Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I had a penchant for writing ever since I can remember. Lots of poems scribbled on the back pages of my school notebooks at a younger age. I used to write stories ever since I was a child, too. Being a published author has always been a dream and I am thankful my passion has now taken a definite shape.
So far, I have only published one book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and only published book is called “Compensation”. It is a short novel narrated through poetry. There were two different inspirations behind this book – one was with regards to the story and the other was about the style. The story sprouted from something I always believed at heart, which is, it does not matter what strata of society one belongs to, grief, loss, and misery strike the same emotional chord in everyone.
About the style, I always was passionate about poetry and wanted to use my propensity for rhythm to tell a story. I was not sure whether that was the right way to go about it, but then when I began posting short stories told in verse on my blog page, I got a lot of positive responses. So, I thought, why not use the same style to write a novel? And thus, “Compensation” happened.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure if it is unusual, but I cannot write anything creative on cue. It has to come from within for a poem or a piece of prose to take shape. My creative works so far have all happened impromptu.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a huge fan of 19th century English classics. Dickens has been one of the first authors that influenced my writing, along with the Brontes, Oscar Wilde, and Thomas Hardy. Even today, when I read or re-read any of these authors, I find my writing style flowing with a swiftness that is a stranger to a writer’s block. Must mention Shakespeare, too, because, well, no one can deny his genius.
What are you working on now?
I keep working on short poems in between my longer projects. As for my next book, I have been toying with an idea for a plot and designing the characters in my mind. Soon, I plan to make them come alive on paper. This time it will be a longer novel and completely in prose, not a verse novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have tried many different promotional methods, including Amazon’s offers and Facebook posts, but I truly believe that websites such as AwesomeGang can make a difference in book promotion, mainly because they are solely focused on this objective. I am glad I came across such a friendly website for promoting my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself, my achievements and struggles are still fresh. I would advise new authors to first, not procrastinate, and get started on that book ASAP. Second, if you are a creative writer, go with the flow that you believe in. There are lots of do’s and don’t’s floating around on the internet. While I am not saying you should not pay heed to them, but when it comes to writing a novel, your conscience is your best teacher. Follow your heart. Last of all, if you are self-publishing, read the fine prints before you submit your book on self-publication sites. It is not uncommon to not have your expectations met.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you are asking about advice related to writing, the best one I ever received was “Shorten your backstory and do not be too autobiographical”.
When it comes to receiving life advice, the best one I got was “It’s never too late to start anew”.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, a magically-written 20th-century American novel. I say magically because of the uniqueness of his style. It is almost like an abstract painting. You have to pause to appreciate the beauty of the finer words that tell the untold story underneath the actual plot.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Like all writers, I wish to get recognized for my work. All authors want to increase the readership of their books and I am no different. I also wish to continue to write more poetry on my favorite topics, which include social issues, mother nature, and grief.
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?
I would love to bring books from 3 or 4 different genres, but one has to be by Dickens. I’d probably pick “Oliver Twist”, “Jane Eyre”, “Treasure Island”, “Around the World in Eighty Days”, and for light reading, maybe a set of comic books such as “Calvin and Hobbes” or “Tintin”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rinita Sen Website
Rinita Sen Amazon Profile
Rinita Sen’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile