Addressing the audience at her book launch at Hotel Pension Vasana, Dilli Bazaar, last Saturday, the young author nervously addressed the audience saying, “This is all actually quite unbelievable to me. It’s been my dream for forever to hold my book in my hand.” [break]
Young and with a 117-page paperback under her belt, Republica sat down with the recently published author to discuss writing.
When did you start writing?
I started when I was very young. When I was in class four or five, my dad gave me a diary that I had to write in everyday.
My parents would check it everyday and give me different ideas. At that time, it was the diary of a kid, you know – “Today I did this... Mom said that” kinds of things. At that time I was in India, and then I came back to Nepal and started writing poems and articles and sending them to publications.
So what was your first ever published piece?
I was 15 years old and my poem was published in Young Herald. The theme was “Why children think differently from adults.”
Being young, did you have any difficulties publishing your book?
Yes, it was difficult. I had doubts and I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. But I wanted to publish it now when I am young, otherwise it would be frivolous.
Why is that?
I wrote a lot of the stories when I was young. The first one was when I was 16, and from homework that my teacher gave me. The last story for the book was written two years . I wrote it when I was young and all the characters are teenagers or young adults – people whom I could identify with.
A lot of the characters are based on my friends. I mean, of course, I made up a lot of stuff. I’ve played around with some of their names and fabricated a lot of things, but they can recognize who they are.
What have you mostly written about?
I don’t know I can say it’s about love but a lot of it deals with infatuation and relationships. I want this book to be read mostly by teenagers and youngsters because they’ll understand and relate to it more. I wrote what I would’ve liked to read at that age, but it’s also for the young at heart!
Besides writing, what do you like to do?
I’m a really boring person! (Laughs) I don’t go out too often but I like going out with my friends. I like movies. Besides reading and writing, I don’t do much!
Well then, you must have some favorite books or authors?
I really like Roald Dahl, Ruskin Bond, and Agatha Christie. But my favorite book is The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck. I also really like the Harry Potter books. I like Part 6 the most but I did my Master’s thesis on the 3rd book; so it’s very special to me!
What are you plans for the future?
I don’t know what exactly, but something to do with words. I also really enjoy studying. I finished my Masters in English from TU and I want to achieve the highest level of education. Whatever I do, I’ll still be reading and writing!
Are you working on new stories or planning another book?
My book was young and now I need to grow up and write something more mature. But I’m not doing anything right now. I hope, one day, I’ll be able to write a novel!
The book Fifteen and Thr3e Quarters is now available for purchase for Rs 150.
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