This month, we introduce you to UK based Anamika – an experienced copywriter, trained business psychologist, Mass Communication graduate from Delhi and successful freelance writer.
Please tell us about yourself.
Born to highly creative parents in Allahabad, UP, I am lucky to have inherited a literary, bi-lingual gene pool. I studied Mass Communication in Delhi and embarked upon a career in copywriting in 1991, primarily in Bangalore. Since 2000, I have been living in London, UK.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing in my childhood years and the passion still continues.
How did you start writing?
I enjoyed creative writing in school and participated in many competitions at various levels. I remember contributing poems and short stories to ‘Target’ magazine and our local newspaper ‘Northern India Patrika’. Every Sunday, I would look forward to seeing my work in there and that would be such a confidence boost.
What do you love about writing?
Writing is cathartic for me. It gives body and structure to my thoughts. I love the rigour as well as the spontaneity of writing.
What is your favorite piece of writing? Tell us about it.
Having qualified as a Business Psychologist, human issues, relationship battles and life in general fascinate me. I love to reflect on life and put my thoughts to paper which would be of help to people facing piquant situations in life.
Who are your favorite writers and what are your favorite books?
Asian/Indian writers have always been my favourites. I love Vikram Seth’s work, Arundhati Roy, Jhumpa Lahiri and Monica Ali. My current favourite book is ‘You can change your life…anytime you want’ by Robin Sieger. His potent views on how to execute life plan is powerful and inspiring. Charles Handy and de Bono are some of my favourite minds.
What kind of writing do you hate? Any turn-offs?
My brain is not wired for tech stuff. For me the purpose of writing has to be creativity. At the very least, a piece of writing should be able to make some difference to someone.
Did you face any challenges in your writing career? Tell us how you dealt with them.
When I relocated to the UK, I found it difficult initially because social context is essential for any writer to understand and interpret. The only way to get around it was to take deep dives, mesh with the culture and then find myself in the new context.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What do you do about it?
As the years go by, writing becomes second nature. If you set aside time to write every day, you’ll miss it pretty much like your body would miss a good workout. The best way to get around writer’s block is to rest your mind doing something completely different. Take a nap even, rest your conscious as your subconscious continues to be at work.
What is the best feedback you received about your work?
Apart from appreciative words, some gestures have stuck in my mind. I had worked on a re-branding exercise for a large tea brand. Once the campaign hit the media, the very next day a beautiful posy of 3 roses awaited me on my desk. Another client sent me a very special vintage Dom Perignon as a token of appreciation.
Who is your biggest critic?
A close network of literary friends. If my work can convince them, it can definitely enthrall the most hard nosed of readers.
What do you think makes Chillibreeze writers different?
I think the vetting process writers have to go through here makes them well worth their salt. Not much scope for average here, you’ve got to be impactful.
How do you see the internet changing the way writing works?
The entire lingo of writing has undergone a sea change. Brevity, immediacy, simplicity and definite structure are crucial for online content. You need to make the maximum impact in the moment the reader is reading your writing ‘cos he is gone soon after.
What has writing taught you about life?
That change is the only constant. You can live experiences yourself or vicariously, it is the power of emotion that moves minds.
What inspires you to write?
On the creative side, it could be a situation, travel, music, nature or people. On the business side of things, a thorough brief that presents a unique perspective.
What would your autobiography/biography be called?
Hmmm, still at work! Will let you know.
What is your dream as a writer? Any publications you’d like to see your work in?
Time and Harvard Business Review! I would also like to publish my memoirs someday. Isn’t that a self-indulgent dream for most writers?
What kind of mistakes do you think new writers usually make?
I think understanding yourself is the key to mature writing. Understand the craft and celebrate your natural style and genre.
Do you have any advice for writers who are starting out on their careers?
Depth comes with life experience. Live, learn and continue writing.
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 believe in continually reinventing myself. Whether it is changing my hairstyle, wardrobe or picking up a new hobby, I like to journey to the unknown. Freshness keeps you in vogue.
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