About Shunila Prim
Shunila is a nature lover and a very observant person. Besides reading, she enjoys writing down stories for children based on her obsevations and experiences as a teacher. She strongly feels that both the young and adults must take time out to enjoy nature for peace of mind and relaxation.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it, and its content.
Shunila Prim: Couples both young and retired will agree that those in a transferable job need to pack and shift to unknown towns periodically. Every new address leaves a mark and becomes part of their lives. Each new house becomes ‘home’, and the memories stay for life. Friends and colleagues become extended families. The stories in my third book are about experiences of towns and houses that became home for people who lived there.
LiFT: Why did you choose this title?
Shunila Prim: A Gulmohar sapling was chosen, planted and taken care of by my sister in our parent’s house. The tree was very special for my family. The idea for my third book title came from that tree.
LiFT: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was your inspiration behind it?
Shunila Prim: Since we travelled to different cities and had many memories to share, my daughter coaxed me to write down my observations, experiences and memories. She said,” Mummy,you have a fantastic memory, vivid imagination and observations.Just write down what you remember. “
Poems come to my mind in a flash, and need to be written down quickly before the thoughts vanish.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Shunila Prim: I would like to continue writing as long as ideas come to my mind. There is so much to observe and share.
First I would like to compile all my poems before penning down the next book.
LiFT: How important do you think marketing and the quality of a book are in promoting it and increasing its readership?
Shunila Prim: Word of mouth publicity doesn’t really work in today’s world. To understand the content and quality of a book the readers must read books, discus and share the ideas.
Marketing and advertisement of books is very important to make books more visible and available in bookshops and on online portals.
LiFT: What message do you want to convey to people through your writing?
Shunila Prim: Travel, explore, enjoy what you observe, then share your experiences with others through any medium you are comfortable with; be it through writings, poems, photography, paintings etc.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Shunila Prim: Taking care of the family is every woman’s priority. Besides writing down my observations and memories, I indulge in stitching, painting and sketching.
All the sketches that support poems and stories in all my books are done by me. That makes me an ameture artist.
LiFT: What activities do you resort to when you face writer’s block?
Shunila Prim: Everyone who writes faces the writer’s block sometime or the other.
At such times I indulge in my other interests, stand in the balcony and watch the world go by. To get an instant solution I discuss the problem with my daughter. She, you see is a better writer!
LiFT: What if your story were to be adapted into a movie? Who would you want to work as the director or actors in it?
Shunila Prim: The everyday life incidences I observed and wrote about can easily be understood and relate to by many.
Mr. Amir Khan will be my preferred director since he has directed and produced interesting films based on real life experiences.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If so, could you tell us something about it?
Shunila Prim: There are ideas I need time to work on. First the poems need proper compilation, then work on the next book will start.
LiFT: What are your suggestions for budding writers and poets to help them improve their writing skills?
Shunila Prim: Write about your original ideas and thoughts with utmost honesty. Never try to imitate the style of your favourite author or poet.
Be very particular about grammer and correct spellings.
Don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions and corrections whenever in any doubt.
Don’t be in a hurry to get your work printed and published. First look for a genuine publisher who will give you the valuable guidance.
Click here to order Shunila Prim’s Book – The House of Gulmohar
