About The Author
Ajita Sharma is an author and poet based in Rajasthan. She had been part of various anthologies; “Mosaic of Autumn” is her first independent poetry collection.
She had always been fascinated by the power of words, which not only connect people but also help us understand the complexities of the world around us.
Read the review here: Mosaic Of Autumn by Ajita Sharma – Book Review
Interview
Q) Tell us about the idea behind the book? What inspired you to write this book?
The idea behind it was to express the myriad of emotions and experiences that come with being human. I wanted to capture moments of joy, pain, love, and loss in a way that was authentic and relatable to readers.
The inspiration for this book came from a variety of sources. Some poems were born from personal experiences, while others were inspired by nature, art, or the people and the world around me. I wanted to capture the beauty and complexity of life in a way that would resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Q) How much time did it take in the process of writing? What did the process of writing this book teach you?
It took me three months to complete the book.
The process of writing this book taught me many things, both about myself and about the craft of writing.
First and foremost, it taught me the importance of perseverance. Writing a book is not just a mental process but also an emotional one where you need to delve deeper, and there were many times when I felt discouraged or unsure of myself. But I learned to keep pushing through, to keep writing even when the words weren’t flowing easily.
It also taught me to trust my instincts and to listen to my own voice. As a writer, it’s easy to get caught up in what we think others will want to read, but I learned that the most powerful writing comes from a place of authenticity and vulnerability.
Q) What does poetry mean to you? Which is your favourite part from the book?
Poetry means many things to me, but at its core, it is a form of expression and connection. Through poetry, we can explore the deepest corners of our souls and connect with others in a way that is both personal and universal. Poetry allows us to distil complex emotions and experiences into something beautiful and powerful.
As for my favourite part of the book, it’s hard to choose just one! Each poem is a reflection of a different experience or emotion, and each one holds a special place in my heart.
But I would say I find some poems to be especially close to me, like “Mirage”, “Death : An Escape” , “Invisible Parts”, “Open Prison”.
Q) A book that had an impact on you, which helped you in writing this one?
It’s difficult to name a single book because not just one but many books had a great impact on me at different points in my life and truly inspired me to follow my dream.
The works of Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Rumi, and Maithili Sharan Gupt inspired me a lot.
The literary works of Leo Tolstoy, Harper Lee, Premchand, Khaled Hosseini, and several others had a massive impact on me and stirred up the dream to follow my passion for writing.
Also Read: Interview with Nanda Pavaday – Author Of Tizistwar Nou Pays
Q) What makes good poetry? what should one keep in mind while writing poetry?
The question of what makes good poetry is a subjective one, as the definition of “good” can vary from person to person.
For me, one important aspect of good poetry is a strong emotional impact. Poetry should make the reader feel something, whether it’s joy, sadness, wonder, or any other emotion, but it should stir up something within. A good poem should evoke a visceral reaction from the reader that lingers long after they have finished reading.
So it’s important to keep these elements in mind, but also to trust your own instincts and voice. Don’t be afraid to take risks, to explore deeper emotions and themes, and to experiment with language and form. The best poetry comes from a place of authenticity and vulnerability, so be honest and open in your writing.
Q) Tell us about your publishing journey in 5 words. How did your life change after the book was published?
Publishing journey in 5 words: challenging, rewarding, exhilarating, humbling, and transformative.
After the book was accepted and published by Ukiyoto, my life changed in many ways. I suddenly had a wider audience for my writing, and it was both exciting and humbling to receive feedback and connect with readers who resonated with my words. It also opened up new opportunities for me as a writer, such as speaking engagements and collaborations with other artists.
At the same time, there was a sense of vulnerability in putting my writing out into the world, and I had to learn how to navigate criticism and negative feedback while still staying true to my own voice and vision.
Q) Tell us about your plans. Planning a new book? What is a literary success for you?
I’m always working on new writing projects, and I have several ideas for my next book. I find that the creative process is an ongoing journey, and I constantly try to explore new themes and ideas in my writing.
Currently, I am working on two projects, one is nonfiction and another is a short story collection.
In terms of literary success, I believe that success is a subjective concept that can take many different forms. For me, literary success is about creating work that is honest, authentic, and meaningful to both myself and my readers.
Of course, there’s also critical acclaim and commercial success, but I believe that these are secondary to the more intrinsic rewards of writing. Staying true to one’s own voice and vision, and creating work that connects with people on a deep level and makes a positive impact is undoubtedly the biggest reward.
Q) A message for all the readers.
To all the readers out there, I want to say thank you.
As a writer, I am deeply grateful to all the readers out there who have supported my work and who continue to champion the power of the written word. Your enthusiasm and engagement inspire me to keep writing and to keep exploring new ideas and themes in my work.
Thank you, may your love of literature continue to guide and inspire you on your own personal journeys.
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