Interview

💓Interviews by LITEROMA 💓

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Here's a tete-e-tete with the author of 'Trapped in the Rage of Revenge' 

Aero Jackson

1. You are at the edge of adulthood but your novel is A rated. Any thoughts on this?

■ I have always had a wild taste in books even when I was only a reader . I was a reviewer for a few years but I only reviewed thrillers . My proclivity in crime thrillers is clearly reflected in my writing as well .  The A rating suggests an intense narration which was a deliberate attempt to bring out the brutality of terrorism . While many might like to shut out the dark reality , none can deny the sheer horror of being subject to atrocities by militants. 

2. How much of Aero can be found in your characters?

■ When I started writing my own book I decided to give all my characters a little part of my personality., both good and bad  It kept me committed to the story. I emphasize on loyal friendship a lot . One of my characters is highly inspired from a close friend . Some of my characters also have aggressive traits like unrestrained frustration 

3. Is there anything you found challenging while writing the book ? Do you think you overcame all the challenges successfully? 

■ It was particularly difficult to deliver a gruesome storyline and strike a balance between hardcore reality and a congenial train of characters but I am quite satisfied with how it all worked out in the end . 

4. Your novel is tagged as a 'strangely unfamiliar novel'.  Can you tell us what stands out in your book ?

■ This book tries to combine multiple perceptions of each situarion. It explores the emotions and moral burden that people carry as a consequence of their actions . While many will tell stories about victims of militancy , few will do it from a terrorist's prospective .

5. If you can say little about the storyline (kind of a teaser) for your readers?

■ The story is centred around a billionaire girl abducted by a militant group and her strong determination to go home . While she is devising an escape plan , she realizes she needs an ally . Whether she finds one and whether she at all goes home in the end is for the readers to find out !

6. Any message for Literoma community members and your readers?

■ The book also explores mental health issues. If you identify with them , try not to get triggered and derive strength from them instead . More than winning the battle it is important to never give up . It is important to always keep fighting . If you read the book with an open mind , there are multiple underlying facets of the story . A book with multiple faces is always exciting to read ! I would be more than obliged if my readers reach out to me with their thoughts on the book .

7. Are you planning for your next book?

■ Yes , I am already halfway a new project and it's going great !

8. What is that  one thing you would like to do to become a better writer ? 

■ I would love to explore genres . I think writing a book series is also a great way to engage in insightful writing .

9. Where do your readers find you ? 

■ You can find me on

 https://yourhonestparadise.wordpress.com/ 

I also connect with my audience via email on aeroj16official@gmail.com 

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Here's a coffee chat with the author of 'Vignettes of Life' 

Retd. Col. Sujit Dutta

1.     This is your first published book...what made you compose this one?

Ans 1:  I had been writing short stories over the past 10 to 15 years and many of these were published in in-house magazines. Some were also selected  for recognition too. Having travelled the length and breadth of the country, it dawned on me to distil some of my experiences in fact and fiction and create a bouquet of short-stories into a book. I have been a fan of the renowned writer, Sudha Murty and read most of her books and that was certainly an inspiration.

2.     What are your two most favourite short stories from your debut book?

Ans 2.  “ The Gift of Love” and “Lost Memories”. Love transcends myriad odds in life and “Gift of Love” is based on a true event of Dharavi, although fictionalised. In “ Lost Memories”, we would like our readers to be sensitive to the growing cases of dementia in society. I have tried to depict the sublime love of a daughter for her father afflicted by such a disease.

 3. Stories not novel, why?

Ans 3: Personally I have never been a fan of novels, particularly fiction, since to create a engaging story-line and sustain it over 50,000 to 60,000 words seemed rather daunting. I have always preferred the short-story genre, which is not only informative, but engaging to the reader and each story can be read in short time-frames, such as during air travel or office commute or even as late-night bedtime read

4.     4. Will modern readers accept your stories - What are your expectations? 

Ans 4:  My previous published short stories have seen literary recognition and I believe that over the past two years, I have attempted to create storylines which readers across our diverse country and also our diaspora located abroad will find resonance in their lives. All the 14 stories in this book address real life situations and readers will be able to emotionally connect to these

 5.     Any message for Literoma community members and readers?

Ans 5. Literoma provides a wonderful platform to the entire literary ecosystem, particularly so for budding authors, which often pedigreed publishing houses ignore. I believe, that Literoma has immensely benefitted the entire community in finding a voice. If the content of the book or offering is good, readers will surely patronise by endorsing the book in reviews and prompting reprints.

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Meet our teenager debutante author of 'Reasons to Smile' 

Yastika Jha

1. You were only fifteen when you completed the novel. What or who inspired you to start writing at such an early age?

A lot of things, actually. I was constantly writing about things that affected me the most. Back then, it was my friends. We were a group of dreamers, always talking about the things we'll do when we are older and the  places we'll visit together. I think it started there with them.

2. Tell us something about your writing journey. Any hiccups faced so far?

Oh yes, there were a lot of hiccups. With me, every new idea is a struggle to reach through the words and be able to keep the story together without getting too bored of myself.

