About Ridhima Joshi
Author Ridhima Joshi uses the pronouns (She/They) interchangeably. She is an Award-Winning published Book Author – Poet with 2 books to her name I’m 2022-2023. Hailing from South Mumbai, India, she began writing as a Poet at the age of 13 and published her first book at age 19, second at 20. Her inception began on Wattpad and then transitioned to Poetry Anthologies as a Co-Author prior to earning her Author title with her solo books. Aside from the field of Literature, Ridhima Joshi began her work in the field of social Impact and sustainable development. She has worked with NGOS, represented and engaged in Youth Delegation Programs including ones to do with Diplomacy. Furthermore, she has has engaged and participated in the Programs curated by United Nations Agencies, currently supporting UNHCR individually in their endeavor as a Young Champion for Refugees. Academically, she’s a Law Student and sees herself donning several hats in the future in fields of Diplomacy & Law, other than her Literature Career.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content.
Ridhima: I started writing Poetry at age 13, my first poem is titled ‘A Child’s Mind’, written by observation, on children and what goes on in their mind. Since then it’s been seven years of writing, I’m 20 now and I began writing with pen & notepad, eventually uploading my work on Wattpad as a portfolio before creating books. The poems in the book are picked out from a collection written over the years. Half of it is recent, half of it Is written in my early teenage years. It’s a balance of light and dark parts, eventually painting a grey picture as I write From observation; my mind also influences my writings and Poetry for Me is a second nature, inherent expression. It’s one medium where all three- my mind, heart and soul are simultaneously engaged. Majorly my heart or my soft parts. I write on everything that finds itself a thought in my head. I particularly find myself pondering on virtues & values, ethics and accountability, words and their power to influence and metaphysics is a major component of my writing. What more is that I write not to impress but for myself. I write to normalise and start conversations about topics deemed taboo, write to normalise or talk about topics deemed unnatural or bad to have such as Mental Health issues, Lgbtqia+ Community and a bit of Erotica. I write openly devoid of hush-hush as there’s nothing to hide, there’s nothing unnatural, it’s okay and normal. However, whilst writing I try to write mindfully as I’m aware of the effects of words on one’s mind.
WHIRLPOOL II is a continuation of a story untold. It’s written from the aftermath of becoming an Author, a role I’m enjoying, it’s the next part of my first book WHIRLPOOL released in August 2022 yet it’s not a sequel. It’s truthful, powerful and romantic.
WHIRLPOOL II is a fresh start, it’s a 2nd chance and this time the writings are bold- it’s unfiltered in moderation, enough to provoke thinking but mild enough to not hurt sentiments.
It is a merge of two stories- two parts of poetry Dark and Light merged together as one whole Grey picture. It’s dark and light in separation but also grey in the bigger picture hence the opening one liner to the book: The Song of Siren; capturing currents of life as time swirls by.
LiFT: Why you chose this title?
Ridhima: I named it WHIRLPOOL as the poems in the book are written on a diverse number of topic. It’s dark, light, chaotic, happy, one to do with grief and healing, memories and fun, observations of life and metaphysics, ethics and vices, there’s a poem on every one of this in there, therefore it was appropriate to title it WHIRLPOOL as it’s a Whirlpool of everything inside In the form of poetry.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Ridhima: At age 13, I started writing poetry and it was a result of pure spontaneity and a wild curiosity. I didn’t learn writing poetry, it happened. I wanted to be a published Author at age 19 and I’ve been successful in that endeavour, turned my dream and visions into a truthful reality all by hardwork, on my own accord without anyone’s help or reference.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Ridhima: I see myself as a Playwright, Screenwriter, Poet of course; i see myself making a whole new genre to read or my own league. Be a force to reckon with- my writings are truthful, powerful, bold and very unconventional. People say im eccentric amf you shall see me improving and become what im meant to.
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Ridhima: Its 50%. A book becomes 100% by 50% Author’s effort, 50% marketing. Its vital, marketing is necessary for accessibility and outreach, without proper marketing, the book might not reach its full potential and has possibility to fall apart, theres competition. Its a labyrinth in here, if you dont know what you’re doing, you’ll get lost.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Ridhima: When a Reader picks this book of mine to read, they’re free to form their perception of my work and me as an Individual and Author, I shall welcome all judgement without hostility as art is subjective and there can be a multitude of interpretations, there’s no fixed right or wrong. Although what I hope or wish is that this book brings comfort or solitude to the reader on a not so good day, that it brings them comfort or acknowledgment, whatever one might yearn for.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Ridhima: I study Law, I work for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, work towards achievement of UN Agenda 2030, through UN Agencies through their programs & initiatives. Represent and engage as official Youth Delegate in Diplomatic Youth Delegations, summits and lectures. Worked in social impact, in the foreseeable future, you shall see me establishing business enterprises. And you’ll see me fulfill my childhood dream of being a Diplomat, practise Law and more. I’ll be donning several hats as time passes by.
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Ridhima: Reading, going back to the roots. The more i read, the better is my vocabulary and imagination. If not reading, printing or playing the violin.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us someting about it.
Ridhima: Yes, several themes and concepts are brewing in my head at present, my next if all goes how i want, shall be a thematic book on a unconventional topic that everyone engages in but as a society, we keep it a secret, a taboo not meant to be seen. Its subjective, time will tell, what i do next.
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?
Ridhima: Keep on writing, keep on reading. These two in practise will take you a long way forward.
Click here to order Ridhima Joshi’s Book – WHIRLPOOL II
