About Sasa Acharya:
Sasa Acharya is currently based in Mumbai working in an IT MNC as a Senior Software Engineer. Besides sitting at the desk for hours he has a knack of observing things and writing down his thoughts in free time. He is a writer by passion. He also seldom loves to ink poetry. He is a voracious reader who loves to spend his weekends reading in his solitude. Equally interested in partying, the author at the end of the day needs ‘me time’ to contemplate. He occasionally blogs and pens down his thoughts in the art of quotes. The author can be contacted through his email sasaacharya@gmail.com. You can also follow him on Facebook @sasa.acharya and Twitter & Instagram @SasaAcharya. For writings and quotes follow his Instagram handle @thequotesyouown.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content.
Sasa: As I have always stated, it is not a book. It is life. Seems over the top, right? But that what life is all about. What you know and think about life, it is much more than that. This book was in pipeline for almost 4 years. I had the story in mind but due to sheer lack of time and yes, my own lack of seriousness to it got delayed in its progress. And as time passed on, I had to modify a little in the plot line keeping in mind contemporary time and love. I am a good observer of things that happen around me. I have kept Indian society in mind and its double standard status. As I have mentioned in the book-“We all keep another life hidden behind the veil of the societal curtain to live the life that is out and open”.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Sasa: It was always there. I used to write poems in my childhood. But everything washed away as I grew up and the need for a reputed job for livelihood and the so-called prestige in society and fixed income landed me in the IT sector. That I still am in. Money is a big factor, you know. But I never enjoyed it. Neither do I know. Slowly I felt disillusioned. The major reason was somehow my thought process did not match with people who were with me. It still does not. But now I have learned how to cope with it. What I used to think or could imagine sitting at a desk in front of the PC was completely unfathomable for people around me. Even my friends too. Then I realized that I have to understand that they won’t understand me. And that was a big turning point. I made up my mind that I have to be with them and yet need to keep my individuality intact and unaffected. And it is not easy. I say this hands down. Never an easy one. When you try to defy the conventional attitude you got to have repercussions. I understood this. I used to blog and write quotes in my free time. I used to update my WhatsApp statues more often. I got praised for that. Few of my well-wishers pushed me to continue and inspired me to do something that I liked. And the journey began. I brought inspirations from my life and the people around me. The daily usual life taught me many things. I saw engineers, managers, employees, team leads, friends, colleagues and found out everything is just so hyped and people derived pleasure from it by giving themselves a false sense of appreciation. I realized this is how everything works. And I was an anomaly to this. Writing helped me to get over this. And that slowly blossomed into a book.
LiFT: What do think about the literary world and what are your expectations from it?
Sasa: I fear you may judge me, but let me be honest. Who reads now? In the age of GOT, Web series, WhatsApp, Insta updates, tik tok… who has the patience to read and delve into characters and think profoundly. Very few have that penchant left to sit and read. I have observed it in my industry. People do not have time and another fact is they lack the ability to understand literature, art, words, and thoughts. Another factor is money too. You also need income from whatever you do. Writing should not just get limited to passion or hobby. You can not brush aside the importance of money. I would expect that corporate and other institutions give a boost to writing and creativity. A child or whoever if they find writing is their calling they should be able to pursue it as a career. I hope the new generation understands this and live life as they want to do what they do best.
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Sasa: Of course. Marketing is a major factor in promoting your book. In today’s time, it is all the more important that it gets its due attention and praise. The hard work put into it should get appreciated. At a time when distraction can come to you in any form, it is important that the book reaches you and holds your interest.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Sasa: I do not intend on writing something to impart the message to readers. I write what I feel is right for me. I am a reader also. So I, in my writings in subconscious state capture readers’ imagination. When you write for yourself and you belong to the world that all live in, the writings will some way or the other impact people and they will connect with it.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Sasa: I am a big fan of Hindi music. Old, New, Ghazals, Hip hop, Rap all genre. Mostly connect to lyrical melodious music. I also write poetry. But that depends on my mood. I am a party trooper too. I go out with my friends and love to enjoy with all. I love to talk to people and listen to them. That helps me to go well with my own life.
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Sasa: Nothing. I stop. I do not write. I chill out as usual. Writers get ideas in the most uncommon place, situation, and mood. So wait for that time. I do not like brainstorming when your brain has run out of energy. It makes you more rigid. Rather give myself time and continue again when thoughts strike from where I had left.
LiFT: What if your story will be adopted as a movie? Whom would you want to work as a director or actors in it?
Sasa: That will be a huge achievement. Let it happen and we will see then. Mostly I would like some youngster to be part of it. They will have their say on it as they can bring in more input. I would like to have the storyline same besides other modifications for a cinematic experience.
LiFT: What are your future plans?
Sasa: As of now, I will continue with an IT job. I will also continue to write side by side provided how much time and effort I am allowed to put into it. I have plans to make web series as I have ideas that would fit into this genre. Let’s see. It is a far dream now.
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers so that they could improve their writing skills?
Sasa: I would first recommend that you should know what you are truly best at. What your true calling is. Do not compare with others. Be it, anyone. If writing is your calling then surround yourself with same like minded kind of people. Think about money too. It is not at all bad to be money oriented. After all, that’s what runs this world. Learn the skill of attracting readers through words, phrases, one-liners, quotes, and plot. Keep it contemporary. The reader should be able to connect himself/herself with your story.
Amazon Link to buy Sasa’s Book
