Meet author and poet Chandrama Deshmukh:
1. What does writing mean to you? Why do you write?
Writing to me is a way to get closer to my real, vulnerable self. A catharsis of sorts. Writing gives me an outlet, clarity and absolute joy.
2. When did you start writing? Do you remember the first time you wrote something?
I started writing at the age of 12. I remember there was a power cut in our house and I wrote a poem on how a burning candle illuminates the darkness. This poem was written in my mother tongue, Marathi. I don’t think I can ever recreate the innocence of that first spontaneous poem.
3. What was the source of your inspiration earlier? Did it change with the time?
Life in its totality, was is and will always be my source of inspiration. The context changes, but the source remains intact. That is the beauty of poetry. It erupts from within and engulfs the universe.
4. Would you like to share few of your favourite lines of your story?
I am made of me
and an entire eternity
it has taken me too long
to reach where I belong
my story doesn’t shift
despite the wreckage, the rift.
I have nursed many scars
till they turned into stars
my hands smell of past
of things that didn’t last
and yet here I stand
Alice in her own land!
5. What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Being able to write with utmost honesty. That courage comes with time.
6. What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
It all comes together. Like a poem is happening to me. Like it makes me write itself. It is too beautiful, and too intense a process to describe in words. Like all precious things, it can only be felt.
7. What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
Favorite part: The excitement of putting your work together into a piece of art.
Least favorite part: How traditional publishing houses discard poetry because they think it does not sell. I disagree. Both my books have received an overwhelming response.
8. How did you come up with the title for your book?
It just came to me. And I knew that was it.
9. What inspired the idea for your book?
My internal journey. I wanted to share my story without actually telling it in so many words. I wanted to share the experience instead of the details. And poetry made that journey easier.
10. What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
This book is a part of me. Every poem was tough, but every poem was totally worth it.
11. What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
A pen, a paper and a restless, thinking mind.
12. If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?
Poetry is not for movies, but these could be songs. Songs that anyone and everyone can sing.
13. What is the future for the characters? Will there be a sequel?
We are the characters, you and me and the likes of us. And there is always a squeal to the matters of heart and art.
14. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Which writers have inspired you? Do you feel yourself ever influenced by the writing style of a writer?
Gulzar, Pablo Neruda, Amitav Ghosh, Agha Shahid Ali, Kafka, Satre, Murakami, Amrita Pritam. I draw influence and inspiration from way too many writers to list here.
15. How often do you write? People say writing needs time; best words come out in leisure. How do you manage your time to write and work?
I don’t have specific time slots, but I write every day. Mostly at nights. Midnights rather. I don’t manage my writing, it manages me. Work happens in between. And when you love something, there’s always time.
16. What is your message to the young & aspiring authors who are willing to explore the new dimensions of creative writing?
Write your heart out. The rest shall fall in place.
17. Mention your upcoming writing endeavours?
I plan to publish many more books of my work ranging from poetry, short stories, plays and maybe a novel too.
