Subhechcha Ganguly 
Mantasha Maqbool is an Indian author and film maker studying in Canada. She has written the book “, Silent Acceptance : Poison to the Soul.” Let us know about the journey of the author in this interview.
Q1) What inspired you to become an author ? Since when have you started writing ?
Ans : Like all Indian teenagers, I was also pushed into culturescape and went on to do computer science engineering from Jamia Hamdard University. My inner voice to do something inspired me to start writing. I used to do a lot of self introspection about what exactly i want from my life and career. I started writing in 2015 in my first year of engineering. By the time I finished my degree, I published my first book, “Smithereens of My Chords”. Writing came naturally to me. I didn’t plan to write a book. It was a happy accident to calm the chaos of my impatient and turbulent mind dreaming to conquer the world.
Q2) You are also a film maker . Tell us how do you manage to have so many feathers under your cap ?
Ans : Yes, It is my mother who is a multi faceted personality and her undying determination against all odds created the blueprint for all our siblings to follow. We were provided the best of everything with an expectation to excel in the field we choose to enter. The sense of responsibility, inner cravings to excel and be of some significance, made me to constantly push myself and explore different horizons. I got naturally attracted to filmmaking while writing. And I am also involved and interested in documentaries.
Q3) You have written the book “ Silent Acceptance : Poison to the Soul “ How do you decide the topic for it and how much time does it take to create the story line ? Also attach the link for purchase .
Ans : Silent Acceptance: Poison to the Soul is an extension of my first book and follows the same format. It worked as a therapy to calm my restless mind. So I transformed my thoughts into words that gave me peace, strength, confidence and motivation to move forward in that phase of my life. Writing came as a blessing to express and heal myself in my darkest times. Like my debut book, it has poems, quotes and articles related to different themes of life. It doesn’t have any story. Hopefully, in future I will work on some stories and screenplays. This is what my readers new year’s gift for now.It took me one year to write it and two years to publish because of covid-19.
Q4) Nowadays you will surely find several people to discourage you whenever you are powerfully moving towards your path . A lot of youngsters get demotivated in this process. What is your take in this topic ?
Ans : Indeed, a lot of people will always be there in your life to discourage you constantly and some won’t shy away from destroying you. It is only going to get more hard as you move forward. A lot of youngsters do get demotivated and I am recovering from this phase too. The most important thing is to have a support system around you to help you achieve your goals. This support system will fill your cup when it is constantly drained by haters around you. When you get overwhelmed with things, take one step at a time and slow down a bit. Be in the present moment, instead of worrying too much about your future. Self care is the key in difficult times. I read a quote by Martin Scorsese, “ It is not the most brilliant that excel in film and writing, But the most patient. “ I stick to this mantra when i lose my hopes surrounded by energy vampires who constantly put hurdles in my path. Being patient with these assholes and avoiding them is the best thing you can do in your life. Keep your dreams and life private so they won’t have the privilege to steal it from you or target you to destroy it.
Q5) Tell us more about your hobbies and how do you keep yourself motivated as an author ?
Ans : I always had the grudge against injustice that exists in the world in any form. With my frequent clashes with the injustice around me, my writing came to life to comfort me. My documentaries subject and my writing are heavily rooted in realism. To express myself through these mediums strengthens me as an individual. Hopelessness gives me a tight hug at many occasions and I am criticized a lot for being brutally honest. But I am still learning to tackle this demon. I also got my confidence back when one of my professors(Andrew Fedosov) shared these golden words with me in documentary and drama development class.
“Courage is the core of creativity.”
Trying to be more courageous and authentic in my work and life both as i move forward.
