Sunday 3 February 2019

A questionnaire with Shoma Abhyankar



So this month featuring blogger friend " Shoma Abhyankar'


Can you tell us a little about yourself? Your profession and your hobbies!!

I am an architect by qualification but turned to writing. Based in Pune, I now contribute articles to newspapers, travel magazines and web portals. Among other hobbies are painting and sketching.

1.      How did you first get involved in with writing, are you an imaginative person?

I started writing poetry as a teenager and when three of my poems were published in Hitavada English newspaper of Nagpur, I fell in love. I started a blog much later though to get into regular writing and since last two and half years have been freelancing.

2.      What do you find most challenging about your writing?

I feel the need to expand my writing to other genres and fiction writing still eludes me.

3.      What do you do when you are not writing?

I like to paint, draw, read and at times when enthusiasm peaks, I try some new recipe.

4.      Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

I am hopeful of consolidating my writing scene and come up with a concrete story idea for a book.

5.      How do you keep coming up with material/content for your story?

I write travel, culture and food stories mostly and every time I travel, I try finding stories in my interaction with people.

6.      Any specific tips you have for new writers who want to make it big in the world of published books?

I am still finding my own space. The learning never ends I think. So keeping a focus on writing is best advice.

7.      What’s the best thing a writer can give to his readers?

A vivid visual through their words which would help the reader to travel, taste and imagine through words and live the excitement.

8.      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?

Writing in any language should be free of grammatical errors, first and foremost. It should be simpler to understand. Too many big words and long complex sentences lose the attention of the reader. To start earning money from writing, practice writing every day and keep pitching ideas to various publications. As far as my experience goes, it takes quite some time to reach a certain level where making money from writing seems easier. Freelancing is not enough to pay your bills.

9.      What motivates you most in life?

The pride that shows in eyes of my parents, husband and daughter when my story is published is the biggest motivation.

10.  The majority of the readers tend to take sides due to religion and such other considerations.

I have stayed clear of commenting on religion since it hurts sentiments of various people. Also, I don’t consider myself an authority on religious contexts.

11.  What is the story behind the name of your book?

Not yet

12.  What are your views on increasing plagiarism?

Sad...creative work is a work of labour and passion. Those who plagiarise are not only disrespecting their own ability but cheating the original writers of their credit. There should be stricter means to stop plagiarism.


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