So, for this month featuring author is "Ashwina Garg"
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Your profession and
your hobbies!!
I studied
to be an accountant but I always liked to write. I am always at a loss when
people ask me what my profession is. I think a person's goal in life should be
financial independence, intellectual stimulation and happiness and there are
many ways to achieve these things. I am grateful that I have found ways to
achieve all three in my life.
Questionnaire with Ashwina Garg
1.
How did you first
get involved in with writing, are you an imaginative person?
I am an
extremely imaginative person. When I was a kid, I never whined about being
bored. I would make up stories in my head to keep myself occupied and my whole
family would wonder what I did all by myself all the time. Imagination is very
important even in daily life. It's what allows you to rustle up an interesting
dinner when you have only 2 tomatoes, 1 potato and assorted spices in your
kitchen when you've forgotten to shop.
2.
What do you find
most challenging about your writing?
The most
challenging thing about writing is my lack of discipline. I am a jack of all
trades and at any given day, I don't know if I will be taking a class or
attending to some work or just hanging out with friends or my family. I take
each day as it comes and sometimes writing just takes a back seat.
3.
What do you do
when you are not writing?
The older I
get the more I want to learn new things so I would say I am a perpetual
student. Every day I try to read a lot or meet people who can teach me about my
areas of interests like finance, food, technology and spirituality.
4.
How do you keep
coming up with material / content for your story?
I don't
really know where I'll be 6 months or 5 years down the road. I have learnt to
adapt myself to situations and not plan too much. As I said, I am careful about
being financially independent and healthy. Everything else is flexible.
Hopefully everyone in my family will be healthy and happy in 6 months and 5
years.
I observe
people a lot and sometimes a situation will make me think more deeply. My
writing starts from there.
5.
Any specific tips
you have for new writers who want to make it big in the world of published
books?
I don't
think I am qualified to comment about what it takes to make it big in writing
because I haven't made it big as a writer myself. Writing for me is a need.
There are things I want to say to the world and writing is the only acceptable
way I know. If I start shouting from the rooftops, someone might admit me into
a mental hospital.
6.
What’s the best
thing a writer can give to his readers?
The best
thing a writer can give his audience is entertainment. Everything else is
optional. It would be nice if a writer can impart some knowledge along with
being entertaining. The other way around doesn't work unless you are writing a
textbook.
7.
A lot of people
are interested in writing for the money earning potential. What are some tips
for people interesting in making money from writing? What are some realistic
expectations in regards to what can be made?
People have
specific goals in life when they do something. They want to make money, be
famous, acquire social status, exert authority. Writing can give you everything
but if you only want to make money, better to study the stock markets.
8.
What motivates
you most in life?
My prime
motivators are money and happiness. Not always in that order.
9.
The majority of
the readers tend to take sides due religion and such other considerations.
I believe
religion exists to show us how to lead our lives when situations gets
overwhelming. It gives us hope, discipline and patience. A lot of people are
using religion to spread negativity. I prefer spirituality to religion.
10.
What is the story
behind the name of your book?
My book
'Spicy Bites of Biryani' is about relationships. Sanjay is US returned software
millionaire determined to have an arranged marriage after selling his company
and breaking up with his girlfriend. Aditi is a commitment phobic writer who
can't figure out what her next book is about. Manyank and Jayshree are the
perfect couple trying hard to keep their perfect life perfect. The book is
based in Hyderabad so my husband suggested the name and I am a very obedient
wife.
11.
What are your
views on now a days increasing plagiarism?
Increasing
plagiarism? Or decreasing? Plagiarism is
not really defined clearly so It's hard to figure out what is plagiarism and
what is not. It's, unforunately, very easy to steal ideas because a lot of
people can have the same idea. Only word for word plagiarism can be proved.
0 comments: