An Exclusive Interview With The Best Selling Author Sagarika Chakraborty

Firstly, I would like to begin with the most basic question, how did your journey with the pen begin?

It began quite early courtesy my mother. Being a hyperactive kid she was always on the job of inventing new word games for me and thus I fell in love with paper, pen and scribbles. My literary bent of mind was discovered quite early and thus my parents encouraged me to write. However, my writing was restricted mainly to the non fiction domain - the switch to fiction was a conscious decision in order to delve upon social issues in a way which connected better with people.


When did you first consider yourself a writer, far from a blogger?

When I started serious blogging in 2008 I had already been a published non fiction author at various national and international forums/ journals.  However, blogging gave me the confidence that people would also be interested to read non fiction from me. My blog friends and the girl gang here made me take the step to non fiction writing

What inspired you to write your first book?

The society around us and people's "chalta hai" attitude.What irks me the most is the attitude of the people to crib over cups of tea but when it comes to doing, just give the excuse of being "too small to make a difference". I always believe that no one is too small  to raise a voice - my book is my first step in doing that.

What books have highly influenced your life?

I have been heavily influenced by Vikram Seth's "An Equal Music" - for me it spells brilliance! Love the way it brings out the sketch and people characteristic on the whole. I have also been influenced by the works of a lot of regional writers and Ruskin Bond.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Without a doubt Vikram Seth! I would love to learn how he sketches his character's mind. Also, I would love to be a part  of the the course taught by Jhumpa Lahiri, I love the way she uses a city guide to build on the plot.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I like the work of Arnab Ray, Amit Goyal and love a lot of new western authors like Keigo Higashino

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Ha, ha - a lot of things. I think I am my biggest critique thus would definitely change a lot of things - a little in the style of writing and yes add a lot of stories which I think I missed out.  However, I would leave the theme untouched.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Right now, I am editing my non fiction legal handbook and that is in the final edit stage. Also, I am researching on my second fiction book - however, there is a lot of research that needs to be done before I decide to spin stories  and look for a publisher.

Do you have to travel much concerning your books?

I don't travel specifically to gather stories. Saying that but, whenever I travel for work, leisure or research I make sure I do meet people and get my fodder for spinning stories. I love to listen to their lives and experiences and then wish that maybe someday I get an opportunity to write about them.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Breaking the shackles of silence and "this shouldn't be spoken about by such a young girl'.  People determine your ability by your age certificate and breaking that while getting a publisher or getting somebody to read has been truly difficult.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write, write and write  - never give up if you have the passion for writing. Do not be close to criticism and be humble to appreciation - at each stage remember we meet people only to be wiser and not to close our minds.

Finally, Do you have anything specific that you want to say to our readers (The TeenMag)?

Yes,  you are the tomorrow, thus if you don't like the "today" take the lead to drive betterment. You are never to small to make a difference and no job is too small. You are a star if you even lead a cleaning drive in your apartment.