3. The novel talks a lot about music. What made you choose such a topic? 

Music has been a constant through all these years. It is something one can truly fall back on. Once again, this traces back to my friends. We spent a lot of lunch breaks trying to make a band of our own. Obviously, that didn't work!

4. Any shades of Yastika that can be found in your novel's characters? If yes, how much? If no, why?

I believe there are shades of Yastika in each one of them. At the end of the day, whoever or whatever you write about, a bit of you is going to seep into it. I have some of their shades, too. Half of them react the way I do, while the other half do things I would love to do some day.

5. Who are your target readers? Any message for them?

I never thought of this book having target readers, and didn't write it that way. But whoever picks this book up to read it, I hope you find bits and pieces of yourself in these characters. All of them are flawed in their own way, and I hope that through their flaws I was able to trace a story you relate to.

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A candid talk with the poet of 'The Wonders of India' 

Shubhramita Chakraborty

1. What made you to write a poetry book on the given topic wherein most of travel books are written in prose than poetry?

My book, 'The Wonders Of India', is not a travel diary. It is all about the wonderful features that our country possesses, be it her rich history, ancient culture, storehouse of beautiful mythology or even her wonderful diversified geography from the Himalayas to the green islands of Andaman and Nicobar. My book has a delicate blend of fact and fiction. Also you will find a poetic fiction series named 'The Musical Forest' which portrays a landscape of birds where they live in peace, harmony and with a feeling of brotherhood. It is a satire of the world ruled by human beings. Altogether it's very enjoyable.

2. You seem to be a nation trotter. What inspires you to travel and pen down your memories?

Yes I love to travel and since my childhood I have travelled a lot with my parents. That is indeed an inspiration. It is sealed in my memory as a priceless treasure. I was acquainted with the vast natural and cultural diversity of our country during those travels. 

3. The Wonders of India is your 2nd poetry title. How is it different from your first one?

My second book is different from my first book because my second book combines fact as well as fiction. Also there are subtle historical and mythological references unlike my first book which is vastly imaginative with two beautiful stories, narrated in the form of poems, introduced as poetic fiction series. In my second book you will enjoy the vast topography of our beautiful country. The book is divided into four series and the poems are arranged according to their theme.

4. When is the book going to release?

It is scheduled for release next month. I am very excited about it. My special thanks to Literoma team for their assistance.

5. Who are your target readers? Any message for them?

My book is dedicated to every citizen of India. 

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Meet the founder of 'Tours & Journeys' 

Souvick Sen

What inspired you to create Toursandjourneys?

My first road trip from Bangalore to Goa along the western coastal road of India and back to Bangalore via one of the highest hill stations in western Ghats was a special trip for me back in the year 2014. This was my first road trip and I drove the car for around 1800 km for 7 days. This particular trip changed my perception about the comfortable highways and the immense unexplored natural terrain across our country. It then reminded me of my childhood days when my father used to take me across India in every vacation.Those vacation tours faded out from my mind due to my studies and college but the year 2014 trigerred that inspiration within me which my father gave me in my childhood days.Although there were more influential road trips after that but this particular trip inspired me to traverse every part of this versatile country.After that I realized that to increase our knowledge and enhance our courage and mental patience these self designed road trips really works which affects our personality greatly. As  many Yogis and enlightened persons  truly believe that travelling and exploring oneself occurs together so I thought of creating a group which will dedicate to explore some majestic tours keeping mind the journey of a mind during the trip.I wanted to give my father a definite platform to take over a business in travelling through which he can give ideas of travelling  like he motivated me.So I dedicate Toursandjourneys to my father and all the enthusiastic travellers living in ebery corners of the world who wants to learn through travelling.

What are the services you provide?

We target offbeat places in India that will truly focus in enhancing our knowledge which can relate to geography,culture ,history encompassing various other aspects that a trip can evolve as a useful vacation in our life. A trip is not only for relaxing from our busy life but I think our elegantly designed trips are also meant to traverse every corner of India where the landscape and culture together can provide a traveller an ideal vacation to know our country India.Right now we are focused in some particular routes where we are providing customised tours which have been provided in our website.

How is it different from other travel providers?

Unlike other travel providers our tours are truly designed in providing accommodation in particular homestays to stay close with nature and consists of self designed routes that encompasses the theory of road trips.Our tours only concentrate on offbeat places that has significant impact in exploring the culture,history and geography of our country. So our tours can also evolve as education excursion tours for the students. Also in our tours we welcome all the travel enthusiasts  to make documentaries and write blogs which will be published by their name in our website We believe in enhancing tourism in our country with the help of other enthusiastic travellers. Our trips are our own self designed trips which we have covered in our  lifetime so the experiences will be exactly equal to our blogs in our website. So I request our readers to first read those blogs in our website and then choose the trips accordingly.

Who is Souvick Sen in daily life?

I am a power engineer by profession and also an avid traveller across India. Presently I am an influencer in designing road trips across India for the website Toursandjourneys and in a social networking app Vebbler. I am acting as a blogger for this website and helping my friends who have started their initiative to promote tourism in India which offers vast resources in this sector.I normally drive on my own to the various routes that I pre plan and then document my travel experiences in my go pro . For me travelling has made a great impact in understanding the nature and how to learn from the delicate surroundings that it provides. For me travelling is the greatest investment in order to enlighten our mind.

Is there anyone else who shoulder's your venture?

Yes we have team members who are interested in doing self planned tour. Our main blogger's name are mentioned in the home page. Besides them we also have three other bloggers who have also contributed to our website. Our website has been designed by Delegence technology who look after the promotion of our website. We have an Instagram account with the same name which is being looked after by our other Instagram influencers. I look after the twitter and Facebook account and post the daily updates of the published blogs. Our main aim is to connect socially with other interested bloggers who actively travel and promote tourism across India. Currently now we have 4 active bloggers including myself. Our YouTube channel is Toursandjourneys which I look after and yes I urge other travellers who are interested in doing travel documentaries to join Toursandjourneys and bring forward the documentaries of trips across India through YouTube because I feel at present and in future online television channels and video blogging will be the most active activity across the whole world.

 What are your future plans for Toursandjourneys?

As I mentioned earlier our main aim is to connect with travellers of different community who are interested in exploring India and publishing their documentaries and blogs to promote tourism across India. We aim to promote eco tourism across offbeat destinations in our country and look forward to enhance learning through travelling for interested travellers. We will operate specifically designed tours through the research of the active travellers in our team keeping in mind our aim to help people undertake their vacation tours in the most comfortable way and in the process connect deeply with nature and culture of the destinations which the trip will cover. We are also in the process of connecting with the local people and provide eco tourism in India.

Any message to our Literoma audience?

What I will say will not be enough to praise the the activities of your group. Thanks to Literoma for giving us this platform to share our views to the audience. We are honoured to associate with the intellectual people in your group. I have been following Literoma in Facebook and one of your member Reetwika is a very good friend of mine. I truly get inspired from her travel blogs and her urge to spread literature across the audiences in India. Literoma is  inspiring many people to get enlightened through their publishing house and such activities make your team  a motivation and a great learning platform for the young generation in India.I also appreciate Literoma for the efforts to promote literature in our country. Thank you.

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Meet the founder of 'Rising Hope Films' 

Ankan Roy

1. What inspired you to create Rising Hope films?  

In a word, the urge to tell stories in my own way. During the pitching of scripts, I came across many producers, veteran as well as fledgling ones. Slowly I came to realize that the reason why many films with great potentials fail is because the filmmakers can't exert complete artistic freedom as they have to depend on their producers during different stages of production. t's imperative for a new age filmmaker to learn different aspects of production along with the aesthetics of filmmaking. So I decided to create my own production house to have a close shave with the reality of filmmaking.                                         

2. What kind of films do you wish to gift to your viewers?

Independent films with stories that need to be told. Films that focus on relevant contemporary socio-political issues that could be made on a moderate budget yet will appeal to a global audience. Sometimes we may also try a genre that is often neglected in Indian film fraternity, e.g: science-fiction.

3. How is it different from other production houses?

Well, I think 'content' is the word that will make it different from other, run of the mill production houses. I would like to focus on original story, stories that would be unique and intriguing and at the same it's extremely important to build the taste of the audience so that they can appreciate really great films and encourage others to watch. I think it's a filmmaker's duty to create his own audience. We, in our limited capacity will try our best to do this.

4. Who is Ankan Roy in daily life?

 I am an avid reader.I love to read fiction. Horror and thriller are my favorite genres. I like the detailing and the almost impeccable atmospheric tension that authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Peter Robinson bring in their stories. As a filmmaker, I also love to watch world cinema and try to learn various aspects of filmmaking from the masters. I love adda, in quintessential Bengali style. It's imperative that one observes human behaviour to be a creative person. So I am also a keen observer of human behaviour, body language which later reflects in my writing while building interesting and intricate characters.

5. Is there anyone else who shoulders your venture?

The very inception of this venture wouldn't have been possible without my mother. She has been a tower of support from the very first day. Her unbridled enthusiasm and encouragement gave me the courage to go ahead with my plan. My friend Debadip Majumder, who is also the co-writer of my debut short film 'For your eyes only' and writer Reetwika Banerjee also continue to support in myriads of ways.

6. What are your future plans for Rising Hope films?

We would like to grow slow but steady. My plan is to direct a number of interesting projects, be it short films, full length feature or webseries which will touch different genres. We would also like to collaborate with other renowned production houses and help other talented newcomers make interesting projects under the aegis of our house. Collaboration and simultaneous growth is our mantra.

 7. Any message for our Literoma audience?

Literoma is an outstanding and much needed platform to showcase young writing talents. I always felt the need for a platform that would provide the space for fledgling writers and young enthusiastic creative talents. Literoma is doing exactly that with earnest care. I would like to say to all Literoma audience to utilize this brilliant platform and showcase your artistic fervour. I would like to congratulate Literoma and its audience for this brilliant initiative on this very special day and wish a much better, bigger and more prosperous future for them.

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Meet the mastermind of 'Your Dream Tale'

Jayanta Ghadai

1. What inspired you to create Your Dream Tale?

“One Life Million Dreams” is what truly inspired me to create Your Dream Tale. The joy and happiness which we feel once our dream is fulfilled is the ultimate result of believing in our dream, passion and following it with full faith, taking necessary action towards achieving the goal. There are lot of people who are bit reluctant to pursue their dreams due to fear of failure, the struggles associated with it. Sharing your dream with others helps you connect with people around the world with same dream and aim. Thus the collaboration with each other become possible and the process of achieving your dream hastens.

2. What does the platform offer to its members?

At YourDreamTale.com, we provide life stories about dreamers, believers and their dreams and how they make it happen in their real life despite facing thousands of adversities in their way. We provide our registered members “Author” account where they can provide short bio about them and they can also link their social media accounts so that our readers who read their life stories can directly connect with them which is mostly not an easy task in some other blog/websites.

Contact details of Your Dream Tale:

Email: editor@yourdreamtale.com, yourdreamtale@gmail.com

You can also check our facebook and instagram for daily updates regarding stories and quotes.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourdreamtales

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdreamtale/

3. How is it different from other blogging sites?

It can better answered by our audience. YourDreamTale tries to provide authors to share their story in their own words; so that other people who read their story can connect more personally. You may find many motivational, inspirational blogging sites, but on most of those sites stories are written by third person. We are in process to make a special blog niche of “Dream Blogging”. We also provide stories related to Imaginative dreams, dream world, and fantasy dreams.

4. Who is Jayanta Ghadai in daily life?

I am a jolly person who is “Web Developer” by profession and blogger by passion. I am always passionate about my work and enjoy my work. I love reading life stories of different people. Music and cricket is part of my daily life; whenever I am not working, I will be either listening music or watching cricket match highlights. I love making quotes which are posted at YourDreamTale’s Instagram account.

5. Is there anyone else who shoulders your venture?

To be honest all the authors, members of Yourdreamtale plays key role for our success; But Jagriti Roy (Editor of Yourdreamtale.com) is one of few people who believed in YourDreamTale and always with us for all the help we need from her.

6. What are your future plans about Your Dream Tale?

I want to reach more and more people with YourDreamTale. Each and every people deserves a chance to share their stories with the world. Every story is a journey filled with life experiences and learnings.

7. Any message for our Literoma audience?

Literoma is providing the best launchpad platform for new and upcoming authors which is really great work as most publishing company prefer relatively established or popular authors. Literoma even goes one step further for authors by promoting their books on several events, book fairs, etc. I feel Literoma audiences are most luck as they get to read up close and real book reviews published on Literoma Blog.

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Meet our debut novelist of 'Golden Wings'

Srijoy Mitra

1. What sparked the first line of Golden Wings?

When I wrote a document I called the Drexfiles, I got feedback which surprised me, people actually read it. Its a document I wrote about my life in the three years I spent at Drexel University. When my Dad got a suggestion to write a fiction novel, I thought of my own. I started writing it for fun, the ideas were flowing well enough for me, I got some people to look at the first few chapters, that inspired me even more. I started writing during my Fourth year in college at Appalachian State. I left school to pursue musician LA, but i did not stop writing. In two years, after off and on writings, I completed Golden Wings.

2. How much time did it take you to complete the novel?

I started writing at age 21 and finished at age 23.

3. In today's world of novella, what inspired you to write a full length novel?

I do and did not know anything about novellas, I did not even read much when I was younger, I did not like reading and I thought novels were boring, I suppose I wanted to just write my very own. Nothing around me inspired me to write, I just did it for myself.

4. Any thoughts for your readers?

It depends on the actual readers, If people get something out of it, great! I believe there is a population of people who will relate to the texts. It will be people who think separate from the majority. 

5. When is the sequel planned?

I've started writing the sequel, It will be done by less than 10 months from now. I have another bran new novel idea which I've already started making notes on, and the whole structure of it is in my head.

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Its pleasure to introduce the poet of 'Staring at the Sky'

Dr. Satyanarayan Mishra

** Thanks to Kiran Kumar Adharapuram for interviewing the poet on behalf of #Literoma **

** Thanks to Dr. Satya for his valuable time **

Lets see what interesting things Dr. Satya to share to his beloved readers. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself ?

I am a person who easily get bored with the things and cant continue to focus in a hostile atmosphere for long.Like others,I need inspiration and motivation to carry my works on .I always think for doing something big I always remember the quote of Swami Vivekananda”Fill the brain with high thoughts,highest ideals,place them day and night before you,and out of that will come great work.”.My biggest weakness is books  and whether I read or not,  I  purchase a lot,stores a lot.I analyse the things from scientific as well as a philosophical point of view.

 What prompted you to begin writing poetry ?

In my school days,I was doing well in my literature.Especially I  had  a habit of writing a poem instantly with whatever words and circumstantial supports available.I was a singer too.In  poetry , I  found an easy release of suppressed emotions.It keeps my emotion healthy.

What do most well written poems have in common?

They have their own style of appeal,word composition,message and theme.

Describe your working day?

As usually I  get up early in the morning.I  prefer early morning walk or yogic stretches,mild breath practices,occasional yogic cleansing practices,chanting of verses,short cut worship rituals,going through the news on paper or TV , taking my food and preparing myself for my daily working schedule. I also do some vocal practices if time allows.

Do  you show your work in progress to any one ?

Now a days ,people have no time for others.If you show for some views,their views may be casual or not acceptable .You can’t wait long and mend also in a real sense to a large extent.Still ,I  show some of my poems or stories on which I have doubt about quality to my family members first and accept their suggestion at the first hand.Sometimes I  take the help of close friends and  social sites.

How do you relax?

I  do yogic practices, do stretching, walk in the morning.In case of heavy stress .i simply take rest and even opt to sleep postponing my all assignments if possible. Who are your favourite living poets

Who are your favourite living poets?

I have yet to read the poems of many  poets  and it is not possible to give a satisfactory reply at present as   I need enough to read more and more.Many emerging poets in face book are also writing very good poetry and can’t list all.I like Sherman Alexie,Caroline Bird,Daljit Nagra,Jayant Mahapatra and Saubhagya Kumar Mishra.

Can you give any advice to some one wanting to write and publish poetry?

Mastery over vocabulary,clarity in feelings and how best you can interprete,understanding your own feelings,building confidence,reading a lot,practicing a lot,use of social sites in early stages  and to show some body if possible  before going for a print.One should not hanker after cheap publicity.

Something about “Staring at the sky”?

It’s a poetry book of 26 poems of variety varying from creation to collapse, from love to romance, from nature to society. It's the first English poetry book which got its hard copy form  and ebook form by Literoma. Thanks a lot.Though its not a word to word translation  still it reflects the idea of some of my earlier poems in Odia language. I hope it will touch the heart of the readers.

Do you enjoy promoting your books and meeting your readers? 

Yes.I do enjoy and shall  try to take the advantage in promoting and meeting the readers if possible for me.

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An open tee bioscope discussion with the author of 'Rukhsaar'

Devi Raghuvanshi

** Thanks to Devi Raghuvanshi for sharing his valuable time with us. **

** Thanks to our correspondent Chitranshu Mandhar for interviewing on behalf of Literoma. **

The Serene Wordsmith (TSW): When did you first think about venturing into writing? How difficult was your transition period?
Mr. Raghuvashi: The day, I bade goodbye to my 40 year's of active Engineering assignment, there were few options to avoid vacuum of life, writing was first one of them which I religiously followed. The transition was very easy as the purpose was to write out of passion and not for a monetary gains.

TSW: So far you have authored ten books. How do you get ideas for your books?
Mr. Raghuvashi: Yes, my ten books are published. I am by nature a keen observer of things around. If i notice anything or anybody doing something out of box, I plan to put it on paper. Trust me, most of my books either have me somewhere as one of the characters or if someone's character impresses me, I write. Not necessary the plot remains same till end . It changes during the course of  writing but basic character content remains in the book. 

TSW: Tell us something about your upcoming book "The Woman of Substance RUKSAAR".
Mr. Raghuvashi: Rukhsaar is an incredible woman from a very affluent family background, married to a commoner who also rose to become a judge, became physically handicapped. Rukhsaar pushed his wheel chair everywhere whether a music concert or a marriage party. For her, Humanity was the biggest religion. She established one of the best music academy and event management company. She was a self contained woman far away from the feelings of sufferings and jot. 

TSW:  What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
Mr. Raghuvashi: Control of words during intimacy scenes,  give me a good food of thought.

TSW: On an average how long does it takes you to write a book? Mr.Raghuvashi: It takes me roughly two and half months to complete the book of app 125 to 140 pages stopped.

TSW: Who is your favorite character from "The woman of Substance RUKSAAR"?
Mr. Raghuvashi: It's like asking a father who is his favourite kid but yes even he has some soft corner to some. In Rukhsaar  The Woman Of Substance, Rukhsaar is my favoured character as she has gone under so many difficult phases of life and she has practically forgotten the difference between sufferings and  joy.

TSW: Of all the books you have penned which is your favourite and why?
Mr. Raghuvashi: It's again a difficult question like asking a father his favourite kid. Mohini The Tigress has been my best book as a revenge story with a message that women have to defend them  themselves against oppression and they have to become independent and strong. Rukhsaar might take over. 

TSW: What is the most challenging part while you are writing a draft? How do you overcome it? 
Mr. Raghuvashi: The start and the end of my books are the biggest challenges and i devote my full might and time to make it worth reading. 

TSW: How often do you read book reviews?  How do you deal with negetive reviews?
Mr. Raghuvashi: Reviews reading is my habit.Negative reviews give me strength to rectify the reason for reader's disappointment. It's their prerogative to write. I am happy that they read at least. 

