Q: Please tell us about yourself.
A: I completed my B.E in Instrumentation and Control Systems (Automation) with a distinction, from Mumbai University in June 2002 and started working in the design engineering sector. I have completed 7+ years in this field.
As part of my work, I had the opportunity to travel to my company headquarters in Canada. It was here that I embarked upon a huge opportunity that gave a boost to my passion for writing.
Q: As an automation engineer, what draws you to writing?
A: Automation engineering is a blend of Computers, Chemical, Electronics, and Telecommunication and has insights of Mechanical and Electrical disciplines too. It is a very interesting branch of engineering and involves a lot of understanding and love for the subject. Automation has a huge scope in the coming years as everything is being automated today. Though my job profile has a lot scope for research and development and there is something new to learn everyday, sometimes monotony overrules.
It is at this point that I switch over to writing and change my thinking nerves exactly 180 degrees. Writing is like a stress buster as it rejuvenates me totally. Also, being a Sagittarian, I have that deep rooted desire to be recognized by people. I want people to know that I have ‘Pratibha’ (talent) and that my existence is meaningful on the face of this earth.
Q: How long have you been writing?
A: I have been writing since 7 years– though occasionally and as a hobbyist writer.
Q: What or who is your muse?
A: Well, it is difficult to be specific as the entire creation of Sri Krishna is a source of inspiration for me.
Q: What do you usually write?
A: I love to write fiction, non-fiction, short stories, educational and technical content. Almost always you will find my writing has insertions of astrology and stuff related to occult sciences.
Q: Your short story was recently published. Tell us a bit about that.
A: Recently my story “The Undergarment Child” was published in a book titled: “Parent-Teen stories without judgement” compiled and edited by Susan Clawson.
The book was published by Strategic publishing house-New York.
There are nearly 40 stories from writers all around the globe. The book is targeted at helping parents/ teens/ relatives/ friends to deal with real life problems during teenage days and to give the readers emotional support that they are NOT alone who are facing such problems.
The most exciting news about this story is that I had written it partially in India in December 2006 and then completed it in Feb-March 2007 when I was seconded to my company head office in Calgary, Canada for an engineering assignment.
It took nearly three years before I could hold the book in my hands.
I got a lot of appreciation in my office for this achievement and my story was put up on the company notice board.
My story is available for a free read on google books, chapter 5, page 73.
Comments and suggestions for improvement are welcome at: shivendra99100@rediffmail.com
Q: What do you think is the most challenging aspect of writing a short story
A: The most challenging aspect of writing a short story is to write a unique and compelling to read story. The reader should feel the urge to turn the next page. Writing high English and grammatically correct content is an asset, but your content should be strong and the reader should enthusiastically read the complete story and be desirous to read it again and again. If your story is dog-eared consider it as a plus.
Q: What is your favorite piece of writing? Tell us about it.
A: Everything that I write is my favourite piece as I usually write slowly and after a lot of thinking and research. Still, articles and stories related to astrology, astronomy and content that can be of some benefit to the reader is my favourite piece.
Q: What kind of writing do you dislike? Any Turn offs?
A: I dislike writing related to Economics, Finance and where too much conservation is involved.
Q: What is the best feedback you received about your work?
A: Shivendra, what a powerful story! Is the best feedback I have received on my work. These words “powerful story” had sent me levitating.
Q: Who is your biggest critic? What has their most valuable piece of advice to you been?
A: Everyone who musters strength to read my articles!! (just kidding). Everyone who reads my articles with interest is my best critic. Atleast, I consider it. However, to be specific let me cite an example: Sometime back, I had written an educational article with a lot of research and then submitted it to a leading newspaper. After a lot of follow up and requests the editor responded, “Shivendra, your writing style is very bad. I don’t like it at all! I am sorry, I cannot accept it as it doesn’t meet our writing style and there are umpteen errors in your article. Next time please think before submitting such articles.” These were probably the last words I heard from the editor (but I maintained my cool and didn’t retaliate) and at that juncture I decided that I will make my worth in writing. I did it with my recent story—I was the only Indian writer amongst the 40 others. The editor’s criticism was the most valuable feedback I have ever received till date.
Q: How do you see the internet changing the way writing works?
A: Internet has revolutionized the way people interact. You come to know in more detail about what people want to read, how they react to your writing style. You have many social networking sites and job portals where you can get in touch with like minded writers, enhance your writing skills and get new business opportunities. This has opened doors for a fierce competition and now for every job opportunity you have many contenders. So you have to think at lightning speed and rack your brains to run miles in seconds, else the opportunity may be lost.
Q: What kind of mistakes do you think new writers usually make?
A: Budding writers crave for immediate results from their writing. They feel they are very creative and their writing style is the best. In haste and over enthusiasm, sometimes they get too demanding and get into a heated argument with seniors and stalwarts who comment/ criticize on their writing. I feel this is the biggest mistake they commit.
Q: What would your autobiography/biography be called?
A: ‘The writer’ who inked his passion.
Q: What is your dream as a writer? Any publications you would like to see your work in?
A: My dream as a writer is to write content that can touch a thousand emotions and motivate and encourage my readers and help them overcome their fears, problems, difficulties. I want all my writings to be published on the cover page in all possible publications around the globe. I know it’s big to think at this juncture, but it is my dream.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? Perhaps something interesting about you, that people are always surprised to hear?
A: Here I speak honestly about myself:
I was not good at school in English communication–both written and verbal. This continued till I completed my Bachelors. I had encountered many failures because of this. At school, I was not able to pen down an essay in English. I had to depend on my sister for this. I always used to find escape routes when I met people who spoke fluent English and I was jealous of them. Even when I started writing in 2002, I had submitted many articles to publications. But, I always got a BIG NO from everyone. Finally, one day, after a lot of failures I mustered enough courage and conducted a self cajoling session. It was that day and today, you see, I have nearly 15 published articles to my credit. I have won the battle against failures and I keep saying to myself, “Failures are not failures rather they are all learnings how not to fail again.” If you fail again and again and again then consider that you have incredible powers to withstand failures. Consider this as a valuable gift from god and teach this art to others who falter and attempt to commit suicide. This would make the world a better place to live and our life would be meaningful.
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