Interview With Author Smita Talukdar
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born with a dream of becoming an advocate, I accidentally fell in love with writing. It was in 2008 when I first tried to scribble some poetic words on the bare sheets of her academy workbook.
With her first printed poem in 2010, I went on to write occasional articles for an infotainment magazine. Succeeding that, she was appointed as a content developer. I was later promoted to the position of a junior journalist for a pan-India techno-commercial magazine in 2016. I have a short film script, a few news articles, and now a book appended to my work portfolio.
Presently, working as a professional digital marketer these days, I help companies achieve success in the online space. I have so far written one novel and working on two more that are yet to be published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stop. No!
When I began writing, I had a simple concept in my mind — revealing the varied injustice that a woman undergoes even within the safe confines of their homes while being surrounded by their loved ones. As I began understanding my characters, they told me their stories. The stories that never got the ears they deserved, stories that needed a voice, tales that demanded attention.
Throughout my writing of the book, I endeavoured to stay true to the story. I gave my best to portray each character in a light that justified their existence of these characters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when I’m emotionally charged or inspired by something that occurred on one of my regular days.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen and To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf must have been the books that influenced me greatly when I even thought of actually writing a book someday.
What are you working on now?
I’m presently working on two novels. One of the two is about a personal topic whereas the other one is intended to be a political novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, the best method is to promote it on social media platforms and list it on sites like Awesome gang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can and stay true to the story rather than falling prey to the embellishments and technicalities that look attractive but might take the life out of your central story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read like this is the end of the world and write like you are responsible for creating a world.
What are you reading now?
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing more books but traditionally now!
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?
God of Small Things, To the lighthouse, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility.
Author Websites and Profiles
Smita Talukdar’s Social Media Links