TSW: Who's the one author(dead or alive) with whom you would like to have dinner with?
Mr. Raghuvashi: I would love to have a dinner date with Amish to learn and understand how he made SHIVA a tribal leader a MAHADEV and also how did he digest a discussion between RAM and his brother feeling happy about a non-vegetarian feast when they were chasing a deer.

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A lovely evening with the poet of 'Raindrops'

Shubhramita Chakraborty

** Thanks to Shubhramita Chakraborty for sharing her valuable time with us. **

** Thanks to our correspondent Kiran Kumar Adharapuram for interviewing on behalf of Literoma. **

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

About myself, I completed my Master Degree in English literature in 2011. I am an Asst. Teacher of a Govt.Sponsored High School under Govt.of West Bengal. At my school, I am not only a dedicated teacher to my students but their friend and facilitator as well. At home, I am a loving and caring mother of my one-year old daughter who is full of life and cuteness.

Why do you write? What keeps you motivated? 
I write out of intense passion for nature, the living creatures of nature including its diversified flora and fauna and mostly life itself. I have been writing since my childhood and as long as I live I want to see myself as an acclaimed and renowned writer with a compassionate heart and love for every human being. 

When I pass away, I want to leave behind a good number of meaningful works for young as well as old generation who would find a shelter of their bereaved emotions in my poems and writings. After my death I want my nation to keep my memories engraved in the pages of history through my writings.Everything around me, from a green leaf of the tree beside my house to the unseen bird flying high in the sky, keeps me motivated. Travelling too motivates me to write.

Do your take extra care while considering a book cover ? Is is really needed to get book cover designed? Not really. I believe a good book does not need a flashy cover. Content of the book is much more important than its cover.

How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you have any writing rituals?

I try to spend at least an hour daily in writing but tough schedule at home does not permit it. I have to devote time to my daughter. I take some meaningful time out of my working hours and write during my off classes at my school. I have no writing rituals. I write whenever I am free.

In your view, what is an ideal poem should contain?
I have read poems from metaphysical poets like Andrew Marvell,romantic poet like William Wordsworth,John Keats and PB Shelley, and modern poets like TS Eliot and Ezra Pound. To me there is no particular notion of an ideal poem. A poem that touches my soul and leaves behind a deep impact through its underlying message is an ideal poem to me.

What is your favorite style or form of poetry to read, and why?
I love reading poems based on nature. I also like reading war poems and poems of romantic age.

Name the best poem you are most proud of writing in “Raindrops” , the ones that you personally cannot forget?
I love every poem from my book ‘Raindrops’. Every one is unique.Still as you are asking 9am to choose, I would like to mention Sahara, The Pink Star, The Rose Krishna,and The White Desert among note-worthy ones.

What types of poems do you find yourself writing most ?
I tend to write most nature based and astronomical poems, where the planets and stars are attributed some living qualities. Life outside our Earth fascinates me the most and right there begins my imagination.

What secret talents do you have?
I have no secret talent. Apart from writing I love singing and painting.

Where can we stalk you ? How frequently you blog ?
I have no blog yet. You can find me in Facebook, Suvramita Chakraborty, but I share posts only with my friends and do not include any unknown people.

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An up close chat with this wonderful soul on her upcoming book 'December Waves'

Mandrita Bose

** Thanks to Mandrita Bose for sharing her valuable time with us. **

** Thanks to our correspondent Satabdi Banerjee for interviewing on behalf of Literoma. **

1.       What is your inspiration for writing?

The oceans, the rains, the arts…
And yes, life itself is an inspiration for writing.

2.       Tell us about your creative initiatives and how you thread them all together as your work?
Pen Portrait is one creative initiative which I started in December 2017. Pen Portrait celebrates people by writing a customized poem based on the personality of the person. The poems are written on their pictures. I started Pen Portrait because I thought people should celebrate themselves, embrace who they are, inspire themselves instead of constantly demoralizing oneself. We love others unconditionally. It is just as fair to love ourselves, to appreciate ourselves for our sincere efforts and talents and comfort ourselves when needed. Till now, Pen Portrait has received a good response.
I feel extremely happy that I have the opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of a person through Pen Portrait. 

3.       You wear different hats- a spoken word poet, a professional copywriter, curator of the pen portrait idea… how do you switch hats? Do you feel you are doing a lot of different things?
It’s a lot of different things, true, but the one thing common amongst them is the love for words. 
I really love to write and perform, and although it’s a lot of hard work, late nights, I still feel blessed because I am being able to do the things which I always dreamt of doing.

4.       What is the significance of the name of your book, ‘December Waves’?
The oceans are my inspiration for writing. Whenever I visit a seaside place, I feel inspired to write. I also write a lot in December. Most of my poems were written in December. Which is why Waves and December feature many times in the poems of my book.
My book features the seas, nostalgia, love. It is about accepting ourselves, being strong and resilient. It is also about the pain we go through in our lives. It is about life in all its aspects. It is about a plethora of emotions.

