The undying vigor to continuously produce new creations inspired Amar Neupane to set his firm foot into Nepali literature. He started his literary journey by publishing his earlier works in a local newspaper. However, his professional journey, as a writer, began only in 2009 with ‘Pani ko Gham’, which helped Neupane qualify for the Padmashree Sahitya Samman the same year.
Furthermore, his literary masterpiece, ‘Seto Dharti’ helped him win the prestigious Madan Puraskar and the Ramraj Panta Smriti Puraskar in 2011.
Having spent 12 years of his life as a teacher, he is now fully involved in Nepali literature.
In an interview with My City’s Sonam Lama, Neupane shared his experiences as a writer.
New York Writers Workshop and Himalayan Literature Festival to...
Since writing is a liberal domain, what do you think actually makes a writer?
More than just the way of expression, writing is a meditative journey that takes you deep down into reflecting various emotions instilled in each one of us. Before any piece takes shape, on a piece of paper, it begins with the vision that a writer holds and their experiences. Writing, being a liberal domain, allows writers to maneuver with no limitations. However, a writer should have the knowledge about when and where to hold themselves depending on the narrative of their creation.
How do you deal with a writer’s block?
Every writer has to deal with writer’s block. Even I have constantly had to deal with such incidents. However, it can also be necessary at times. Since there are different factors that influence, touch and motivate us in many ways, writer’s block can indicate how writing is not a matter of only expressing but also a medium of properly narrating a story. I believe concentration and meditating while exploring the depths of your subject-matter can eliminate writer’s block if it occurs frequently.
Since the time you started your journey as a writer, how have the writers empowered economically?
Growing up as an individual who had empathy in literature, I barely envisioned myself as a successful writer. Aware of the financial constraints writers face, I chose to continue my passion, and in the meantime engaged myself in the teaching profession. While drafting ‘Seto Dharti’, the probable consequences of failing to influence readers bothered me.
I was wholeheartedly preparing to start a restaurant but the readers received the book well. After the success of the book, it motivated me to travel and write more. Since the past few years, I have been dedicatedly working as a full-time writer. Thus, I certainly feel the change is gradually occurring.
What is your primary motif while writing?
My works are highly influenced by the real-life characters that have inspired me to write. Expression holds utmost value in my writing, and I put my primary focus on presenting an innovative reflection of my feeling through words.
Also, many times, I keep the readers in mind while drafting any story. Because writers are evaluated by the readers, it is necessary to keep oneself in the reader’s shoes.
What are you currently working on?
I have completed my new novel, ‘Gulabi Umer’. It is based on teenage psychology and my experiences as a teacher with adolescents. I am looking forward to getting it published in a few months and I am hopeful that it will educate and entertain the readers like my previous works of writing.
