Subhechcha Ganguly 
Tell us about your journey of becoming a Wordsmith
I am a homemaker by choice, a writer by passion and Nurturer by birth. I call myself a serendipitous writer. Half a decade back, there was a phase where my self-image began to appear blurred to me. While building my nest, I had become so engrossed in it that I had forgotten myself completely, which led to this vagueness about who I am as a person without the roles I was playing. It was then for meditative, therapy reasons I began to self-talk by writing. Pen and paper effectively connected my emotions and thoughts. Doing so felt good and I realized, that within a voracious reader was writer that had so much to share, so many stories to tell. To up my skills, I took up creative writing courses and started blogging. With the support of near and dear ones and receiving applause from readers the pen kept moving and I became a wordsmith, exploring my talent through blogging, freelance writing, proof reading, editing, authoring and coaching.
Tell us about your books
My first book, “Illuminating Darkness”, is a soulful collection of musings, poetries and quotations and was published in 2019. It’s a beautifully curated coffee table kind book, that “talks to you”. The write ups are conversation starters, with oneself and others. It evokes emotions and is thought provoking. It offers a different perspective to the ordinary and contemporary everyday situations. The book extensively reflects upon the power of words in terms of healing one self and others and how writing is an effective tool for growth and thought clarity.
Since it was my first book, after much nervousness, self-doubt, apprehensions it was published and received with encouraging reviews and brash critics. Illuminating Darkness, consolidated my belief that I am a writer.
“Pause and Pen- whispers of the soul”, is an anthology on spirituality, co-edited and complied with 40 writers from diverse backgrounds and age groups from across the globe. It is a unique literary piece which offers a wide outlook on the theme of spirituality and how every individual connects to it differently. The literary endeavor was a personal challenge to explore my ability to understand another writer’s thoughts and writing style and retain their uniqueness while I edited them. It was far challenging than writing as I had to enter the writer’s mind and then enhance their write up with my skills and experience. It was a truly enriching experience, brainstorming with various writers on varied topics. Nevertheless the hard work paid when I was honored as the Best Editor award by TEQ Literary awards for it.
My 3rd book and debut novel, “Daughter of Luharu”, published in January 2022 is a historical fiction drama. It’s a poignant story of a woman’s survival and her spirit to carve her identity in a patriarchal set up against the backdrop of India’s struggle for freedom. It’s a research based fiction novel yet it’s very authentic in dialect and description because its set in the small town of Haryana where I have my childhood rooted in. The book is making its mark with reviews and appreciation from readers and experts.
Your novel, Daughter of Luharu has been consistently reviewed as “Unputdownable and poignant” on amazon. Was this a consciously chosen style?
I am thankful to my readers for generously sharing their feedback on the book. Reviews serve as fuel for a writer to keep writing. Well It wasn’t an entirely a conscious choice but the story of Rohinee demanded it. Her character has been inside me since I did not even begin reading, forget writing. The poignancy of the story and characters is due to its roots in reality. In a way her character is an amalgamation of all the women I have seen, heard or read about from generations living in that area. Also there was so much in her life, her choices, her turmoil and most importantly her spirit to defy the destiny, that I wrote the book in a pacy style to avoid making it a bulky read. Although, the book is set in the pre-independence era, it’s very relevant today, after 75 years of freedom and justly poses the question, “Has anything changed at all?”
Monica, you are a writing coach and have conducted several workshop. Do you think reading several books helps in writing?
Yes, reading books certainly helps. When you read, you come across different writing styles and forms. That way you can learn and experiment with different forms and techniques of writing. Reading widens your horizon of perspective on different subjects. It adds to your vocabulary and polishes your imaginative and reflective abilities. Hence, reading is a great way to enhance your writing style, while your innate talent will showcase in storytelling.
Before we wind up this interview, one advice you will give to the aspiring writers?
My one tip to the writers will be, let your first draft of any write up be driven by emotions. Let your thoughts and feelings spill (not flow, let them go unrestrained) on the paper. Apply the techniques and style in the editing stage. All in all, write your first draft for yourself. That way the work will have its unique appeal.
Personal Info.
https://www.facebook.com/1294487150638181/posts/3446818658738342/
https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=13m4vyuvvaju8&utm_content=2mtur3m
