This month we introduce you to sailor turned writer – Vijay Ghosh. Sailor by profession, writer by choice, Vijay is a creative, passionate, and dedicated writer. With absolutely no prior exposure to the writing industry, he has successfully carved a niche for himself as a freelance writer.
Please tell us about yourself.
I’ve been a sailor for 10 years and have travelled to many different countries. Since I’ve always loved writing, I eventually decided to take the plunge. It’s been 4 years since, and I love my new job as a freelance writer. I‘m also passionate about music, reading, comic books, writing poetry, and of late, watching movies. Sailor by profession, writer by choice, let’s see what else the tide brings in.
How long have you been writing?
Well my first paid writing assignment started when I was about 12 years old. I wrote a poem for a children’s magazine and was pleasantly surprised when it got published and I received a money order for Rs. 150.
How did you start writing?
I was always fond of reading books since my childhood, and writing, I think was a natural progression.
What do you love about writing?
I’m not very good at expressing myself verbally. Writing provides me with a medium to vent all that goes on in my mind.
What is your favorite piece of writing? Tell us about it.
Well it’s not yet been published, but it’s a manuscript called ‘Diary of a Derelict’ that’s been written by someone very close to me.
Who are your favorite writers and what are your favorite books?
I’d have to say fiction. As a kid I voraciously read everything by Frederick Forsythe, Alistair Maclean, Robert Ludlum and Eric Van Lustbader, and I still like to pick up a good novel and get lost in it.
What kind of writing do you hate? Any turn-offs?
SEO optimized keyword rich writing. That’s soul sapping stuff.
Did you face any challenges in your writing career? Tell us how you dealt with them.
Well since I spent 10 years sailing the high seas, I had no exposure to the world of professional writing. So, getting freelance assignments was a major hurdle. I guess eventually my persistence paid off, and now I’m at a position where I can optimistically bid adieu to the sea and look forward to writing for the years to come.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What do you do about it?
Ah the eternal question. I take a break, think about something else, or tackle another job, and then come back to the piece that’s been bugging me.
What is the best feedback you received about your work?
Every positive feedback from a satisfied client is the best feedback because it makes all the effort seem worthwhile at the end of the day.
Who is your biggest critic?
My wife, who is my in-house editorial team.
What do you think makes Chillibreeze writers different?
The fact that it provides Indian writers with a quality platform where they can do interesting work and get paid decent prices.
How do you see the internet changing the way writing works?
The internet has already changed the way the writing industry works. It has opened so many different avenues for freelance writers like me. Had there not been the Internet, I would probably still be sailing the high seas.
What has writing taught you about life?
I learn something new every day with each new assignment.
What inspires you to write?
I want to make a name for myself as a professional writer. I want my writing to be a source of income and pride so that when I walk up to someone and tell them that I’m a writer, I see the same respect and awe that I used to get when I told them that I’m a naval officer.
What would your autobiography/biography be called?
Land Ahoy.
What is your dream as a writer? Any publications you’d like to see your work in?
My dream is to be able to see my poems published and appreciated. I’d kill to see my work published in ‘Rolling Stone’.
What kind of mistakes do you think new writers usually make?
I think the most important thing when you’re a freelance writer is the ability to stick to deadlines. Once you commit to a project, you should see it through, come hail or high water.
Do you have any advice for writers who are starting out on their careers?
Work hard, be original, and always stick to deadlines.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? Perhaps something interesting about you, that people are always surprised to hear?
My life has been a series of wonderful surprises. From a boy in a small town who was preparing for engineering exams, to a naval officer sailing all over the world, and finally to a writer bringing words to life: my life has taken the most unexpected twists and turns, and I look forward to more.
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