Sajita Nair was a former Captain of the Indian army, who is now a full time writer. Her short stories, articles and travelogues have been published in reputed print and online publications such as The New Indian Express, Femina, New Woman, Transitions Abroad (US) and more. She has also won writing contests conducted by the Kala Ghoda literary festival and Sulekha.com among others. Her debut novel titled ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ is to be released by Hachette India in April 2010.
Please tell us about yourself.
I was commissioned in the Indian army in 1994, making me one of the pioneering women officers. My father served as an Air Force officer and I am married to a Naval submariner. No, I don’t know anyone from the Coast Guard or BSF. Sigh.
Being among the first few women in Olive Greens, was a thrilling as well as challenging experience, right from the tough military training to life in remote locations in far flung areas. There were several hilarious and embarrassing situations I faced, all due to the stark novelty of a feminine presence in the traditionally male army. The repertoire of experiences in the army has played an important part in shaping my debut novel.
How long have you been writing?
Serious writing started in 2002, once I was relieved from active duty. I began to write blogs and then moved on to writing articles, short stories and travelogues for reputed publications.
How did you start writing?
I began with journal writing when I was 13. Later, when transferred to remote army units, writing was usually in the form of long letters to friends and relatives.
What is your debut novel ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ about?
My debut novel ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ is about women officers in the army. Set in the early nineties, the story follows the life of two close friends and women officers who must convince their male counterparts that they too are assets to the Indian Army – rather than merely those with assets. With each passing day in the unit, however, the basic differences in their personalities begin to emerge. While one begins to take advantage of her femininity and opts for easier solutions, the other faces problems head on and tries to prove that she is as good as any male officer. They frequently fall out, get back together, and along the way learn many important lessons about their profession and life.
How did you manage to get your book accepted by the publisher? Do you have any tips for writers on how to approach a publisher?
I was a winner at the Kala Ghoda open book pitch contest, which made things easier for me since I didn’t have to contact publishers. This contest required the contestants to submit a synopsis and first three chapters of the proposed novel. My publisher and I took it forward from here.
Commissioning editors at publishing houses are busy people and they are piled with manuscripts. What they look for is a distinct voice. Be original, be confident with your language and offer something new. This way, your manuscript stands out from the pile.
What are your tips for writers on reviewing contracts with publishers? Did you get any legal help?
Although I didn’t get any legal help, I feel it is beneficial since as an author you can strike a better deal when it comes to royalty, advance and sale of book rights.
What would you suggest to people wanting to write a novel who don’t have a concrete story idea yet?
I read somewhere that writing a novel is like driving a car on a foggy day. You can’t see your destination, but you drive along nevertheless, barely able to see a few feet ahead of you. I think, most novelists start with a rough story idea and work (and re-work) on it. For me, it helped to have a synopsis before I began the novel. I worked on it till I thought I got my story right. It was then like a blue print which I referred anytime I deviated from the main story line or got stuck wondering how to proceed.
What was the hardest part about writing your novel?
Writing! Yes, you read right. Sitting down to write at my work desk was sometimes the most difficult part about writing my novel. Although I did earmark a time for this, sometimes the din of everyday life made writing take a backseat. There was always something more urgent the kids needed, friends called in for or something that just couldn’t wait. My writing could always wait, since it wasn’t ‘serious’ or urgent enough. Between all this, to convince myself that all I wanted was to write this story that had been playing in my mind for years, is what got me back to my desk. Having a deadline from the publisher helped immensely since everyone finally acknowledged that my work was ‘serious’ and ‘urgent’.
What kind of writing do you hate? Any turn’-offs?
I don’t like writing that has me spending more time with the dictionary than the book itself. Good writing can be simple and yet flow out to you evoking an emotional response – a chuckle, a tear, a feeling of warmth; it makes you think or sometimes creates an unforgettable image.
Did you face any challenges in your writing career? Tell us how you dealt with them.
Challenges were plenty. When I sent out articles for publication, all I received were beautiful looking rejection letters. I then began to read and blog much more. I learnt not to take criticism and negative feedbacks personally. I also began to participate in as many writing contests as I could. I learnt that like my army boots, my writing too needed to be polished to make it sparkle. And then challenges also came in the form of people enquiring why I hadn’t taken up a ‘real’ job after my army tenure. It was hard convincing them that writing was my ‘real job’.
What is the best feedback you received about your work?
Once someone told me, ‘I felt exactly like you, but could never put it in words.’ I take that as the best compliment I received.
How do you see the internet changing the way writing works?
The internet has dramatically changed the way the world works – writers can now write from their home, a café, a beach, a hill top, a forest rest house or just about anywhere, drawing inspiration from the world around and still being connected. The internet is a vast repository of knowledge and writers can learn almost everything here about books, authors, genres, writing tools and publishing. It also gives writers more avenues to publish their work, get feedback and also get paid for them.
What would your autobiography/biography be called?
‘The Dream-er Girl’
What is your dream as a writer? Any publications you’d like to see your work in?
My dream as a writer was to publish my novel and that dream is coming true in April 2010, when my debut novel is scheduled to hit stores. All I hope now is that readers like my book. I am also working on my next novel, a sequel to ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’.
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 an avid trekker and trek the hills of Vizag regularly, since I live here. I also enjoy games such as badminton and basketball. Sometimes 14-year olds walk up to me and ask, ‘Joining us for basketball?’ And yes, I am game!
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Comments:
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I recently read your book – She’s a Jolly Good Fellow and enjoyed reading it.
I’M almost certain U’R the sajita nair I new years ago. The “peaceful easy feeling. The desert sky. R.. U ..?..regards…
HELLO SAJITA