Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Thank you for inviting me to this candid talk. I do not want to introduce myself as a boring Banker but rather as an artist who draws a connection between science, philosophy, art and literature showcasing in my work. I am a planning oriented person in general, and more so towards my work and career. Hindrances sometimes have constrained me in terms of time, to reach where I wanted to. But, I have never deviated from my goal. I am an artist – writing, reading, dancing, singing, even acting in dramas (performing arts) – I have done and love all. I love science and defying or understanding a theory with numbers. I can’t blindly take in any theory you tell me without reasoning and derivation. I believe in absorbing deep not in superficial read.
Above all, I am a dreamer and I intend to live my dreams.
Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Marigold The Golden Memories’?
Marigold – The Golden Memories, is not just a random book title that was thought of at the last minute. Each and every story in the book is a reflection of the vulnerability yet the strength behind human emotions. The flower Marigold is a ceremonious symbol and a cherished flower that depicts happiness, freshness, beginnings. Simply put, it soothes our soul, bringing a sense of calmness. Humans are a rare race who can remember the past, bottling them in as memories and inhaling the essence whenever they reminisce. That’s what the title of the book conveys. The book is a medium for readers to reminisce their fondest or unforgettable memories. The book cover reflects the same.
Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
It is an emotional process altogether. Writing is an art similar to a scientific invention or an innovative idea to bring a change. Hence, if what you write is innate, raw and resonate the sound of your soul, then it will always be fresh. I write what I feel, what comes to mind. And, what comes to my mind is as close to reality as you and I experience, every day. Creating a story around that will naturally come to you when you can feel that thought/idea deeply.
Q4. What does success means to you?
Mutually beneficial – me and the humankind. Success to me is the definition of being aesthetically happy. Materialism and being a parasite cannot make you live organically.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I believe in a holistic process. Reading a lot before starting to write helps you to get in the zone, where you find yourself more ready to start writing. I generally read a lot of different genre books. Reading different genres helps to build characters which are more realistic, even when you are writing fiction. I read philosophy, humanity, history, art, science, novels (fiction) to help me create my characters and story with more conviction. Even I should be able to pick up my book and read it. So, I need to think as a reader when I am writing a book.
Q6. How long did it take you to write this book?
More than 2 years. I believe in taking time rather than rushing into things, especially when it is creativity.
Q7. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
am an avid traveller. Travel helps me to connect with different places and beautiful people around the world. I learn from everywhere and everyone. But, if we talk about India, I love many places, undoubtedly. Our country is so beautiful – rich culture, finger-licking cuisine, beautiful nature and everything that calls to life. But to me special place is where my parents are. Whenever I visit my parents it is special. Both of them inspire me. It is the reality. They make me recall the essence of being grateful to life, the nuances of privileges that we all have – because we are still breathing – I am my positive best self when they are around.
Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Marigold The Golden Memories’ book?
Anything, you do where you are putting your work out in the public sending a message and trying to connect with them is an effort. Writing is demanding since it reflects a part of you or your thought, be it short stories or a novel. I won’t say managing time was a problem because you definitely make time for something you love. I do not really see anything as an obstacle, rather I see it as an experience. You have to develop a new character each time you write a new story. To put it across to the readers in a coherent and comprehensible way, you require to see the story from the readers’ eyes. That requires a lot of concentration, will power and patience, needless to say, vivid and superlative imagination. Parallelly transporting yourself from writing fiction to come back to this breathing life is a piece of work. But it’s a terrific learning and you keep growing each day.
Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I am not very specific about a favourite genre. I love reading books, in general. I can’t really be that specific, I mean you have great fictions. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle took us into the world of solving mysteries with Sherlock Holmes, J K Rowling took us to a different land and what a journey it was with Harry Potter, Rabindra Nath Tagore poetically charms us, Jane Austen’s classic romance helps us to meet the reality, there are so many. And then non-fiction from Yuval Noah Harari and Jean-Paul Sartre helps you to understand humanity and its institution. I am influenced by all these geniuses because you learn so much.
I personally love Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari and Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Nothing that we don’t know about life. It bites back if we are vile, and equally giving when we are humane.
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