Q- What inspired you to put together this collection of poems? Was there a particular moment that made you say, “This needs to be a book”?
A- The urge to let people who are struggling know, they’re not alone. This mere thought inspired me to put these poems all together and combine it into a book. To be honest, this mere thought drove me to write a whole book collecting all these poems. Also, Somewhere down the surface, I want people to feel what I feel. I want that when they read this book, they feel seen, understood, and heard.
Q- Poetry is deeply personal. Was it challenging to share these emotions with the world?
It was challenging to say the least but the most challenging part was and is, that the people who know me are going to read these words. Let it be my family, my friends, or anyone who knows a part of me.
Q- What does your writing process look like? Do you have any rituals, like sipping coffee in your favorite corner?
I usually write whenever I’m feeling the complex spiral of emotions. But my usual spot is my room, it’s a safe corner to let my thoughts spiral around my mind.
Q- You describe yourself as a “human penguin”—does this playful self-perception influence your poetry in any way?
Haha! I describe myself as a penguin because of the traits I sometimes find in me. On the broader part, it does not influence my poetry in any major way. I just feel like a penguin.
Q- If your book had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
I think Billie eilish’s song would fit the vibe of my book. ‘everything I wanted’ and ‘idontwannabeyouanymore’ definitely fit the context of the book.
Q- As someone who loves buying books, what’s the one book you always recommend to others?
I would love to recommend ‘dear stranger, I know how you feel’ by Ashish bhagrecha. This book has helped me in the lowest period of time. This book feels like home. To those, who need a warm hug from a stranger, should give it a try.
Q- How does it feel to hold your book in your hands for the first time?
I felt numb yet so full of emotions. To see my words imprinted in a book, ready to get read by the world. It felt surreal. My hands were shivering and my heart was beating so fast but that’s one of a kind experience which I’ll never ever forget.
Q- What’s next for you? Do you have plans for another book?
I do have plans for another book and it’s going to be a little different from ‘fractured serenity’. I don’t want to spoil it but I can drop a hint; it’s for the hearts of the people. I’m going to start writing it very soon and hopefully by the end of this year, I’ll have the draft in my hand.
