About Romila Chitturi
Romila is an award-winning Indian author, poetess and storyteller.
She has published 25 books, 5 of which are fiction, 11 poetries and 9 non-fiction. Her Books – Pink Sparkles, A Bowl of Soul Curry and Typewriter’s Tales won her awards in the fiction and poetry segment in the first position.
She holds a PhD in business management and has taught creative writing online as well as at Northern Bangalore University. She also holds an MBA apart from many other degrees and has been chosen among Fox Story’s title “India’s 100 under 40” in Entrepreneurs segment for her brand “Unicorn”- a quarterly literary magazine.
Her PhD thesis now into a book titled “Entrepreneurship Made Easy” has been academically appreciated. She has a certification course on creative writing from Ruskin Bond.
She is very passionate about storytelling. Though she writes a lot of serious stuff, as a person she is known for her unapologetic humour and spontaneous wittiness. She reads a lot of thrillers, loves her strong coffee, prefers the colour pink, finds solace in Ghazals, and has a penchant for Urdu literature. Politics and theology are her favourite subjects of discussion apart from World History.
She had the privilege of mentoring many individuals who are today successful bloggers, writers and published authors. As a teacher/professor her ideology encourages creativity, critical thinking, and fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard.
She is Delhi born, raised and educated. She worked in Ahmedabad and Mumbai and lives in Hyderabad with her mother.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?
Romila Chitturi: Ephemera is a journey into the fleeting moments of life—those that slip through our fingers yet leave indelible marks on the soul. It’s a collection of 156 haikus, each one a tiny vignette capturing the transience of time, emotions, and nature. The book’s title reflects its essence: the impermanent beauty of life, much like morning dew or a cherry blossom’s bloom.
The journey of writing Ephemera was deeply personal and cathartic. Haiku, with its minimalist structure, became my chosen medium to distill profound experiences into just seventeen syllables. The discipline of capturing a complete world in such brevity taught me to appreciate simplicity and the power of unspoken words.
Writing Ephemera wasn’t a straight path; it was a meandering trail inspired by nature, human connections, and moments of solitude. A sudden rainfall, the quiet of a sunset, or a fleeting smile became muses, urging me to translate them into haikus.
This book isn’t just a collection of poetry—it’s an invitation to pause and savour the transient wonders around us. With Ephemera, I wanted to remind readers that even the smallest moments hold infinite depth, if only we take the time to see them.
LiFT: Why you chose this title?
Romila Chitturi: I chose the title Ephemera because it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the book and the philosophy behind it. The word itself means something short-lived, fleeting, or transient—like a butterfly’s delicate flight, the shimmer of sunlight on water, or the last notes of a fading melody. These are the moments I sought to capture in the haikus, moments that may be brief but are infinitely profound in their impact.
Life, after all, is a collection of ephemera. The emotions we feel, the beauty we witness, and the connections we make are all temporary, yet they define us in ways that are lasting. The title felt like the perfect metaphor for the nature of haikus as well—tiny, fleeting poems that hold immense depth within their brevity.
Ephemera also resonates with my own creative journey. Writing this book was about finding meaning in impermanence, cherishing the transient beauty of the everyday, and immortalizing it through words. The title, much like the haikus within, invites readers to pause, reflect, and embrace the delicate, ephemeral nature of life.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Romila Chitturi: In 1996, I stumbled into writing quite by accident. I was a curious teenager navigating the labyrinth of emotions, armed with a pen and a stack of blank pages. It began as a quiet rebellion against the chaos around me, a safe space where thoughts could flow without judgment. One afternoon, I penned a short piece for a school assignment, and to my surprise, it resonated deeply with my teacher. That moment felt like discovering a hidden room in my own mind—one filled with words waiting to escape.
Inspiration didn’t arrive as a single epiphany but as a series of ordinary moments: the rhythm of a train ride, the laughter of strangers, and the silence of a starry night. Writing became my way of capturing these fleeting fragments, of holding onto the ephemeral beauty of life.
