A Writer's Meme

Thanks Becca, for the meme.

What’s your favourite genre of writing?

In one word, I would say "poetry." But I also venture out for short prose pieces which are stream of consciousness one. I think more of Kafka whose writing is filled with symbolism too, instead of Woolf. Frankly I did not like Mrs Dalloway much. Marquez too is a master of both. The day I stop looking at the larger image, I will forfeit my creativity. Only when one looks at the bigger picture, one can attain some semblance into their writings and hence their lives.

No piece of writing is literal unless it is a newspaper report or translations of other's works. Even then one can read between the lines and interpret it in their own ways. I try to look at the less obvious ones, which are not understood by most. I find that certain journalists lack imagination when interpreting a creative work. They take it too literal or figuratve. For those, my message is: Grow out of it.

How often do you get writer’s block?

To this I would say, "whats that?" When I can't write poetry, I resort to writing book reviews which keeps the mind very open and receptive to outward sounds.

How do you fix it?

As I said before, by reading and writing book reviews. That way my tryst with writing never stops. And keeps my creative juices flowing.

Do you type or write by hand?

I used to write long hand but now I type directly into my PC. Saves time.

Do you save everything you write?

Yes and no. I save it all in the net world. Some hidden, some for all to see.

Do you ever go back to an old idea long after you abandoned it?

Yes, I have. Initially I never edited anything or tried to improve on my writings. Now I do because I have understood that editing is just as important as creating. It can make or mar one's work.

Do you have a constructive critic?

No, I don't have. I wish for it.

Did you ever write a novel?

I started a novel but never got around after 7000 odd words. Someday I will.

What genre would you love to write but haven’t?

Fantasy, magical realism, symbolic..these cover a whole range.

What’s one genre you have never written, and probably never will?

Paranormal. It puts me off. And self-help books too. I am no one to tell others how to lead their lives.

How many writing projects are you working on right now?

As I write only for myself, I would say none. Someday I mean to. I have been told that I write very well. So I ought to publish my work. I know my language skills are good but one still needs to hone up, no matter. Arrogance pulls us down.

Do you write for a living?

No.

Do you want to?

Yes I do. Who doesn't? But for that I need to be a much better writer than what I am right now. Yes, trash gets sold more easily. However, I don't really go for it.

Have you ever written something for a magazine or newspaper?

Yes, once I wrote a limerick for Valentine's day, which got published in a very well known Women's Magazine, Femina. But the lazy bum that I am, I did not send any more despite gettings mails from the editor.

Have you ever won an award for your writing?

No. NOT YET! *grin*

What are your five favourite words?

aeon: It somehow takes me to another land

semblance: I wish my life to be more orderly

lexicon: For obvious reasons!

gamut: It contains a whole range!

thoughts: Nothing can be as fertile as the mind!

Do you ever write based on your dreams?

Yes, I have. I do. Sometimes dreams contain our deepest desires and the symbolic part is very important to me. I am no analyst, neither do I wish to be one. I only wish to write about those. Thats it.

Do you favour happy endings, sad endings, or cliff-hangers?

For a voracious reader, anything works. I like loose ends too, which are open for interpretations. I write the same way.

Have you ever written based on an artwork you’ve seen?

Yes, of course. I love ecphrasis poetry. Looking at those artwork, one can entwine words with those. Interpreting any art work in poetry takes a lot of imagination and I enjoy doing it. Dali is a special one here. I have written lots of poetry based on his work.