Priyanka Gurung caught up with the author and business woman to learn more about the new book and the woman behind it.
Your second book, Crossing Shadows, has recently been published. How does that feel?
The first couple of days, I couldn't sleep. I was constantly checking my phone, anxious about what people were saying. I bet every writer feels vulnerable to a certain extent. You are giving people an access to your perspectives. The book is like your child but people are going to judge it and perhaps even hate it. Some people warned me that there was a distinct possibility of that, but so far people have had only good things to say.
Why was there a distinct possibility of negative criticism?
The last couple of months have been crazy. Recently, I have been active on twitter and have been voicing my opinions on the constitution and the political developments. Some international media had come around asking me about it too so those who disagree with my views have been brutal online. There have been hate pages, twitter handles, and abusive slurs. I thought it was very misogynistic of many. So my well wishers were concerned this might not be the right time to publish a book. But there haven't been such instances yet.
Besides, I believe you can't escape criticism. If there are people who admire you, there will also be people who really don't like you especially when you have a public role. However, as I mentioned, so far the reviews have been good and as long as it is fair criticism, I can handle it.
So despite the tricky situation what prompted you to release the book?
This book has been in the works for four years. When I started writing it, I was an English news anchor at News 24. The job enabled me to be constantly updated on the turmoil and struggles that Nepalis around the country were going through. It was mind blogging. I couldn't believe the stories that were developing around me. So this book is largely influenced by the civil war, a murder, and stories of multiple characters. My first book was a very light read dedicated to the 16 year old self that I was then. Crossing Shadows is the polar opposite. Over the four years, I had around 15 drafts. I remember my brother was the first to read the first draft. He is not one to be generous with compliments but he was very surprised that I was capable of telling such complex stories. That was encouraging. But it hasn't been easy. Writing this book has been emotionally taxing especially because I kept changing things. So I very strongly felt it was now or never. I needed to go ahead and give it the release that it deserved.
On a day to day basis, you are involved in your family business so what makes you return to writing time and again?
Everybody have different reason for why they choose to write. I remember enjoying the process of writing ever since I was in the fourth grade. Though in some ways I believe it is also about craving out my own identity. So much in my life has been a given. I haven't had to struggle for a job and I got to go to the best universities all because of my parents. But writing is my own choice. There isn't anybody's influence or input. Writing is the one thing that is the result of my own hard work. I think this is why I write. I enjoy that feeling.
While you are writing, what is your biggest priority?
I don't want my readers to be bored. Three pages down, I don't want my reader's mind to drift away. The most important thing for me is to keep my reader engaged. I write with the intention of captivating my readers. So for example, in this regard, I believe Toni Morrison does a wonderful job. Her words are so powerful and emotionally attuned. Her sentences are like sharp stabs to your heart. She writes like poetry but she is always straight to the point. That's how I aspire to become.
What are your thoughts about Nepali writers writing in English?
Having firsthand experience of the challenges Nepali English writers have to go through, I'm thoroughly impressed. Publishing is still such a small industry in our country. It is still in its infancy and the writers who want to write in English have a small support system. There are very few efficient editors, copy writers, and this obviously leaves us at a big disadvantage. So I have immense respect for Nepalis publishing works in English. They have their own style, good storytelling skills and determination to make it happen.
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