In keeping with our tradition of presenting multi faceted people, our guest for the month of December is a journalist, a copywriter, a psychologist and a blogger. She also had a stint as a lecturer in Germany and at a very young age, she rose to the post of Managing Director of SPARC (Society for Protection and Rehabilitation of Children) as well.
However, it was the writer part in her that interested us. Lets welcome Hitesha Deshpande, author of ‘Knots and no crosses’
Team OKIEDOKS wishes all the happiness and prosperity to Hitesha and her family.
Lets know more about her.......
1) When and how did the writer in you takeover?
Destiny orchestrated the debut appearance of the writer in me. In guise of ill health, it offered me the perfect stimulus to kindle my imagination. To escape the lethargy of a life tied down to the bed, I started to create a whole new world with words. A world which fascinated me, kept me entertained, which alternately humbled and overwhelmed me. This world was so fantastic that I had to share it! It is how 'Knots and No Crosses' was born.
2) What is your motivation in being a writer? Any personal experiences, which you want to share with us?
Every time I read a book, which does not leave much of an impression on my mind, I am tempted to spin a tale of my own.
3) Kindly tell us about your debut novel and why did you choose it as a debut vehicle when you always had the option of a simple happy go lucky tale?
'Knots and No Crosses' is a fun read inspired by the many individuals who have colored my life in the past decade. There is so much drama hidden in the nuances of any Indian wedding that it is an evergreen theme for any story. When I first started writing about Akkie's wedding , I knew I could not keep the many women in his life out of the picture.
Ever so often 'Knots and No Crosses' threatened to turn into an emotional drama as opposed to the chic-lit it is. It is difficult not to let sentiments run high on the emotionally volatile topic of 'marriage'. I was determined to keep it light. It had to be something I could pull out and smile at.
Publishing 'Knots and No Crosses' has been solely Vivek's baby. He believed in the book much more than I did. I was just happy writing it.
In more ways than one 'Knots and No Crosses' has been my happy go lucky tale.
4) What is the best and the worst part of being a writer?
There is no worst part to being a writer. Provided, of course, that you are not writing either for money or fame. There is something singularly exhilarating about creating parallel worlds with words. Its magic at the tip of your nibs.
5) Is blogging real or just a way of maintaining what people want to know you for? What part of the book comes from your experience as a blogger?
Blogs are like clay, you can shape them to suit your purpose. When I first started blogging I was fascinated with the amount of social interaction it generated. I made some very fascinating friends, who shared the same passion for fictional writing as I. Over the years my blog has seen me experiment with my writing and collect praises and criticisms alike.
6) If you have to describe your life through a quote, what would it be?
What's the use of worrying, its never worth the while, so pack all your sorrows in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile...
7) Do writers vent out their way of life through their words as they are considered a perfect mismatch to practicality?
Writing, definitely is personal. Some write about real life and how experiences shape characters, while some write about fantasy worlds and imaginations. To generalize what 'writers' do is as easy as answering whether women like Blue.
8) Which is the most over-rated book in recent times?
According to me, it would have to be Chetan Bhagat's One Night at the Call Center. He set the benchmark much higher with his Five point someone
9) Any regrets in life. (Personal or professional)
None so far
10) 3 things, which very few people know about Hitesha Deshpande?
1. Reading keeps me sane
2. Impulse is my middle name
3. I hate the limelight
11) Which books would you recommend to aspiring writers?
Such a long Journey - Rohinton Mistry
12) As you have dabbed in more than one creative field, what advice would you like to give to young creative minds?
It does not matter who you are or where you are. If you have a thought, express it.
Send your feedback/comments at cs@okiedoks.com or d@okiedoks.com