Interviewtimes 
Ankita realized it quite early in her life that books are going to be her ‘forever’. Fond of reading and writing from her childhood, she completed her post-graduation in mass communication and journalism, and has been professionally working in the field of communication and writing since a very long time now. She is always in her home, sipping green tea, making mandalas or reading poetry. Her debut book, Missplaced is a collection of poems which are rather dark and uncomfortable published by ‘The Write Order Publications’, but IMPORTANT. She pledges to continue writing and talking about uncomfortable topics that need everyone’s attention. Interview Times had a discussion with her, below are the answers she responded to the questionnaire:-
Q1- What motivated you to write?
Answer– Motivation to write came very easily. Whether it was a bad day at work or just one of those days where I didn’t even feel like getting up and moving around, writing was something that always cheered me up because I express myself best while writing. It is easier than talking; it is liberating and powerful at the same time for me.
I started by writing about small things such as how was my day, what are my favorite things to do in a diary entry, eventually moving on to writing short poems and stories about day to day lives. An inspirational movie/book character or a simple flower in the garden- anything has the potential to become your muse and motivate you to write.
Q2-Apart from writing what else you love to do and why?
Answer- I read. A lot! My most favorite things to read are non-fiction, self-help, poetry and dark thriller. Collecting books is also a hobby that naturally comes for someone who loves books. I have a collection of approximately 3000 books and I’m very proud of it.
I also love to doodle and make mandalas. I specifically make time to do it because it is very calming and it helps me relax my mind to a great extent.
I am also a big fan of Bollywood retro songs; that playlist is like the background score of my life! Some of the other things which are very dear to me are plants and my tea collection.
Q3- Was being an Author always in your bucket list?
Answer– I guess not. But then as they say, bucket lists need to be kept updated! The moment I realized I will continue writing and continue to invoke different emotions in my readers, I knew I had to be an author. The fact of the matter is- it takes a lot of courage to actually do it rather than saying it because I am so overwhelmed and proud looking at young writers around me and I’m glad finally people have started recognizing this field as a significant one.
Q4-What message do you want to give to people those who want to become like you?
Answer– Just start writing. Write what you would love to read, write what your friends would love to read. Write what a non-reader would like to read. Don’t waste time in thinking/doubting/waiting for the right time. I wasted a lot of time because i was unsure but today I wished I had started earlier.
Once you start writing consistently and you review and reread your old drafts, you will automatically realize that you have grown so much as a writer.
Q5- What are the hurdles you face while writing?
Answer- Being very honest the hurdles did take a toll. The amount of competition around, nervousness about the performance of your book, productivity and creativity struggles, struggling with original ideas are some of the most dealt with hurdles.
No two days are same. On days when I simply couldn’t get an idea flowing or put anything to paper, I reminded myself to be patient and try again the next day. Not getting a poem right or the words to fit in was a real mood breaker and extremely difficult to deal with.
Q6- What is your future plans?
Answer- The word ‘future’ is so uncertain, right? I can only wish for my future to be in a particular way–
Now that I have started, there’s nothing stopping me!
I plan to write more and also publish. I have also started working on my next book. In the future, I see myself writing more and more, having published quite a few books on a wide variety of topics and reading a lot. Oh yes, and tutoring kids (I love that).
Q7- What advice would you like to give to amateur writers?
Answer- There cannot be a one size fits all philosophy that can be applied to all. It is important to find your own strategy, your own method of working. What works and what not especially for you. Make it customized for you.
What time of the day can you write your best? Do you prefer writing rough drafts on paper before putting it on your laptop? Do you enjoy working with music or without? How many hours per day can you write original content without getting tired? Have your customized plan of proofreading and follow it strictly. Many more questions like this will help you frame your own method of working.
Just start writing. The world needs more fresh and creative pieces of stories that are bubbling inside that head of yours. Start putting it all on paper and let it do its magic.
She has published her book – ‘Missplaced’ which one can find on Amazon. https://www.amazon.in/Missplaced-Ankita-Singh/dp/9390791863/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1625L73OIZ0YJ&dchild=1&keywords=missplaced+by+ankita+singh&qid=1620994847&sprefix=missplaced%2Caps%2C300&sr=8-3
Image Courtesy- Ankita Singh
