About Ambuja Mohanty
Ambuja Mohanty is a talented poet and software engineer with over 8 years of experience in automation and ETL testing. She has been writing since childhood, initially in her native Odia language, and developed a passion for English writing during her college years. Her poetry collection, Verses of the Unspoken, reflects her emotional depth and is inspired by her husband, who serves as her guiding light.
Ambuja is currently working on her next projects, which include an Odia novel and an English parenting book, showcasing her diverse interests in storytelling and motherhood. She believes in the power of unspoken emotions and seeks to inspire readers to connect with their feelings. Beyond writing, Ambuja balances her professional life with motherhood, embracing the joys and challenges it brings. She continues to explore new creative avenues, including her interest in developing a voice-to-text app for the Odia language, all while sharing valuable insights with aspiring writers.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?
Ambuja Mohanty: My book, Verses of the Unspoken, is a heartfelt collection of poems inspired by emotions we often leave unexpressed. It’s deeply personal, as it’s a reflection of my thoughts, my experiences, and the person who inspires me the most—my husband.
The journey of writing it was both cathartic and enriching. Balancing my career as a software engineer, as a women to balance the home and as a mother of 3 months with my passion for writing was challenging but fulfilling. Each poem in the book is a lyrical exploration of love, resilience, and the quiet strength we find within ourselves.
Writing this book allowed me to express the unsaid, and I hope it resonates with readers who have felt similarly.
LiFT: Why you chose this title?
Ambuja Mohanty: I chose the title Verses of the Unspoken because it perfectly captures the essence of the book. The poems are inspired by emotions, thoughts, and feelings that often remain unsaid in our daily lives—those quiet moments of reflection, love, and inner strength. I wanted the title to reflect how these verses give a voice to the unexpressed, allowing readers to connect with what they might have felt but never articulated. It’s about the beauty of what lies beneath the surface.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Ambuja Mohanty: I’ve been writing since childhood, initially in Odia, my native language, where I expressed my early thoughts and emotions. During my college years, I gradually developed an interest in writing in English, which opened up a new realm of creativity and expression for me.
My biggest inspiration is my husband. His quiet strength and unwavering support pushed me to explore deeper emotions, and poetry became a way to channel those feelings. Writing allows me to bridge the gap between my inner world and the outer one, and that’s when I knew I wanted to share my work with others.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Ambuja Mohanty: Ten years down the line, I envision myself as an established author with a deeper presence in the literary world, not just through poetry but also exploring different forms of writing. I see myself publishing more books that resonate with readers on an emotional level, perhaps even delving into fiction or essays.
I also hope to contribute to the promotion of regional languages like Odia in global literature, while continuing to create works in English that bridge cultures and emotions. Ultimately, I aim to inspire and connect with readers across boundaries, leaving a lasting impact through my words.
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Ambuja Mohanty: Both marketing and the quality of a book are essential for its success, but they play different roles. The quality of a book—its content, emotional depth, and how it resonates with readers—creates lasting value. Without quality, a book may not have a meaningful impact, no matter how well it’s promoted.
However, marketing is crucial to bring that quality work into the spotlight. In today’s world, there are so many great books, and without effective marketing, even the best work can go unnoticed. A well-crafted marketing strategy helps reach the right audience, sparks interest, and builds a community around the book. So, I believe a balance between the two is necessary to increase readership and make a lasting impression.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Ambuja Mohanty: Through my writings, I want to convey the beauty of unspoken emotions and the quiet strength we all carry within ourselves. Life is filled with subtle, often overlooked moments of love, resilience, and reflection, and my poetry aims to give a voice to those emotions. I hope to inspire readers to embrace their inner feelings, find comfort in vulnerability, and realize that it’s okay to feel deeply.
At the heart of my message is the belief that even in silence, there is power, and even in struggle, there is beauty. I want my readers to connect with themselves and others on a more emotional and meaningful level.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Ambuja Mohanty: Apart from writing, I’m a software engineer with over 8 years of experience, specializing in automation and ETL testing. My professional life is driven by logic and problem-solving, which contrasts beautifully with my creative passion for writing.
I’m also a mother, balancing the joys and challenges of parenthood, which adds a unique perspective to both my personal and professional life. Outside of work and family, I enjoy reading, exploring new technologies, and occasionally working on personal projects like building a voice-to-text app for the Odia language. All these aspects contribute to my growth as a writer and a person.
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Ambuja Mohanty: When I face writer’s block, I take a step back to recharge my creativity. One of my go-to activities is reading—whether it’s poetry, fiction, or even articles, reading different perspectives often sparks new ideas.
I also find inspiration in nature; taking a walk or just sitting outdoors helps clear my mind and brings a fresh flow of thoughts. Sometimes, I switch to another creative outlet, like sketching or listening to music, which allows my mind to relax. And if all else fails, I simply give myself time to reflect, knowing that creativity can’t be forced and will come back naturally when I’m ready.
LiFT: What if your story will be adopted as a movie? Whom would you want to work as a director or actors in it?
Ambuja Mohanty: If my poetry were adapted into a movie, I would love to work with a director who has a deep understanding of emotional storytelling, such as Mira Nair or Deepa Mehta. Their ability to capture nuanced emotions and cultural depth would bring the essence of my work to life beautifully.
As for actors, I would choose someone like Vikrant Massey for the male lead, as he embodies sensitivity and depth. For the female lead, someone like Shraddha Kapoor could perfectly portray the emotional journey of my characters. I believe their combined talent would beautifully convey the themes of love, resilience, and unspoken emotions present in my writing.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.
Ambuja Mohanty: Yes, I’m currently working on my next book, which is quite exciting! It’s a dual project—an Odia novel that explores cultural themes and emotional depth, and an English parenting book that shares insights and experiences from my journey as a mother.
The Odia novel will delve into the intricacies of relationships and community, while the parenting book aims to provide practical advice, personal anecdotes, and encouragement for new parents. I hope both works will resonate with readers in different ways, offering a blend of storytelling and valuable life lessons.
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?
Ambuja Mohanty: I am also a budding writer who is learning daily and for budding writers and poets looking to improve their skills, I suggest making writing a daily habit, even if it’s just a few lines, as consistency helps develop your voice. Read widely across different genres to expose yourself to various techniques and inspire new ideas. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different forms, whether poetry, prose, or other styles, as this can spark creativity and help you find your niche. Sharing your work with others for constructive feedback is essential, as it provides valuable insights. Remember that the first draft is just the beginning; revising and editing your work is crucial for refining ideas and improving clarity. Embrace vulnerability by writing about your true feelings and experiences, as authenticity resonates with readers. Lastly, keep learning through workshops and books on writing, as this will contribute to your growth on your writing journey.
Click here to order Ambuja Mohanty’s Book – Verses of the Unspoken
