.

Those two sentences were the starting point to the novel.

 

 Let's know you more ( Fire round)

a)     Your inspiration 

Life

b)    Any other hobbies apart from writing

Photography

c)     Your favourite holiday spot 

A chalet in the mountains.

d)    Your favourite book and film

Book: The Mists of Avalon

Film: A Midsummer Night's Dream

 

e)    what does life mean to you? If given a chance what would you like to change on this earth or add? 

For me, life is an opportunity for us to evolve spiritually. It’s a process the soul goes through to learn to love itself and others, to be positive, forgiving, and grateful.

I think Earth is perfect. I would change the governments’ and people’s minds and make them respect, preserve, and honor our home.

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I personally enjoyed this interview a lot with S.A.SANTOS as she was raw, genuine and did not sugarcoat. I love that her final interest are for welfare of the whole world and she is not self centred. It was intriguing to know how her novel characters talk to her as she draws them. It was indeed a lovely experience interviewing S.A.SANTOS , AUTHOR of the novel the sacrifice and many more on the way ..... desperately waiting for her upcoming novels.

REVIEW OF THE BOOK - THE PYSCHI'S MEMOIRS

The book - The pyschi's memoirs by Ryan Hatt is alluring combination of both Sci Fi and paranormal genre, this book keeps the writer highly entertained and the as the book forces you to visualise it sets you into completely new world. 

Kaza who is a detective is offered special assignment and for this assignment he needs to collaborate with Ms Jackson. Both of them are complete opposites as well struggling in their personal life but at the same time dedicated towards to their profession.

While the world is passing through Chaos and unexpected atrocities , there is anticipation for civil war and the only hope to restore humanity is Alice. Alice a 17 yrs old  who helps in restoring the humanity with help of doctor ,we witness the pain and anguish she passes through. 

To achieve triumph they had to pass through horrendous trials and tribulations as well they had to be keep on both the spirit of persistence as well resilience. 

Ryan Hatt has has been truly successful in portraying the emotions of people during post apocalypse times(hypothetical imagination) , what they exactly feel and what they basically put on their face as their facade. I loved the end as his book ends up in restoring humanity.

The author has done amazingly alluring job and justice to both the genres. 

Congratulations to the author on this achievement @blackthorntours

#book #booknerds #booklovers #mustread #scifi

#paranormal

REVIEW OF THE BOOK - THE RUBY LOCKET

My review on the book - The Ruby locket.

Saxon and Manny find a girl who is lost on a wasteland and has lost her memory , albeit they  not much about her still they decide to take her home and take care of her. This can be dangerous for them if she hails from a society / tribe who are their enemies. Still Saxon and his family prefer humanity first and do not give heed to the danger that could arrive to their lives. 

Slowly as Kerina is recovering , a love story begins to erupt between Saxon and Kerinna , later Saxon discovers with help of Anastasia that his parents were murdered and the suspects were people from Kerina's tribe , Saxon believes that Kerinna is the key to know everything , they go in search of Kerinna's parents, he is appalled to see how her own mother hates her now because she has mixed up and empathizes with people of the opposite tribe ,they( Saxon and his friends)  believe with their kind endeavours  they would be able to extract the truth as Kerinna is with them , unfortunately Kerinna's mother ends up killing not just them but also Kerinna.

The author passes on the profound message of how humanity is being lost.

I also loved the part where it is believed Elgee as most kind but she back stabs.... This reminds me of the quote "too true to be kind".

The author has penned down the novel in extremely heart touching and simple language which can be read by all and not making the language unwantingly  complex.

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Kudos to the writer , Grab your copy now @blackthorntours

Poem to Gaza

Thousand of cries
Millions of why's
Trillion die.
There is flood
Full of blood 
Everybody here sounds ready for death
GAZA-stage of death is always set.
Bombs pour in like rain
Yet no one complains about pain
Chirping of birds never they hear
Missiles have created such strong fear
Here children lose childhood
Youth lose fun
To complain there is none.
There is starvation
But no way to remove frustration
We can just pray for better and towards Allah write a pleading letter.

Ayesha F Muskaan at 20:50

Children's day 2019

Walk towards your destination
like a child , carelessly and happily.
For your true abode is where your
heart resonates happily,
Without an inch of doubt
Not where the people of world call you.
© Ayesha fm