5.       Which genre of poems have you sorted for this book of poems?
Mostly free verse. But there is a chapter on letter poetry where I have addressed letters to our ‘Voice, ‘Dreams’ and more. 

6.       Tell us about your experience while developing your book, December Waves?
I had been writing for a really long time since school days so you will find a few poems which I wrote in high school about dance, music, art. That time I was living poetry. And that happiness found its expression in the poems. Then there are poems which I wrote even a year back or just two weeks before submitting my manuscript. Those are more about the issues affecting us nowadays, while some delve deeper into human emotions. So the experience has been vast. I tried to incorporate the many sides of life and emotions in this book. And I’m really glad that Literoma gave me an opportunity to publish the book in the way I planned it. They discussed with me about everything that would be good for my book,  and supported and guided me throughout.

7.       Tell us about Mandrita in her daily living?
When working, I’m totally trying to get things done to perfection. I try my best. While not working, I’m usually chatting with my colleagues, watching movies, reading a lot, calling up my best friends and talking to them for hours. I really enjoy spending time with my loved ones.

8.       What are your further aspirations in the next five years now?
Well, as a poet, it really makes sense when people say that they could relate to what I wrote. That it resonates with their feelings… They feel that it’s their thoughts, exactly.
My wish is to reach out to as many people as possible who ‘feel’ my words, who get inspired by poetry.

9.       Who are your favorite modern day poets?
I love the performances and style of Phil Kaye, Sarah Kaye, Rudy Francisco,  Blythe Baird, Megha Rao. I also appreciate what Kommune, APM and other poetry/storytelling groups are doing. They are giving a platform for new talents to emerge.
My all-time favorite poets are also Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost amongst others.

10.    Please share your thoughts with your readers and their expectation from you?
My readers can expect to explore a book that portrays life. From feeling the rains to nostalgic pangs to getting back on your feet, to losing someone… It showcases human emotions in a deep, meaningful way while also in its strong, raw forms. Before each chapter begins, there’s a conversation between the sea and me.
While some poems will inspire, others will be more relatable.
It’s about the flowers and the thorns. It’s about life.

Eagerly waiting for 'December Wave's to wash and rejuvenate our lives! All the Best Mandrita.

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A candid chat with Hindi poet of 'Mere Khayal' and 'Dariya-e-Ehsaas'

Dr. Manisha Yadava

** Thanks to Dr. Manisha Yadava for sharing her valuable time with us. **

** Thanks to our correspondent Swapna Peri for interviewing on behalf of Literoma. **

1. Please tell us about your two books ‘ Mere Khyaal ‘ and ‘ Dariya – E – Ehsaas ‘. Why did you want to tell the world the experiences you encountered?

Mere Khayal includes shayaris and poem and Dariya-E-Ehsaas includes just a poem. Because there should be sensitivity in society towards others.

2.Why writing? What drew you towards writing?

I don’t Know when I started playing with words. It all began in the 9th standard.

3. Other than real-time incidents, what more research did you do while authoring the books?

I took others experience, their emotions and other than that I read a lot of books (non-fiction)

4. How did your spiritual journey help in framing your life journey?

It widened my thoughts and helped me forge a path towards more positivity.

5. How do you feel being called a ‘ Woman Writer ‘? Does that word irritate you?

No. It doesn’t bother me.

6. What do you think is the role of a woman writer in today’s world?

A woman’s thoughts are much constructive for society because women are strong.

7. What genres do wish to explore and write on?

I would like to write non-fictional stories.

8. Who are your favorite authors and why do you like their writing?

Rhonda Bryan, because she is one of the best non-fictional writers.

9. How did you get published? Did you face any hurdles?

No, I did not face any problems because my first book was self-published.

10. How does your writing nook look like? Do you believe in any writing rituals?

I don’t have a particular place to write. I write wherever I want to and neither do I follow any writing rituals.

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An online interview with writer of 'Kalki 2' novel

Kevin Missal

** Thanks to Kevin Missal for sharing his valuable time with us. **

** Thanks to our correspondent Reetwika Banerjee for interviewing on behalf of Literoma. **

1. Why did you choose this topic? Share some interesting insights about your new book.

I really like mythology as a concept. And I loved Kalki’s storyline as a farm boy who grows up to be a hero. That resonates with me.

Interesting insights? I think the one I can give is- there are two  very important characters from Mahabharata and Ramayana in this book and they play a pivotal role in the arch of Kalki.

2. How do you differentiate teenager you and today's you (the writer)? 

Thankfully I didn’t write Kalki when I was a teenager. I think there was a certain immaturity when it came to my writing. I don’t differentiate per se since I try to add a sense of childish wonder in my book and my age miraculously helped me to write a cool world.

3. How much of you can be found in your novel's characters?

I think there’s one particular character who is like me and that’s Arjan.

4. Other than writing, what else gives you a kick?

I love video games!

5. Any message for our Literoma community members and readers?

It’s a great platform and keep growing! 

