Exclusive Interview with Riddhima Sen

In today’s fast-paced world, authors face unique challenges that extend beyond the craft of writing itself. While the literary landscape offers boundless opportunities for creativity and expression, it also presents authors with significant mental stress and competition. From navigating the complexities of publishing to grappling with self-doubt and comparison in an increasingly crowded market, writers often find themselves contending with various pressures that can impact their mental well-being. Understanding these challenges is crucial for both aspiring and established authors alike as they seek to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the literary world.

Riddhima Sen is not just an author; she is a voice for those grappling with the very challenges she writes about. With a keen insight into the struggles of contemporary authors, Riddhima brings a unique perspective to the table. Her works delve into the intricacies of human emotions, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of the human psyche. Through her writing, she not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion, making her a prominent figure in the literary community.

1. Riddhima, as an author who has undoubtedly faced various challenges throughout your career, could you share some insights into the specific mental stressors that writers commonly encounter today?

Ans – Some of the main challenges include writer’s block and procrastination.  Often certain situations make us feel extremely lazy , despite the motivation to write.

     2.In a highly competitive publishing industry, how do you personally cope with feelings of         self-doubt and comparison?

  Ans – The best way of personally coping with feelings of self-doubt and comparison is definitely looking back at past achievements to boost self-confidence. 

3.Many aspiring authors struggle with balancing their passion for writing with the practicalities of earning a living. What advice would you offer to writers facing this dilemma?

Ans – According to me, this balance can be attained with focusing on genres and themes which earn more.

4.Social media has become an integral part of an author’s platform. How do you manage the pressure to maintain a strong online presence while also protecting your mental well-being?

Ans – A strong presence of mental strength is essential when dealing with social media, since it entails both negative as well as positive things. Self-confidence is the key to maintain a strong online presence.

5.The process of seeking literary representation and navigating the publishing world can be daunting. How do you stay resilient in the face of rejection and uncertainty?

Ans – Failure leads to success. So, every rejection and uncertainty has always led me towards further improvisation of my art. 

6.As someone who delves into the complexities of human emotions in your writing, how do you ensure that your own emotional well-being remains intact amidst the intense emotional labour involved in crafting your stories?

Ans -In addition to listening to music and jotting down fleeting emotions, I also prioritize self-care rituals like meditation and exercise. Engaging in hobbies and spending quality time with loved ones replenishes my emotional reserves. Moreover, seeking support from fellow writers and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are crucial for sustaining my well-being amidst the emotional labor of storytelling.

7.Collaboration and networking can be invaluable for authors, yet they can also bring about feelings of competition and comparison. How do you strike a balance between collaboration and maintaining a healthy sense of self-worth?

Ans – Looking at the number of collaborations l have had since class 12,makes me feel worthy because creating a career for oneself solely on one’s efforts and getting much recognition is truly a blessing.

8.Mental health awareness in the creative community has been gaining momentum in recent years. How do you envision the future of mental health support for authors, and what changes would you like to see implemented within the industry?

Ans – lt would be great if certain publishing houses could be more lenient regarding submission deadline for manuscripts. Often authors go through a lot of academic and mental stress , yet are pressurized by the publisher to submit soon. It is obviously good to submit within the deadline,  yet there should be exceptions for unforeseen situations.