Author Story Article Release
Hello author, on behalf of all the readers, we would like to discuss something about you and of course, your book as well. This conversation will help reader to know more about you and your debut book. Please give answers in brief.
Most welcome to Criticspace Journals, Author. We heartily congratulate you for being a published author. It’s really a great achievement. First thing, we would like to know about your basic info as a person, daily life, career so far and anything you would like to share about you with your readers.
Your Answer: Thank you so much for the recognition! I’m a marketer, mentor, and moonlighting writer.
I’m the author of two books – both fiction and non-fiction. ‘Soul Sojourn’ (2017) is a melange of real-life stories, experiences, and wise (and not so wise) learnings. ‘Soul Sojourn’ tops the ‘Best Ebooks Ever 2017’ on Goodreads. ‘Bhumi’ (2019) fetched me a couple of awards including the prestigious Rashtriya Gaurav Award 2019 in association with the Government of Telangana for the ‘Author of the Year’ category, ‘Grand Queens Leadership Award – Arts & Creativity category by Lion Club International, ‘Literoma Award’, ‘SpiritMania Award’, and ‘CriticSpace Award’.
My writings have been featured in several books including ‘The Adventures of a Virgin’ in ‘Route 13: Highway to Hell (2020) by The Hive publications, ‘The Climax’ in ‘A Jar of Stories’ (2019), the first All Women Anthology by Half Baked Beans publications, and her poems ‘Aloft’ and ‘Fall from Grace’ features in ‘Poems from 30 Best Poets’ (2019).
I’m the founder of The Write Away Program – a creative writing workshop, a mentor with Blogchatter, an author for several leading online publications like YouthKiAwaaz, Momspresso, and Women’s Web.
I have my blog called ‘The Tina Edit’ since 2017 after it got a makeover. ‘The Tina Edit,’ is among the ‘Top 100 Writing Blogs & Websites for Authors in 2020’ in the world and “Top 100 Indian Lifestyle Blogs” on the web by Feedspot, debuting at No.19. Feedspot’s list is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Indian Lifestyle Blogs on the internet.
That’s really great; please tell us something about your journey of becoming an author. When you actually started writing and how was the circumstance? Did any person or situation influenced you to write your debut book or was it your childhood hobby of writing?
Your Answer: As far as I can remember, though, it was in my teenage years when I started journaling. Reading was a hobby since childhood, and I always fancied being an author someday.
Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly? Be descriptive please so that our visitors know about you little more.
Your Answer: As Ann Handley says, everybody can write because everybody is a writer. Writing is as natural as breathing. Your writing is a reflection of your personality. Some people are emotional by nature, and that comes across in their evocative style. Some are not emotional by nature, and that reflects in their rational style. There is no right and wrong writing style. You have an audience for your writing, no matter how big or small it is.
As for me, I leave it to the readers to decipher my writing style. I like to have fun while writing and experiment a lot. Whether they work or backfire, I’m least concerned about that as there’s always scope for improvement and learning. ‘Bhumi’, my debut was in the literary fiction genre and had a social message. I steered away from all moral preaching for my latest story ‘The Adventures of a Virgin’ for ‘Route 13: Highway to Hell’, a horror anthology. I let my hair down and had a ball while writing that one.
How do you come up with the titles to your books?
Your Answer: ‘Bhumi’ is the name of one of my protagonists, and it reflects the essence of the book. Coming up with a title is an exciting process in itself. I’m coming up with another book shortly, and I will be changing my approach this time around. It won’t be based on a protagonist, for sure, like Carrie or Annabelle.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Your Answer: Reading, a willingness to learn, while turning a deaf ear to the naysayers inside and outside you. It’s important to believe in your worth as a writer, and be wise enough to listen to constructive criticism, and evolve.
What comes first, the plot or characters? How do you develop your plot and characters?
Your Answer: For me, it’s always the plot first, actually the story idea. The characters come next. The plot development approach differs based on the story format – flash fiction, short story, novella, or a novel. The characters are developed based on the plot and can be inspired by actual and/or fictional people.
Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?
Your Answer: Yes, I am on social media. You can interact with me on:
Facebook profile link: https://www.facebook.com/ntrntr11
Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/thetinaedit/
Instagram profile link: https://www.instagram.com/tinaseq/
Twitter profile link (optional): https://twitter.com/tinajsequeira
Website: https://thetinaedit.com/
Please tell the reader something about your book. What is your message to those readers who have still not read the book. Why they should pick it up for reading?
Your Answer: Bhumi’ (2019), an anthology of short stories, is an ode to womanhood. You will see real women breathe alive, unlike their stereotypical counterparts on the celluloid. Read it for the diversity of its characters, and enjoyable reading experience.
And yes, the most important thing we would like to hear from you is what is your message to those new writers who have not yet started their journey of becoming an author? You have been their source of motivation, please convey your thoughts with them.
Your Answer: My message to new writers is first to introspect why they want to become an author. Once they find the answer and know their purpose to become one, then they should read and write regularly. Be consistent in reading and writing every day.
THE BELOW SECTIONS CONTAINS SOME IDEAS FOR INJECTING A BIT OF FUN INTO YOUR INTERVIEW
Would you rather
Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
Your Answer: Spiders. One of them might just turn into Spiderman if I kiss it. Who knows!
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
Your Answer: Endless winter
Would you rather have constant nagging pain or a constant itch?
Your Answer: Constant nagging pain
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
Your Answer: An hour early because the latter comes naturally to me.
Would you rather live in a haunted mansion or live in a un-haunted cottage?
Your Answer: Un-haunted cottage
Either Or
Tea or coffee
Your Answer: Both
Hot or cold
Your Answer: Hot
Movie or book
Your Answer: Book
Coke or Pepsi
Your Answer: Coke
Morning person or Night owl
Your Answer: Night owl
Social Media or book
Your Answer: Isn’t Social Media a book of people too?
Paperback or ebook
Your Answer: Both
All the best for your future and this book too! Thanks for answering my questions.