In Conversation with Sumaiyal

About Sumaiyal

Sumaiyal holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, driven by a passion for literature and the history of languages. As a poetess, fiction writer, and community worker with four years of experience, she is dedicated to fostering connection and empathy through the power of words. Her work blends imagination with a deep commitment to community, creating a bridge between creativity and real-world impact. A lover of books, travel, and food, Sumaiyal finds inspiration in the world around her. She particularly enjoys weaving her imagination into poetry, often drawing from the things she admires most. Known for her love of rhyme, she incorporates it into much of her poetry, bringing rhythm and beauty to her expressive writing.

Sumaiyal aspires to use poetry as a powerful medium for societal reflection and change. Her work focuses on addressing social issues, celebrating diversity, and advocating for positive transformation. Through her poetry, she seeks to spark contemplation, inspire empathy, and encourage readers to reflect on their roles within society. By weaving thought-provoking themes into her verses, Sumaiyal aims to amplify voices often unheard and challenge societal norms. She believes in the transformative power of art to provoke dialogue and foster understanding across different communities. Her ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to the cultural discourse, using her words not only to inspire change but also to cultivate a more inclusive and compassionate world.

For Sumaiyal, becoming a writer is not merely the act of putting words on paper; it is a profound journey of self-discovery, creativity, and resilience. Her evolution into a writer has been shaped by a series of diverse experiences, challenges, and an unwavering passion for writing. Each step in her journey has deepened her understanding of herself and the world around her, fueling her commitment to her craft. Through perseverance and creativity, she continues to embrace the transformative power of writing, allowing it to guide her personal growth and artistic expression.

At the age of 22, Sumaiyal finds herself standing at the crossroads of youth and creativity, reflecting on a journey that traces its roots back to the blissful innocence of her early years. In the idyllic realm of her childhood, time seemed to dance to the rhythm of laughter and curiosity. Surrounded by the pages of storybooks and the embrace of a supportive family, she discovered the enchantment of words and the art of storytelling. These formative years provided her with a sanctuary of innocence and joy, where the seeds of her love for the English language and creative expression were first planted.

At the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood, Sumaiyal’s journey to becoming a poetess and fictionist has been a multifaceted expedition—one marked by silent battles, the beauty of observation, the warmth of a blissful childhood, the academic pursuit of literature, and a casual initiation into the world of writing. As she continues to navigate the uncharted territories of creativity, Sumaiyal is reminded that our stories, woven from the fabric of our lives, hold the power to inspire, connect, and create a tapestry that is uniquely ours.

In her journey as a poetess and fictionist, Sumaiyal takes pride in her achievements that reflect both her commitment to the craft and her passion for storytelling. Co-authoring 16 anthologies has not only allowed her to collaborate with fellow wordsmiths but has also expanded the canvas of her creative expression. The recognition she received as the “Aspiring Indian Writer 2023” and the “Ink Quill Holder’s Award 2022” from Spectrum Awards stand as milestones, acknowledging her dedication to the art of writing. Being nominated for the “Best Poet Award” during the esteemed #NaPoWriMo in April 2021 further validates her poetic endeavours. Additionally, being selected as the ‘Best Writer’ in the anthology “EUPHORIA” serves as a testament to the impact of her words within the literary community. These accomplishments inspire Sumaiyal to continue weaving narratives that resonate with readers and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of literature.

She was also honoured with the Top 20 Paramount Women’s Award from the Namya Foundation, recognizing her contributions and impact. Furthermore, she was named one of the “Wonder Women of India” among 100 awardees by Profound Writers, a prominent writing community. These accolades celebrate her dedication and achievements in the field of writing. Sumaiyal was also recognized with the “Outstanding Women Award” among 100 awardees, and she earned the title of “Youth Icon: Emerging Author of the Year 2024” by Diva Planet Magazine. These honors reflect the growing recognition of her literary talent and her influence in the literary world.

LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?

Sumaiyal: In *Ink and Soul*, we follow the journey of a young girl who dreams of becoming a published author. It’s not an easy road for her—she’s constantly battling self-doubt, dealing with her family’s expectations, and facing tough competition. The story explores how she navigates the struggles of adolescence, all while trying to find her voice and identity. There are moments of heartbreak and betrayal, but through it all, she discovers that resilience and courage are essential to chasing her dreams.

