About Aruna Gupta
Aruna Gupta, at the vibrant age of 76, marks her debut in the literary world with “Adorable Animals Playful Poems,” a testament to her enduring passion for poetry and education. Born and raised in Ambala Cantt, India, as one of eight siblings, Aruna’s affinity for the written word blossomed early, leading her to secure accolades for her academic prowess. Her educational journey culminated in a Bachelor’s degree in English, French, and Mathematics, followed by a Master’s in English Literature. Aruna’s career began in academia as a college lecturer before she ventured into mentoring, dedicating over two decades to guiding students at her coaching center.
Transitioning into her role as a grandmother, Aruna finds joy in the company of her grandson, Saramay, whose curiosity and wonderment fueled the creation of her book. Residing between Gurgaon and London, her days are enriched with yoga, spiritual readings, and the melodies of Indian Bollywood music, all of which nurture her creative spirit. The inception of “Adorable Animals Playful Poems” was sparked by Aruna’s observant nature and her desire to instill a sense of awe and respect for wildlife in young readers. Through her keen observations and meticulous attention to detail, Aruna vividly brings to life the enchanting world of animals, aiming to educate and inspire appreciation for the natural world among children and adults alike.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content.
Aruna Gupta: “Adorable Animals Playful Poems” is an alphabetical adventure through the animal kingdom, designed to educate and inspire young readers. The book features over forty animals, each with its own playful poem and gorgeous illustration. As a grandmother, I was inspired to create this book by observing my grandson Saramay’s curiosity about the world around him. I wanted to combine my love for poetry and my passion for education to create a resource that would not only entertain but also teach children about the wonders of the animal kingdom. The journey of writing this book was a delightful exploration of the diverse habitats and fascinating characteristics of various animals, from the playful antics of monkeys to the majestic grace of elephants. Through meticulous research and attention to detail, I aimed to bring each animal’s story to life in a way that would captivate young minds and spark their imagination.
LiFT: Why you chose this title?
Aruna Gupta: The title “Adorable Animals Playful Poems” perfectly encapsulates the essence of the book. It highlights the charming and endearing nature of the animals featured in the poems, while also emphasizing the playful and engaging approach to learning about them. The alliteration in the title adds a catchy and memorable element, making it appealing to both children and adults. Moreover, the title clearly conveys the content of the book – a collection of poems about adorable animals – making it easily understandable for potential readers.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Aruna Gupta: My love for the written word blossomed early in life, and I have always found joy in expressing myself through poetry. However, it was my experience as a grandmother that truly inspired me to pursue writing as a means to educate and inspire young minds. Observing my grandson’s wonder and curiosity about the world around him rekindled my own sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty of nature. I realized that I could use my passion for poetry to create a resource that would not only entertain but also educate children about the incredible diversity of the animal kingdom. My inspiration comes from the desire to instill a sense of respect and admiration for wildlife in young readers, encouraging them to become stewards of the natural world.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Aruna Gupta: Ten years from now, I see myself continuing to create engaging and educational content for children, exploring various themes and subjects through the medium of poetry. I hope to establish myself as a respected voice in the world of children’s literature, known for my ability to craft stories and poems that both captivate and educate young readers. I aspire to collaborate with other authors and illustrators to create unique and impactful books that leave a lasting impression on children and encourage them to develop a lifelong love for learning and literature. Additionally, I aim to be actively involved in promoting literacy and education initiatives, using my platform to advocate for the importance of reading and writing in the development of young minds.
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Aruna Gupta: Both marketing and the quality of a book play crucial roles in promoting a book and increasing its readership. A well-executed marketing strategy can help a book gain visibility and attract potential readers, while the quality of the book itself determines whether readers will enjoy it, recommend it to others, and potentially become fans of the author’s work.
In my opinion, the quality of a book should always be the top priority. A book that is well-written, engaging, and valuable to its target audience is more likely to generate positive word-of-mouth and establish a loyal readership. However, even the best books can go unnoticed without effective marketing.
Marketing helps to create awareness about a book, reach its intended audience, and communicate its unique value proposition. Through various channels such as social media, book reviews, author interviews, and promotional events, marketing can help a book stand out in a crowded market and attract the attention of potential readers.
Ultimately, a balance between the quality of the book and strategic marketing efforts is necessary to successfully promote a book and increase its readership. By focusing on creating high-quality content and implementing targeted marketing initiatives, authors and publishers can maximize a book’s potential for success.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Aruna Gupta: Through my writings, particularly in “Adorable Animals Playful Poems,” I aim to spread a message of appreciation, respect, and wonder for the natural world. I want to encourage young readers to develop a deep sense of connection with the animals that share our planet and to understand the importance of preserving the diverse habitats they call home. By presenting fascinating facts about each animal in a playful and engaging manner, I hope to spark children’s curiosity and inspire them to learn more about the incredible creatures that inhabit the Earth. Moreover, I want to convey the message that learning can be a joyful and exciting experience, and that poetry has the power to make even the most complex subjects accessible and enjoyable for young minds.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Aruna Gupta: Apart from writing, I lead a fulfilling life enriched by various activities and passions. As a lifelong learner, I find great joy in continuing to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world through reading, attending workshops, and engaging in meaningful conversations with others. I am also deeply committed to my spiritual practice, which includes daily yoga and meditation, as these activities help me maintain a sense of balance and inner peace. Music is another important aspect of my life, and I often find myself immersed in the beautiful melodies of Indian Bollywood songs, which never fail to lift my spirits and inspire my creativity. Additionally, I cherish the time I spend with my family, particularly my grandson, Saramay, whose boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for life continue to inspire me every day.
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Aruna Gupta: When faced with writer’s block, I have found that engaging in activities that allow my mind to relax and wander freely often helps me overcome creative obstacles. One of my go-to activities is taking a leisurely walk in nature, as the beauty and serenity of the outdoors have a way of calming my mind and rekindling my inspiration. I also find that practicing yoga and meditation can be incredibly effective in quieting my inner critic and allowing new ideas to surface. When I need a change of pace, I often turn to music, either by listening to my favorite Bollywood songs or by singing along to them, as the rhythms and melodies have a way of sparking my creativity and helping me find new perspectives on my writing. Finally, I have found that engaging in stimulating conversations with friends, family, or fellow writers can be a wonderful way to break through creative blocks, as the exchange of ideas and insights often leads to new avenues of exploration in my writing.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.
Aruna Gupta: Yes, I am currently in the early stages of developing my next book project. While I cannot reveal too many details at this time, I can share that it will be another collection of poems aimed at educating and inspiring adult readers. However, instead of focusing on animals, this book will explore the fascinating world of emotions and relationships.
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?
Aruna Gupta: For budding writers and poets looking to improve their writing skills, I would offer the following suggestions:
a. Read widely and voraciously: One of the best ways to improve your writing is to expose yourself to a diverse range of literature, including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. By reading the works of established authors, you can learn about different writing styles, techniques, and structures, and begin to develop your own unique voice.
b. Write regularly and consistently: Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Make a commitment to write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different forms and styles.
Click here to order Aruna Gupta’s Book – Adorable Animals Playful Poems
