Monday 12 January 2009

A Writer's Meme

Write On Wednesday

Thanks Becca, for the meme.

What’s your favourite genre of writing?

In one word, I would say "poetry." But I also venture out for short prose pieces which are stream of consciousness one. I think more of Kafka whose writing is filled with symbolism too, instead of Woolf. Frankly I did not like Mrs Dalloway much. Marquez too is a master of both. The day I stop looking at the larger image, I will forfeit my creativity. Only when one looks at the bigger picture, one can attain some semblance into their writings and hence their lives.

No piece of writing is literal unless it is a newspaper report or translations of other's works. Even then one can read between the lines and interpret it in their own ways. I try to look at the less obvious ones, which are not understood by most. I find that certain journalists lack imagination when interpreting a creative work. They take it too literal or figuratve. For those, my message is: Grow out of it.

How often do you get writer’s block?

To this I would say, "whats that?" When I can't write poetry, I resort to writing book reviews which keeps the mind very open and receptive to outward sounds.

How do you fix it?

As I said before, by reading and writing book reviews. That way my tryst with writing never stops. And keeps my creative juices flowing.

Do you type or write by hand?

I used to write long hand but now I type directly into my PC. Saves time.

Do you save everything you write?

Yes and no. I save it all in the net world. Some hidden, some for all to see.

Do you ever go back to an old idea long after you abandoned it?

Yes, I have. Initially I never edited anything or tried to improve on my writings. Now I do because I have understood that editing is just as important as creating. It can make or mar one's work.

Do you have a constructive critic?

No, I don't have. I wish for it.

Did you ever write a novel?

I started a novel but never got around after 7000 odd words. Someday I will.

What genre would you love to write but haven’t?

Fantasy, magical realism, symbolic..these cover a whole range.

What’s one genre you have never written, and probably never will?

Paranormal. It puts me off. And self-help books too. I am no one to tell others how to lead their lives.

How many writing projects are you working on right now?

As I write only for myself, I would say none. Someday I mean to. I have been told that I write very well. So I ought to publish my work. I know my language skills are good but one still needs to hone up, no matter. Arrogance pulls us down.

Do you write for a living?

No.

Do you want to?

Yes I do. Who doesn't? But for that I need to be a much better writer than what I am right now. Yes, trash gets sold more easily. However, I don't really go for it.

Have you ever written something for a magazine or newspaper?

Yes, once I wrote a limerick for Valentine's day, which got published in a very well known Women's Magazine, Femina. But the lazy bum that I am, I did not send any more despite gettings mails from the editor.

Have you ever won an award for your writing?

No. NOT YET! *grin*

What are your five favourite words?

aeon: It somehow takes me to another land

semblance: I wish my life to be more orderly

lexicon: For obvious reasons!

gamut: It contains a whole range!

thoughts: Nothing can be as fertile as the mind!

Do you ever write based on your dreams?

Yes, I have. I do. Sometimes dreams contain our deepest desires and the symbolic part is very important to me. I am no analyst, neither do I wish to be one. I only wish to write about those. Thats it.

Do you favour happy endings, sad endings, or cliff-hangers?

For a voracious reader, anything works. I like loose ends too, which are open for interpretations. I write the same way.

Have you ever written based on an artwork you’ve seen?

Yes, of course. I love ecphrasis poetry. Looking at those artwork, one can entwine words with those. Interpreting any art work in poetry takes a lot of imagination and I enjoy doing it. Dali is a special one here. I have written lots of poetry based on his work.


17 comments:

  1. Hmm, no constuctive critic huh?

    So why do I keep coming back?

    ReplyDelete
  2. We're all waiting for that novel :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wasn't aware of the term for that last one, ecphrasis. always a good day when one learns a new word or concept! Great post, all of it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. interesting favourite words.

    actually, i enjoyed all the answers. they once again prove you are a full-blooded writer.

    i hope to be able to read your book once ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Gautami
    I enjoyed reading your Writer's Meme....you are such a good writer!

    I like your choice of 5 favorite
    words.

    Good post....thank you!

    Margie

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am astounded that you don't consider me to be your personal constructive critic!

    Perhaps my effusive praise needs to be reigned in a bit? Hmm.
    I'll see what I can do.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well, don't get around me. I keep a case of writer's block and I wouldn't want you catching it :)

    Dreams fascinate me to no end.

    ReplyDelete
  8. "not yet" is the right answer to that question.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You should write that novel. It is all about discipline.

    ReplyDelete
  10. nice use of words from 3WW !! n some really good answers :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. what a great meme! My favorite word is phenomenal!

    No constructive critic...I need one of those from time to time...I guess I luck out that I share an office with her.

    ReplyDelete
  12. enjoyed this interview of you very much
    i love the word "lexicon", too

    ReplyDelete
  13. Interesting exchange. I love writing. How are you, Gautami? Best wishes.

    Do you like photography? If so...

    http://flikr.com/photos/don-iannone

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow! I really admire your ability to write:)

    I am in awe and you inspire me to keep trying to write

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great answers, Gautami! How interesting that you write book reviews as a way to get through writer's block - I never thought of that as a good way to get the writing mind going, but it's logical, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well, as I found that both we were, I thought I should at least have a look (at the blog/s of) who was 'de-lighted' like me, dropped by, looked here and there and - after the first 'glimpses' don't dislike what I saw.
    Although a lazy commenter, I shall come back ... in case (look above) you choose to want me here. :)
    The peace of the night.

    ReplyDelete