Meet writer Abha Iyengar an internationally published writer and poet. She is a Kota Press Poetry Anthology contest winner. Her work has appeared in several anthologies, magazines and literary journals, both in print and online, such as the Chicken Soup series, Citizen32, Arabesques Review, M.A.G., Dead Drunk Dublin and others. She is very committed to education, especially of women and children.
Please tell us about yourself.
I am an internationally published freelance writer, poet and scriptwriter.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since the autumn of 2001.
How did you start writing?
I was staying up late nights to give my son company during his preparations for the 10th Board. I decided to write instead of reading at that time.
What do you love about writing?
It helps me express and communicate. It is cathartic because I can rant if I want. It is empowering because I can influence others through my words. It is the strongest way to connect without physical contact in an increasingly lonely world.
What is your favorite piece of writing?
Tell us about it. The one author, who made an impact on me, during the days of my adolescence, was Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird). Her story is strong, authentic, vividly told and addresses relationships, race, colour, class and justice. It helps a young girl in the American South learn that growing up is painful but necessary, and I believe that reading this book helped me grow up in many ways.
The list is endless. To name a few: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “Exodus” by Leon Uris, and “Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand. Other favourite authors: Pearl S. Buck, Franz Kafka, Munshi Premchand, Joyce Carol Oates, Khalid Hosseini, Toni Morrison among others.
What kind of writing do you hate? Any turn-offs?
Pretence of any sort,writing that does not ring true and when writers usemere words that are flowery and convey nothing; these are the turn-offs.
Did you face any challenges in your writing career? Tell us how you dealt with them.
No path is smooth for anyone; the challenge will come in some form or the other. I find reading inspirational quotes, poems and books very helpful, both for my writing and for life in general. Also, build up the spunk in yourself, for fear does nothing but destroy. Maya Angelou: “Lift up your hearts / Each new hour holds new chances / For a new beginning. / Do not be wedded forever / To fear, yoked eternally /To brutishness.”
Do you ever get writer’s block? What do you do about it?
Yes. It comes with the territory. I have two choices. Either I get up and go for a walk. Or I write anything under the sun, whatever comes to mind. Things always fall into place eventually.
What is the best feedback you received about your work?
My first flash fiction got published in Insolent Rudder and the editor, ‘Tim Ljunggren’ told me that my writing was ‘very visceral.’ Then, a young girl told me that “Your writing reminds me of Ruskin Bond’s…”
Who is your biggest critic?
My daughter. She is extremely sensitive and analytical, and points out the glitches in my work. I really appreciate her feedback.
How do you think the Chillibreeze Write Meets will help freelance writers?
Indian writers desperately need a common platform that helps them to publish, network, make money, learn and evolve. Chillibreeze Write Meets is the answer.
How do you see the internet changing the way writing works?
The internet is the biggest revolution; it has changed the face of knowledge sharing, education and communication. We are moving towards a paperless world. For me, personally, the internet has been the biggest boon. I am internationally published and known because of it. It has definitely changed the way people write. Flash fiction, which I love to read and write, is very much a creature of the internet age. Apart from my writing, I have made connections and friends through the internet.
What has writing taught you about life?
Nurture what you want. The Universe does listen.
What inspires you to write?
Anything! An experience, a memory, an incident, a song, someone else’s writing, a photograph, the colour of someone’s hair, the call of the keyboard…
What would your autobiography/biography be called?
Lyrics of a Chaotic Mind
What is your dream as a writer? Any publications you’d like to see your work in?
My writings are already published in many literary journals and magazines. However, I want my fiction/non-fiction/poems to be published in book form, by a good publishing house. I want my work to be recognized and appreciated by a wider audience.
What kind of mistakes do you think new writers usually make?
They do not take their writing seriously. Writing is hard work. Accept it and do what it takes. A serious writer writes.
Do you have any advice for writers who are starting out on their careers?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Put it out (in the market). Join writers’ groups for advice, criticism and networking. Don’t give up. Have faith in your abilities.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? Perhaps something interesting about you, that people are always surprised to hear?
I am very committed to education, especially of women and children. I am extremely stubborn. I am often impulsive. I love to knit. Any or all of these last three things surprises people!
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