What keeps me going is the magic of connection. To see a stranger read my words and find their own reflection in them—that’s the ultimate reward. Writing wasn’t a planned journey; it was the one I was meant to take, shaped by serendipity and sustained by a deep-seated need to create.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Romila Chitturi: Ten years from now, I see myself as a versatile and influential voice in literature, trying different genres in novels, essays, and experimental storytelling. My work will resonate globally, blending humor, wisdom, and raw emotion to inspire and provoke thought. I aspire to mentor emerging writers, lead workshops, and curate spaces that celebrate diverse voices. While contributing to a vibrant literary community, I’ll stay true to my storytelling roots, exploring the human experience with curiosity and authenticity. Whether celebrated widely or cherished quietly, my goal is to create timeless works that leave a meaningful mark on the world of literature.
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Romila Chitturi: Both marketing and the quality of a book are essential to its success, though they serve different purposes. Quality ensures the book resonates with readers, offering substance and emotional connection, which leads to word-of-mouth recommendations and loyal fans. However, even the best book can remain undiscovered without effective marketing. Marketing creates visibility, reaching the right audience and sparking interest. A balance of the two is ideal: a well-crafted book backed by a strategic marketing plan can maximize its potential. Ultimately, quality builds trust and longevity, while marketing provides the initial push to put the book into readers’ hands.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Romila Chitturi: Through my writings, I aim to remind people of the beauty and significance of the small, fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. In a world driven by chaos and constant noise, my work seeks to create a pause—a space for reflection, connection, and appreciation of life’s ephemera.
I want my words to inspire readers to embrace vulnerability, find strength in their stories, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Whether it’s through poems or stories, my message is simple yet profound: life is a mosaic of transient experiences, and every moment matters.
I also strive to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy by exploring diverse perspectives. Ultimately, my goal is to create writing that resonates deeply, evokes emotion, and encourages readers to live with greater awareness, compassion, and joy in the present. My words are an invitation to celebrate life’s impermanence.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Romila Chitturi: Apart from writing, I dedicate my time to editing and managing my magazine, Unicorn. This creative space allows me to collaborate with diverse voices, curate compelling content, and bring unique perspectives to life. As an editor, I enjoy the challenge of shaping raw ideas into polished narratives that resonate with readers. Unicorn is more than a magazine—it’s a platform for expression, innovation, and community. Beyond that, I immerse myself in storytelling, teaching, and poetry, drawing inspiration from everyday experiences. Whether curating content or crafting my own, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful, impactful work that connects and inspires.
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Romila Chitturi: When I face writer’s block, I turn to activities that refresh my mind and spark creativity. I often take a walk in nature, letting its rhythm and beauty inspire me. Reading a book, especially one outside my genre, helps shift perspectives and reignites ideas. Sometimes, I journal freely—without structure or expectation—to let thoughts flow. Listening to music, doodling, or even cooking can offer a mental reset. I also revisit old writings or unfinished drafts for inspiration. Most importantly, I give myself permission to pause, trusting that stepping away for a while will make the words return stronger than before.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.
Romila Chitturi: I’m not working on my next book just yet, but I have a collection of long-length poems floating in my mind. They’re still in the early stages, taking shape with every thought, but I can sense the themes beginning to emerge. Much like Ephemera, these poems will likely explore the impermanence of life, the passage of time, and the beauty in everyday moments—but with more space to explore depth and complexity. I’m allowing myself time to gather the right words and emotions, trusting that the right structure and flow will emerge when the time is right.
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?
Romila Chitturi: For budding writers and poets, my first suggestion is to write regularly. Writing is a craft that improves with practice, so make it a daily habit—whether through journaling, free writing, or working on a specific project. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike; instead, create a routine that encourages consistent output.
Read widely and diversely. Expose yourself to different genres, styles, and voices to understand the breadth of literature. Dissect how your favorite writers use language, structure, and imagery. Let their work inspire and challenge you, but don’t copy—find your own voice.
Don’t fear revisions. Writing is a process of constant refinement, and your first draft is just the beginning. Embrace feedback from others, whether it’s from fellow writers or readers, and be open to editing your work. Every revision sharpens your skills.
Experiment with form and content. Try writing in different genres or exploring new themes. Stepping out of your comfort zone fosters growth and uncovers hidden talents.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Progress takes time, and not every piece will be perfect. Trust the journey, stay true to your voice, and allow yourself to grow organically. Writing is an ever-evolving process, and dedication is key.
Click here to order Romila Chitturi’s Book – Ephemera
