I love to hear what other people are up to! It is so encouraging when you listen to someone who has struggled just like you and who has made it to the big-time…or someone who has a quirky approach…or someone whose ideas can help and inspire you to succeed.
Tarang is one such person I had the pleasure of interviewing.
Tarang Sinha is a writer, active blogger and an avid reader. She holds a Diploma in Creative Writing in English from IGNOU. Her works have been published in magazines like Good Housekeeping India, Child India, Women’s Era, and Alive. Uff Ye Emotions 2, an anthology, features her short story – Dilemma. She also writes occasionally for Huffington Post India and Women’s Web.
Her very first novel, We Will Meet Again released in July this year.
Hover over the interview highlights to gather some inspiration this Thurday afternoon.
‘Maybe, there’s a writer in me!’
“Unlike many writers, I started writing very late. I did not when I was 9. I did not write (or even think of writing) when I was 16. I wanted to be everything except a writer. Writing was a stroke of serendipity. When my first short story got approved by a popular magazine, that’s when I thought, and decided to take it seriously. Thereafter, I started my blog – a great platform to express yourself, write regularly and improve!”
She exclaimed that her always occupied mind is what caused the ripple in her writing journey.
“I totally relate to this quote by Maya Angelou that ‘There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.’ I need to settle the thoughts and ideas whirling in my mind.”
Real life incidents inspire me
“And, an unforgettable incident. Real life incidents inspire me. One afternoon, I decided to write about that unforgettable incident. I wrote a short write-up and submitted to a magazine without any expectation. It got published. That short published piece encouraged me write more.”
All about “We Will Meet Again…”
We Will Meet Again is a contemporary, mature love story of Paridhi and Abhigyan, an eccentric couple in a love-hate relationship. It’s about strong and believable characters/situations. It carries various shades of emotions without being mushy. It’s not just about falling in love – it’s about believing in love and growing in a beautiful relationship.
Interesting writing quirk
“Font. I can’t write peacefully if I don’t like the font (I prefer Garamond). When writing on paper, it disturbs me a lot if my handwriting doesn’t flow well (It happens sometimes. My handwriting betrays me when I especially want it to be good). I like to write with pencil.”
Favorite Author and all-time favorite book
“Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. I think he was quite ahead of his time. Now, I prefer women writers (Yes, I’m a little biased). I love reading Chitra Divakaruni, Jhumpa Lahiri, Debbie Macomber and Preeti Shenoy.”
“My favourite books – Swami by Sarat Chandra (Modified by Mannu Bhandari) and Aalampanah by Rafia Manjurul Ameen. In English, I loved The Palace of Illusion, I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella, Love Virtually (and the sequel Every Seventh Wave) by Daniel Glattauer, and This Matter of Marriage by Debbie Macomber.”
Challenge being a woman writer
“Managing time, especially when you are married and have kids. Balancing home and work is a challenge. Most people think that writing isn’t actual work. You need to treat writing as ‘work’. Being a disciplined writer, especially when you work from home, is a challenge.”
When the chips are down
“There can be two situations in this case. When I don’t feel like writing or when I’m about to miss the deadline.
When I don’t feel like writing (I don’t believe in writer’s block), I read (books or blogs), watch movies, plot, research or spend time on social media, especially Twitter.
When I am chasing a deadline, I stay awake at night (Being a mother to a super active 4 yr old, I have no other option as this is the only time I can work peacefully). I have spent several sleepless nights for my writing.”
Writing hack
For all the aspiring writers out there, this what Tarang has to say, “The prime job of a writer is to write. So, if you want to be a writer, Write (Not just procrastinate)! Be a good listener and observer. Be active (exercise or go for walks) as inactivity inhibits the imagination and creativity.
“Read! Not just read, but understand and learn. You can’t be a good writer if you are not a good reader.”
“And, most importantly, never give up! Don't listen to those people who try to discourage you or maybe laugh at your endeavours. You know your craft better. If you believe in your craft, you will have the last laugh!”