Author Speaks

Yes, I’m an author. A good author is always loved by all generations of readers. Am I a good writer? Why not? There is no reason I should not accept myself an excellent writer. Although, I have to reinvent myself into an accomplished, entertaining writer yet I always try my best to delight the readers with my writings either they are in magazines or dailies or in my books and, I’m not in a bit confusion; readers love my write-ups which are regularly published in  magazines. To entertain as well as to guide the young readers is my priority. It doesn’t mean that my writings are for only youths, they are for the readers of all age groups.

Let me recall, I started my writing in 1984 with a Hindi poem based on the miseries and agonies of Punjabi folks. I was then studying in my BA-1 class. Utterly Shocking, horrendous and ghastly day of Blue Star Operation in Punjab had both dismayed and stunned me. It was the only horrific incident which nurtured me into a writer. When I completed my first poem, I settled down myself. Delightedly, it was the wonderful relaxation experience.  Then I contemplated I must be into writing. I realized it was the only writing which could enliven me. I started to write in Hindi and contributed to local Hindi newspapers published in nearby cities Sriganganagar and Abohar.

I was born in Fazilka. Also I earned my School education at city’s prestigious institute S. D. Senior Secondary, School, Fazilka. I luxuriated the beauty and intimacy of friendship of the innocuous, lovable, gracious, sociable, pleasant, gullible and god-fearing people of this religious township.

However, I think the style of good writing should be lucid and follows a simple flow so as the readers could enjoy reading your books. An interesting plot woven in the thread of thrill and mystery is always welcome by the publishers and readers enjoy such blending.

Way back 1984 to present year, I have written more than 500 articles- on fashion, youth, religion, lifestyle, health, management education, jobs and career, politics, current issues and poems, short stories, mini stories- both in English and Hindi simultaneously and I think I’m workaholic. I earned my MA Hindi from prestigious DAV College Abohar where I was the editor of College magazine. At Punjab University, Chandigarh, I got the first prize in short story writing competition.

When I was earning my M. Phil (Hindi) in Punjab University, theatre attracted me. I played some Hindi and English plays. Macbeth at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh was the best one which gave me accolade in media and newspapers but I know I have no bent of mind for theater so I could not grow myself as an artist. As I left Chandigarh, I left the theatre forever. Although, in my native city, several dramas were played yet I couldn’t play any part in any of them.
Frankly speaking, my “writer” has always been in confusion. To start with, I decided to be a college teacher and joined DAV College, Malout because I think that I could find enough time for my writing. After a session at DAV College, Malout, I planned to go to media because that time I thought that media could give me and my writings more exposure and I ran to Delhi and joined Dainik Jagran- a Hindi daily. Hectic schedules and long hours’ assignments of editing news at Press put my features and fiction writing to stop. To get rid of the bored job, I again decided to come back and joined DAV College, Abohar and then Gopi Chand Arya Mahila College, Abohar and then M. R Government College and finally GSSS Fazilka.

I started to write in English some ten years back in view of its vast readership and global marketing. I wanted to write in English compulsorily so I earned my post graduation in English from Bikaner University. Doing such was not essential but I wanted to read the history of English literature and some fiction of classic writers.

Hurrah! Now I’ve completed three English books. ARTIST IN CONFUSION is with you. It is my debut short story book in English. One novel and a book on healthy lifestyle will be my next publications. Some excerpts of my debut novel “Clamour” have appeared in “The Verdict” Mumbai. But, honestly speaking, I’m not yet satisfied with its flow and diction. I need to rewrite some of its parts so as the readers could read it without hiccups. Moreover, I will get it published under different title- not “Clamour”. I want to be honest with my approach to every subject.

I’m highly thankful to social networking sites and internet media which introduced me to several editors, writers, readers and moreover nice friends who always remain helpful to me but despite that I think social networking sites are purely passive entertainment and don’t boost your creativity. If your purpose is only entertain through social networking sites then quit it, books and movies are better entertainers than social networking sites.

Though, I’m an active user of Facebook and Orkut, yet I don’t favour my friends upload many personal matters on them. Our youths and students need to be good readers compulsorily in spite of becoming obsessed with social networking as it might be a distraction for them, nothing else. I desire to see India a glorious and developed country and it all depends on the youths of the country whether they work to their full potentials. In my future writing also, I always will be guiding the country youths to utilize their energy and brain to make India a better nation. I also feel that there is a dire need for inspirational writing for Indian youth.

Ashwini Ahuja