Subhechcha Ganguly 
Indeed, authors are creative jewels of the world, as they play a crucial role in shaping cultures, expanding knowledge, and enriching human experiences through their literary works. To explore the importance and significance of authors, lets know their opinion from them directly.
1. What led you to become an author, and what motivates you to continue writing?
Ans: It was all unexpected. Can you believe I didn’t do anything for the first 15 years of my marriage and never considered writing or publishing a book? However, I always had my book and pen with me. Reading and writing, along with singing, was always something I felt connected to. I came across a website where users could share short poems, quotes, and thoughts. As a newcomer to the platform, I posted a few quotes and musings I had jotted down in my old diaries. I was delighted to receive positive feedback, and even a few people began collaborating with me on my posts. Before joining the writing industry, I used to post only a few lines regularly on social media. I took part in an anthology contest, and in 2016, my first quote was published in the book ‘Word of Emoticons’. Till now, I remember that quote:
A full stop is not an end; it’s the beginning of a new sentence.
Then after that, I took my writing part seriously because seeing my name under the quote in a book motivated me to do something. And after that, yes, I wrote poems and novels and am still writing. When I reflect on my journey, I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I hadn’t taken the leap to pursue my dreams. The answer is simple: I wouldn’t be doing anything. However, I am grateful to God for having a unique and special plan for my life. With his guidance, I can hold a pen every day.
2. How do you believe authors contribute to the enrichment of society and culture?
Ans: Authors entertain and inspire their readers through their work. They can also serve as inspiration for other writers. Every writer has their specialization in the kind of literature they produce. Some writers focus on fictional works, while others specialize in non-fictional pieces, business-related content, self-help books, children’s literature, political commentary, historical research, and more. People who enjoy reading these genres can acquire knowledge from the literature. All individuals, regardless of age, receive education in some form. One mode of communication is through writing, which holds immense power to alter perspectives, influence society, and motivate individuals to take action.
3. In what ways do authors help readers gain insights into different perspectives, cultures, and time periods?
Ans: Reading literature is a valuable tool for personal growth. It is a gift you can give to yourself. When authors write stories, they carefully consider the tone and emotions portrayed in their work. These two elements are the foundation of any good piece of fiction. As a reader, your experience depends solely on your mood while reading the author’s work. Writing is more than just putting words on paper. An author has a unique perspective on the characters and plots they bring to their writing. Writing has three main points of view: first person, second person, and third person. When readers engage with written material, they typically assume the third-person role. It means that individuals interpret stories or information based on their viewpoint, using their lens to perceive the different aspects. When referring to “Culture,” the author analyses it as the environment, community, beliefs, or background. By providing insights and explanations, readers can better understand the events and reasons behind them. When the reader engages with the story, the author can take them on a journey through different periods, cultures, and perspectives. Ultimately, the key is establishing a solid connection between the reader and the author.
4. Authors often tackle important social and political issues through their works. Can you share an example of a book or author that had a significant impact on society?
Ans: Numerous books have significantly impacted society, but I will only mention the ones I am familiar with. ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank profoundly impacted society as it offered a personal account of the World War II experience through the eyes of a child. This book contains unfiltered and honest details about the war, and it remains a staple in school libraries to educate children on the fundamental knowledge behind these tragedies. I want to recommend “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking, which has been instrumental in helping people better understand space and time. Many books have significantly impacted society, but it’s vital to find them in the right places.
5. Literature can serve as a time capsule, preserving the essence of historical periods. How do authors contribute to our understanding of history through their writings?
Ans: There is abundant literature across various fields worldwide, presented to people through writing or speeches by authors. Books offer a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and education to readers. Reading “Once Upon a Time” indicates a connection with classical tales, while historical fiction books will captivate you with their captivating storytelling. When reading a book, the author must grab the reader’s attention and maintain their engagement. To achieve this, the author must stay true to the subject’s essence and avoid any distractions that may cause the reader to lose interest. The craft of writing is something that takes time to master. It requires creativity, commitment, and a thorough understanding gained through research and experience.
6. Authors have the power to ignite emotions and empathy in readers. How does storytelling facilitate this emotional connection?
Ans: Storytelling is associated with an invisible wall of empathy. Sharing stories about your personal life or someone else can ignite the light of compassion. Have you ever observed how children become emotionally invested in stories and often identify with a character? This connection occurs because humans possess social-emotional intelligence. I want to provide two straightforward examples: Reading enjoyable stories can elicit happiness, humour, and romance. And when you read sad, violent, or thrilling stories, you may experience emotions such as sadness, anger, or fear. However, through this emotional connection, storytelling can help to build a bridge between the audience and the story.
7. Do you think authors have a responsibility to address contemporary societal challenges and promote positive change through their writing?
Ans: Authors are responsible for every word they write on paper or social media. Language plays a crucial role in facilitating positive change through writing. Speaking with a clean and pure tone is essential to achieve positive results. Authors use language to communicate with readers and provide them with a reflection of themselves through their writing. It is vital to carefully choose each word to convey a clear and impactful message to society. It’s a major challenge all authors face as words hold significant influence.
8. The literary canon is constantly evolving. How do authors challenge existing norms and contribute to the evolution of literature?
Ans: The literature study originated from knowledgeable scholars, but the works produced have evolved over time. Various writers emerged in different eras and approached their craft uniquely, a trend that will continue. The genre has transformed from classic to modern, and writers and readers have changed significantly.
9. How does literature transcend borders and languages, fostering global connections and understanding?
Ans: If you were to chat with someone who travels often, they would say that their ability to tell you about different countries, cultures, food, languages, and traditions comes from being there. But if we look at it from a writing perspective, the knowledge they gain is the most important. Books from various countries can also broaden your wisdom. As an Indian, if I limit myself to reading only books written by Indian authors, my understanding of the world will be limited to one nation. However, if I broaden my horizons and explore books from other countries, I will learn about their culture, beliefs, and similarities. It will open up a whole new world of learning for me.
As an author, I have written seven books in English so far. One of my books translates into Hindi. Why did I do this? To expand my audience and reach Hindi readers. After all, language is a powerful tool, and I wanted to break out of my usual circle.
10. Some authors have faced censorship and opposition due to their controversial works. What are your thoughts on the importance of defending creative freedom?
Ans: In that, some authors do include me too. I want to share one incident here. When my erotic book ‘Sex With Next Vol 1’ got released. My book was on Amazon for one month, and at that time, full promotion was happening on social media. Reviews were coming from different readers, and readers appreciated my work. And one day, all of a sudden, that book of mine disappeared from Amazon. When my publisher came into action, we learned that Amazon had removed my book and would not release it until I didn’t change the title. It took around six months for me to get that book again on the Amazon platform; it came with a new ISBN and a new title, ‘SIZZLING WITH NEXT’ Vol 1. But in all these, my reviews got drained, and people, too, lost the book’s connection and mood.
Regarding the significance of defending freedom, I believe it should not be biased. However, I am using the term “bias” due to a personal experience that has influenced my perspective. Amazon wanted me to change the title; otherwise, my book will remain delisted, but what about those books with nudity on the book cover and still available on Amazon? When readers, especially men, saw this new erotic book, they started judging my character. Some even thought these were my stories or am okay with any men. I used to get such offensive nude photos and questions in my DM. It used to make me angry and disturbed sometimes. So I got my other book published ‘Sizzling with She 2 She’, Vol 2. I could have stopped my work, but I did not. Why? Because freedom always comes with war, but you cannot capture art. Writing is an art; it has the liberty to envelop it in a different creative way. No chains can hold anyone’s creativity. When your work faces offensive or censorship disturbances, it means your work and the excellent result is getting noticed, so such hurdles from the opposition are accepted to stop you and break your spirit.
11. How does reading and engaging with literary works enhance cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and empathy among readers?
Ans: Engaging with literary works can enhance all three abilities: reading, writing, and critical thinking. Studies have shown positive results in this regard. Allow me to provide brief answers for each of these abilities:
Cognitive Abilities: While reading, the first step is to pay attention. As you continue reading, your brain receives signals, and you can easily imagine the setting. This enhances our memory and reduces stress levels to a significant degree.
Critical thinking: We examine what we should accept and believe when discussing critical thinking. When people read about a topic of interest, they develop their necessary thinking skills. In this way, it helps to broaden their thought processes and enables them to make sharp judgments.
Empathy among readers– I recently read an interesting article claiming that reading fiction can increase empathy and positively impact behaviour. Studies have shown that reading can activate your emotional side and improve emotional intelligence. https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/how-reading-fiction-increases-empathy-and-encourages-understanding
12. Apart from entertainment, how do authors provide valuable life lessons and wisdom through their stories and characters?
Ans: In today’s world, social media is a crucial communication tool. To effectively engage with your audience, providing entertaining content is essential. Sharing creative posts that showcase your work is a great way to grab people’s attention and get noticed. Communication is the key to opening doors for connections with others around the clock. For example, I am currently participating in an interview, which is another way to share my thoughts and stories through your media.
13. Authors often use symbolism and metaphors to convey deeper meanings. Can you share an example of a book where symbolism played a significant role?
Ans: I’ve encountered several books where the authors used symbolism to convey their ideas. Specifically, I want to discuss the green light in “The Great Gatsby.” The green hue represents affluence, and Gatsby hopes to win Daisy’s heart back from Tom. Hence, the green light serves as a symbol of optimism for the character. Poets frequently employ metaphors in their poetry, such as the renowned line by Shakespeare, for instance. ‘All the world’s a stage’ In this line, Shakespeare is comparing the world with a stage. And yes, metaphorical sentences always have a deeper meaning to understand.
14. How does literature serve as a medium for documenting cultural heritage and preserving indigenous knowledge?
Ans: During my visit to Jordan, I had the opportunity to see Petra. However, I was unfamiliar with the details of this site once I read ‘Petra and the Lost Kingdom of the Nabateans’ by Jane Taylor. Indigenous knowledge refers to the traditional ability that transmits from generation to generation. Producing this type of literature requires a dedicated team of researchers, extensive research, and documentation. This type of literature is precious as it preserves cultural heritage and provides a more precise understanding for readers. It is typically housed in libraries, providing students with a wealth of information to aid their studies.
15. In what ways has technology and the digital age impacted the work of authors, readership, and the dissemination of literature?
Ans: In this digital age, technology is advancing rapidly. In the past, writers had to rely on pen and paper to write, often making numerous revisions. The writer’s journey has been challenging from typewriters to computers, but now, from computers to daily writing tools has become more challenging. Many writers may feel fortunate to have access to modern tools that aid in writing and editing. However, relying too heavily on these digital resources can hinder personal growth and development. When using editing tools, writers may become overly dependent and lose sight of the importance of improving their skills. As writers, it is crucial to remember the value of self-improvement. Many people have moved away from physical books and instead use a Kindle for reading. However, I cannot read books on a Kindle as I prefer to have the words on paper. While modern technologies can have positive aspects, it ultimately depends on the writer’s and reader’s preferences and usage. It is essential to find what is comfortable and practical for individual needs.
16. Can you discuss the influence of classic literary works on contemporary authors and their writing styles?
Ans: Timeless classics hold immeasurable value. I recently read a research paper highlighting how modern writers draw inspiration from classic literature. This inspiration cannot be found easily on Google; authors must-visit libraries and devote their time to poring over books. Only then can they emerge with their unique writing style. I’d like to recommend a book that I recently read. As children, we all enjoyed Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and are familiar with its storyline. However, I came across another book called “Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderful World of C.P. Bourg”. The characters are the same, and the storyline is similar, but the author has altered the plot. It’s worth mentioning that contemporary writing has borrowed the writing style, characters and stories from classic literature.
17. What role do authors play in shaping the imagination and creativity of future generations?
Ans: If you have ever visited a bookstore or a library, you will see many things created by various authors. The authors’ purpose is to provide stories that allow readers to reflect on themselves. They use books to communicate so that readers can learn from their experiences or, at the very least, be entertained. Authors use amusing stories for young children that contain valuable messages hidden within them. Using vibrant illustrations, authors aim to instil a positive outlook in children and encourage them to read. Poets create poems that awaken your inner emotions, while authors use literature to enhance language and impart wisdom. As Albert Einstein said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world’ The author will continue to use their Imagination to create stories. Still, whether they flip pages or scroll through social media reels now that depends on future generations.
18. How do you see the future of authors and literature in an ever-changing world?
Ans: When two people read the same book, it allows them to communicate and connect. This exposure to a broader audience can bring about positive change and foster a sense of community. In this generation of AI, people will rediscover things they had previously left behind, and reading physical books will likely be one of them.
19. Have you experienced any memorable encounters with readers whose lives were deeply impacted by your work?
Ans: I eagerly anticipate readers’ feedback on how my work has impacted them. However, several co-authors have informed me that my work has inspired them to write.
20. Lastly, what message or advice would you like to share with aspiring authors and avid readers who value the significance of literature?
Ans: As an aspiring author, it’s important to remember three things: research, knowledge, and consistent writing. Read frequently and keep your connection with pen and paper. And for the avid readers, read with pleasure, even if it’s just one page daily. You never know what a wonderful gift you’re giving to yourself.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with me. It’s been a lovely experience.
