Subhechcha Ganguly 
Dr. Anitha Chakravarthy Sriram is a doctor by profession and an author by passion. Let us know more about her in this interview.
Q1) Since when did you start having interest in writing? Tell us something about your writing journey.
I am Dr. Anitha Chakravarthy Sriram, a medical professional presently practicing Pathology in Coimbatore, India.
Born into a traditional Hindu family, I have had the chance of listening to the Indian epics right from my childhood days. I would certainly attribute my interest towards those days of active learning from elders and scholars. I focus on writing about Hindu mythology particularly Sri Vaishnavism. I have also actively been writing into blogs and magazines.
My first book is titled, Jaya Vijaya Bharatha. It is a compilation of carefully selected characters from the Indian Epics. I have attempted to retell the stories in a graceful manner by maintaining the originality of the chapters blending it with a lucid narration, to the point explanation and thoughtful analysis.
My second book, Branches facing the earth is a collection of short stories spiced with a supernatural element. I am sure the reader will be fascinated and entertained till the very end. However, I believe that the readers may like some more than the others, depending on their personal fondness. But I am sure, no one would deem any chapter as less compelling.
I have a long-term vision to ignite the interest of Indian Mythology reading and its application in daily life among the readers. I particularly appeal to the younger audience of men and women to read such books. By reading such books one may not emerge out to be a great scholar, but I am sure they will develop considerable courage and good will to remain stronger and face the situations of life in a more disciplined manner.
Keeping this backdrop in mind, I ensure that the analysis and description of characters in my writing can make the readers not only engrossed, but also ignite interest towards spirituality and get a better understanding of the morals of the common tales that most of us have been listening to.
To know more about me and my work, please visit: www.anithachakravarthysriram.com
Q2) How did the idea of “Branches Facing the Earth” come to your mind. Tell us more about the plot of the book. Also share the link of the book.
Ans: Frankly, ‘Branches facing the Earth’ happened by chance. Death is a very difficult emotion to handle, especially when it is a near and dear one. We usually have so many ‘Whys’ running in our mind. It is so difficult to contemplate and conclude. Finally, understanding the fact that we may never get an answer for the many ‘Whys,’ we resort to living on assumptions and faith. Many a time, it would have occurred to us that if only, we had one last opportunity to speak to the deceased!
So, if one chances upon such an opportunity, what may/can happen next is the plot of each of the story.
Book link
Q3) Tell us something about your hobbies.
I do multiple things depending on the frame of my mind, apart from reading and writing. Gardening is another serious passion that I have been following. I have more than 125 varieties of plants in my premises and I take very special care to tend to them regularly. I have planted trees on the street and also ensure that they are watered every day. I enjoy driving a car. It keeps me energetic and swift. Driving in solitude with pleasing Carnatic music keeps me zestful. I never feel the stress of anything during those moments and it keeps my mind at peace.
Q4) Your first book is “Jaya Vijaya Bharata”. The first book of any author is really special to them. Tell us more about the book. Also attach the link for purchase.
Ans: Yes indeed, Jaya Vijaya Bharatha is very close to my heart. It has brought me lot of good will. It is a compilation of carefully selected characters from the epics. Our Puranas represent the great insights invested by our forefathers to help preserve the cultural integrity of this land. They are not written simply because they wanted it to be a good read. But it is written with insightful mindset, more experience and the idea of larger than life itself.
Ramayana and Mahabharata are the greatest literary pillars India has given to the world. What makes it even more outstanding is the thoughtful analysis put forward by many scholars. Their advanced thinking has made us understand the so many ‘Why’s’, that we raise in our day-to-day life.
All the languages in our country have poets and authors penning the epics in their own way. It is always essential to write a considerably good narrative for the younger audience. I believe that they are the future pillars of success and they ought to know about the magnanimity of our literary pillars.
This book is from the pages of Mythology. I have preserved the elementary facts of the narrative and used a bit of creative freedom to vividly describe the forest and other surroundings. The rest of the story is a direct narration from the epics.
Book link https://www.amazon.in/dp/8195342604?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_SCZM8AEZP70CSMSCMMHC
Q5) From preparing the draft of the book, to selecting the cover page to publishing it , it is a process that requires total scrutiny and involvement . Tell us about your experience and were there any hardships that you faced in the process?
Ans : I have learnt to be very tolerant because the process is long and tedious. It is not like you will see an overnight success. It is very slow and you will have to keep working along. At times, the creatives supported by the publisher may not be very suitable to your way of thinking, in that case there are suggestions and suitable changes made. It takes time. Editorial is a huge commitment. Lot of queries, contemplations and corrections are often made. So, you have to again go back, verify if their view point is right or you still want to stick to the original plot. Again, everything is up to the author. On the whole, it is a great learning curve and you gain experience from it.
Q6) There is a large section of the youth who thinks of writing their solo book but lack the courage to do so. What is your advice to them?
Ans : I never went to a university to study a writing course. So, whatever I tell you about writing is from my experience and how I overcame it. A writer by occupation usually has a fixed work timing. But my profession doesn’t allow me to be so. I cannot have a stipulated ‘write’ timing.
However, if you intend to be a writer for a long period of time, then you must have a solid plan. Also, it is essential to live your life, hence planning is important to discipline oneself. I write everyday irrespective of my schedules. At least a few words in a day. Never put off your work because that shouldn’t become a routine. And why am I insisting on writing every day is because over the period of time, you can develop an author’s block. It is really difficult to overcome it unless you have another solid plan. Keeping those days in mind, it is good to begin your book and make sure you flow with it every day.
Also remember that if you become a writer, you are obliged to read more. You must make it a habit to read whenever you get time off for yourself. These gentle steps will make you a better person.