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A coffee chat with poet in passion in expression 

Satabdi Banerjee

** Thanks to Satabdi Banerjee for sharing her valuable time with us. **

** Thanks to our correspondent Reetwika Banerjee for interviewing on behalf of Literoma. **

1. When did you start writing poems?

Year 2015 was a very significant year to ferment my creative aspirations. I had associated myself with Rhythm Divine Poetic Journey; a group which facilitates work of creative scriptures and writing.

2. What or who is your inspiration behind writing English poetry?

I am a very emotionally active human being and very religious to expression to be in youthful life spirit. Carving through my own life experiences and observations on my fellow associations and acquaintances, I have inscribed poetic verses to each of my feelings, emotions and reactions lived in this lifetime yet.

3. Why do you tag yourself as a poet of passion in expression?

Expression is a symbol of Optimism. Every living being either respond or react in expression....to express, it’s an affirmation to the virtue of existence. And to add art in expression is a devotion to magic. Thus I have tried my best efforts to fruitful creative style of expression through my poems which; remarkably makes me a "poet of passion in expression"

4. Who is Satabdi Banerjee in daily life?

A very ordinary woman living a routine life in strives to earn her daily bread. But she dreams! And she believes her dreams close to a reality.

5. Tell us something about your debut book A SIP OF COFFEE.

A SIP OF COFFEE is an experience munch which you would want to go back again and again. It vitalises your selective life memories and shall also trigger emotions which had certainly stimulated within you once however never realised in conscience. Whenever you have a mood to sip in coffee....you will know which pages to flip for the rich aromatic brewing flavour. 

6. What are your next plans?

Uncertain...life is on the go and basic amenities can’t be left for a backseat. However, artists are meant to steal time to edifice their art and so as spontaneous it may go...shall continue creative artistry through poems, short stories etc.

7. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I will be continuing as a consultant in a mainstream job and with immense sincere efforts and devotion to my art, keep on lightening my creative aspiration and fulfilling a dream of being a writer everybody loves to read.

8. Your readers may like to know your favourite lines from the book.  

My poems are all dear and special....each of them holds a unique fragrance of a particular moment lived and now cherished and treasured.

9. Any closing lines for your readers, fans and followers?

Please find me in your lament, pensive moments.... I wish to be your soothing smile cheering you up again to a new munches of life's gifts. Relish and live every sip of the coffee moment expressed over my words; with your eyes. Love and best wishes, passion poet.

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A candid talk with acclaimed National Record holder, award winning published author and short film writer 

Reetwika Banerjee

** Thanks to Reetwika Banerjee for sharing her valuable time with us. **

** Thanks to our correspondent Sayan Basak for interviewing on behalf of Literoma. **

Short films are the under-appreciated cousins of feature films. It hardly matters how many accolades they garner or how much effort goes into the making of those few minutes. Although, there have been some great short films made along the way, due credit and recognition is still hard to come by. In the past few months, short films like Taandav, Ahalya and Interior Night Cafe, featuring well-known names from the Hindi film industry, have enabled the genre to carve its own small place in the heart of moviegoers. But we still have a long way to go when it comes to appreciating these movies. With the growing influence of the Internet, short films are increasingly attracting more viewers and have become a popular medium for story-tellers. Such films are made with the urge to tell an engaging story and it is possible to do so in less than half the time and with a fraction budget. Short films are also a field for budding filmmakers and enthusiasts to come and play with their talent and skills before moving on to the big league.

Reetwika has been writing Micro Stories since 2005, publishing her first collection of forty Micro Stories “Fantastic 40” in 2014 under the banner of All About Books Global. Not to mention that the book received a very warm response at the 2015 Kolkata International Book Fair due to its innovative and a novel literary concept. The term ‘Micro Story’ was first developed by Reetwika and was seen in her debut book “Fantastic 40” where she developed stories which are typically less than 500 words and can be easily extracted over a single reading. The second edition was later republished by Purushottam Publishers (Kolkata) in 2016.

One of her most popular Micro Stories named “One Rainy Day” featuring in the same book has been recently filmed into a sensational short movie ‘ADHURA’ by Euphoria Films Production (Mumbai) and is all set to release on Mahasasthi. It has a beautiful backdrop revolving around the auspicious Durga Puja. There is magic in the air whichever you wish to interpret it. The ambience of sweet smelling flowers, the incense mingled with perfumes make it a perfect short film in this season. The poster is very appealing providing a love themed background.” Adhura” the title itself means incomplete and I think, that you can meet someone one day, who possesses the eyes you never had but always needed; the vision to see backwards and forwards and all around, the other wing that you need to complete your flight. And I think it can just happen, suddenly, without explanation! And then I think, it would be good to keep that person, you’ll always have those eyes, and always have two wings.

Literoma wishes Reetwika and crew best wishes for the success of ‘ADHURA’ and her upcoming films. Looking forward to watch many more of her stories in the coming years.

You can watch Reetwika's short films at below Youtube links:-
1. Click here: Adhura
2. Click here: Hello Mamma
3. Click here: Ittefaq Se