Interview with Author Geeta Sahai
Author Geeta Sahai getsjitters when somebody asks her to give her biographical introduction. “I think I have floated with the times, like a river, meandering my way, facing the obstacles while continuing to do what I love doing. And in the process, I have helped myself and others have the courage to live a life with choices and abundance”, she stated in this introduction to this interview.
Tell me more about your latest book
It is a collection of five stories. And these stories are somewhere inspired by actual characters. My journey as a writer begins by thinking beyond what is visible. My stories talk about reality, real characters and their grief. I see what they do not tell the world. And it is this aspect that I portray in my work. Through my characters’ grief, loss and memories, I capture elusive moments of grace and beauty surrounding our pain. I believe that nothing is as powerful as grief to test our character and patience. It is generally said – ‘move on’ – whenever we face any obstacle or betrayal. But I think the truth is we never ‘move on’; we move ahead with our memories. And it is these memories that I question, the relevance of them in the present.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
To move away from those characters and to imagine what was not visible. For instance, the story in this collection – If Only I Could Tell, is about child sexual abuse. Newspapers report about the abuse, and that’s where the article ends. My story begins after that. What happens to the survivor? Does her personality change? What does she feel? Can she ever trust a man? Can she believe in love? Would she be ever able to have a healthy sex life, etc., etc.? Most of my stories portray much beyond what is visible.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
Till now, I have been approaching traditional publishing houses, but with independent publishing, I think it is much better to become ‘authorpreneur’ – self-publishing and marketing. It is much more satisfying and rewarding.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Yes. Writing acts as a catharsis. I want to ask – why do we write? Is it for fame, money? Well, the bitter truth, except for a handful of writers, no writer can survive by merely being a full-time writer. So? The truth is that writing helps us question ourselves, dissect our inner most thoughts, question our existence, and rethink why we do what we do. It clears our foggy minds, and the artistic expressions that we give to our emotions and memories, at times, help others to revisit the hidden, forgotten corners of their lives, create positivity and love and respect others’ feelings. In short, to shed the blinkers, understand subconscious mind and live with positive vibrations. To give an example, I recently made one of my friends pen her painful memories, and after doing that, she told me, “I’m so happy now.” So you see, writing is spiritualistic. It changes you from within.
How many books have you written so far?
My first book was of poems. It is out of the market now. Then I wrote a few non-fiction books published by traditional publishers, like S Chand & Company, Pustak Mahal, etc. After that, I translated a Hindi novel by a well known Hindi novelist into English – The Colour of My Being. HarperCollins published it. I participated in a few online short story competitions and also won 1st or 2nd prizes. One of my short stories is also included in an international anthology – Undiscovered Gems, edited by D Brian and published by Mithra Publishing. In 2015 Niyogi Books published my non-fiction book – Beyond Music: Maestros in Conversation. And now this – When Goodbye Begins: life takes over. It is a collection of five short stories. In between, I made a few short films on issues like disability, mental health and gender. My latest film – I Remember – a film on Alzheimer’s, is streaming on one of the OTT platforms.
What’s the best way to market your books?
I don’t know. I really don’t know. Had I known, my book would have become a bestseller.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
Quite tricky. It requires a lot of self-discipline and hard work. And somewhere, I feel it is also something to do with LUCK and DESTINY. I want to make one thing clear that we write because it gives us happiness. But yes, to have a livelihood, one can think of having a different career.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Nothing. I don’t think I have the stature to offer suggestions. But yes, keep the passion burning – write and write. It will give you immense happiness.
Visit Author Geeta Sahai links:-
Website: https://geetalalsahai.com/
Author page on Amazon:
Author page on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21179571.Geeta_Lal_Sahai
Link to When Goodbye Begins:life takes over – Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W6QD4XD
India Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08W6T1Y4N
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/geeta.sahai
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geetasahai
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeetaSahai
Geeta Sahai, a real thinker , great author, film maker, what a superb combination. All the very best to her.
Liked the stories she has written.