A writer by passion, and a trainer by profession, Divya Venkateswaran has become a Tsundoku and the world of literature fascinates her. She first began writing soulful stories for Times of India (Internet) under its “Soul Curry” section. Her love for reading got the better of her and she started reviewing upcoming authors and any new title she read. She is a music enthusiast and loves listening to music and is a trained classical singer. She has also contributed to a number of anthologies in the form of poems, stories and articles. Her first as a published author is a collab poetry book named “IMPETUS – Rhymes Within Us” with Rajani Nair and her solo “A Slice of Reverie” came much after as a Kindle ebook. She became an editor with “Health Warriors & Survivors conceptualised by Sapna Shivani Kekre for United By Ink. Divya Vekateswaran lives in Mumbai and works for a renowned Ed Tech company.
It takes a lot to write a book. There are a lot of thoughts that go into a book whether it is poetry or prose. I believe poetry is written from the soul and it is a niche. Not everyone understands poetry and it is still finding its place in our country. I have written both but I deeply connect with poetry. Writing a poetry book is as difficult as it is to write a novella. People in our country are more likely to read prose and find poetry difficult, so yes writing a book on poetry does take a toll and there are not many publishers who want to publish poetry books unless you are into self-publishing.
How has writing helped you and what are your top 5 achievements in the writing field?
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I am a trainer by profession and I am a mother of two, so yes time is a constraint and I like to pen down whenever thoughts get stuck, as soon as I can. So I do it randomly on my phone or if I am at work, I just pen it down on a sheet of paper. I am not a writer who takes out time to write, but I am passionate about it. I feel you take out time for your passion amidst so much clutter as well and that effort is enough to take you through to great heights. Well, sometimes I do become a writer who is disciplined enough, but that is mostly during midnight or early hours of dawn.
Where do you get information or ideas for your books?
I take inspiration by reading other authors and poets. As I mentioned earlier, poetry is something that came late to me, and I get inspired to write poetry by observing even small things that happen around us. I do draw inspiration from classical poets as well. I read a lot as well and I love to ink whenever I feel like it. So, I do not spend much time on thinking about what I should or should not write. I feel it should come with the flow whether it is prose or poetry, and even if it does not happen, it is okay to take a pause and then continue.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Well, that is a difficult one!! I always write something or the other, even if it is a two-liner or a one-line quote. But yes, when I am not seriously writing, I am into music. I am a trained classical singer and I love to listen to music. I also pan out some delicious meals for my family when I am not writing. I love to spend some leisure time with my children, I learn a lot from them. Professionally, I keep myself busy with courses to upgrade my skills.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your books?
Well, I feel publishing is very difficult in India if you are not a self-publisher. And of course, stories are more in demand than poetry. However, people forget that poetry uses fewer words and no exaggeration and it can also unexpectedly convey a story. Editing your work is equally important and there is never a good or a bad writer, a writer is a good writer as long as he can convey his thoughts to people in the form of poetry, prose, quotes, or ramblings.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kind of things do they say?
My first book “Impetus – Rhymes Within Us” is a collaboration and the second one is “A Slice of Reverie” which is an e-book. I keep getting reviews for both books and I have received only good reviews till now however, I am open to criticism and I feel that is how an individual learns. I keep posting short poems on my Instagram handle and readers are kind enough to appreciate it. I think having a community of writers is equally important and I am glad that I am a part of such platforms and authors who motivate and acknowledge your efforts.
