Interview With Author Rachna Singh
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer and the founding editor of The Wise Owl, a literary and art e-magazine. I was a student of literature and was awarded scholarship by the Indian government to pursue a doctorate degree at Cambridge University. However, a capricious fate beckoned and I joined the Indian Revenue Service in 1991 instead. However, the call of the Muse was so strong that after completing 30 years of service, I put in her papers to pursue passion for writing and other creative endeavours.
I have authored five books. I started my journey as a writer with books on economic issues (‘Penny Panache: Piecing the Economic Puzzle’ (2016), ‘Financial Felicity: Making Sense of Money Matters’ (2017) and ‘The Bitcoin Saga: A Mixed Montage’ (Bloomsbury, 2019). ‘Myriad Musings’ (2016) is a collection of my published articles and travelogues. However, literature was always my first love, so with my book ‘Phoenix in Flames’, I turned to fiction.
I have also curated and edited two anthologies of poetry and short stories namely, The Repertoire & The Collectibles: Eclectic Tales of 2023 and an e-Chapbook of poetry called Ides of March.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book ‘Phoenix in Flames’ is dedicated to ordinary women, who with their defiant resilience, fortitude and courage become heroic and extraordinary.
My book is inspired by the struggles of real-life ordinary women who face adversities of life with a smile.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When writing a book , I follow three steps. I first decide on the genre and theme of my book. Once that is locked, I begin my research which takes 3-6 months. After my research is complete, I let all the information stew in my head. Then I begin the writing process. My first draft is always a raw unedited manuscript. After this I begin editing and redrafting.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a college student I loved Shakespeare, Jane Austen and TS Eliot’s The Wasteland.
Paul Lynch , Audrey Magee and Devika rege are my current favourites.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the biography of a world-renowned photographer whose philosophy of life and dedication and passion for his craft impressed me immensely.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My book promotion entails interviews, book readings etc at literary soirees and literary Festivals. Coverage by newspapers also helps as do social-media posts.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work. work. work
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow your heart
What are you reading now?
Women in modern India by Geraldine Forbes
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write my next book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Shakespeare’s King Lear, TS Eliot’s The Wasteland Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song, Audrey Magee’s The Colony and Gulzar’s ‘A Poem a Day’
Author Websites and Profiles
Rachna Singh’s Social Media Links
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