Writing this book was its own journey—one filled with countless sleepless nights and moments of feeling completely drained, yet never truly giving up. Some days the words flowed effortlessly, and I could write for hours on end. Other days, I’d stare at the same page, unable to move forward, stuck in a loop of frustration. But I kept going, driven by the desire to tell this story. Every chapter came with its own set of challenges, but the process taught me the power of persistence and the beauty of creating something from the heart.
Through these struggles, the book captures not just the challenges of adolescence, but also the highs and lows of bringing a dream to life. It’s a testament to the resilience and courage needed to turn passion into reality, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.

LiFT: Why you chose this title?

Sumaiyal: I chose the title *Ink & Soul* because it perfectly encapsulates the heart of the story—a girl pouring her soul onto the page through her writing. The “ink” symbolizes the act of creation, the tangible effort of putting words on paper, while the “soul” reflects the deeper emotional and personal journey she undergoes as she grows, learns, and overcomes challenges. It’s not just about the mechanics of writing but about baring one’s heart, facing fears, and finding one’s true voice. Together, *Ink & Soul* represents the harmony of creativity and resilience in her quest to become a renowned writer. The title also mirrors the dual struggle in her life: balancing the technical mastery of writing with the emotional journey of self-discovery. It’s about more than achieving fame or recognition—it’s about creating something that resonates deeply, something born from her innermost self. That makes this title apt for my book.

LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?

Sumaiyal: I realized I wanted to be a writer during my undergraduate days when I randomly wrote a poem. At the time, I wasn’t serious about it, but my professor and friends genuinely liked it, and their encouragement made me think, “Maybe I should give this a shot.” One of my professors even suggested that I consider publishing my work, which motivated me to write more and explore the idea further. Over time, as I kept writing, I realized how much I loved putting my thoughts and emotions into words. Writing became a way for me to express myself, and I started to feel a deeper connection to it.
I didn’t have any particular inspiration for starting, but the works of writers like William Shakespeare, Sylvia Plath, Jane Austen, Franz Kafka, and Dostoyevsky touched me in profound ways. Their words moved me, made me think, and stayed with me long after I read them. I wanted to create something similar—writings that could resonate with others, touch their hearts, and connect them to my thoughts. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue writing, not just as a hobby but as something meaningful to me and, hopefully, to others.

LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?

Sumaiyal: Ten years from now, I see myself as an established writer, having published several books that resonate with readers worldwide. I hope to have created stories and poems that people connect with, that touch their hearts and make them think. I want to grow as a writer, exploring different genres and styles, while staying true to my voice. I also see myself inspiring others—whether through my words or by encouraging aspiring writers to chase their dreams. Most importantly, I want to continue writing, learning, and contributing to the world of literature in a meaningful way.

LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?

Sumaiyal: Marketing and the quality of a book are both crucial for its success. While a well-written book can attract readers through word-of-mouth, effective marketing strategies are essential to reach a wider audience and create visibility in a crowded market. Balancing both elements can significantly enhance a book’s chances of success.

LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?

Sumaiyal: Write the story that needs to be told, the one that burns within yourself. The one that ignites your soul and demands to be shared with the world. In the act of bringing these words to life, you’ll discover more than just a narrative – you’ll uncover your deepest purpose and find the peace that comes from expressing your truth. Through this process of storytelling, you open the door to both self-discovery and profound inner tranquility.

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Sumaiyal: Life is about more than just putting words on paper. In those moments when I need a break from writing, I can lose myself in the melody of my favorite songs, letting the music wash over me and refresh my creative spirit. Reading books offers me another wonderful escape, allowing me to dive into different worlds and perspectives while feeding my imagination with new ideas. When I seek a more hands-on form of expression, coloring provides me with a meditative and therapeutic outlet, where I can watch blank spaces transform into vibrant works of art as my mind unwinds. These diverse activities complement my writing practice, creating a rich tapestry of creative and recreational pursuits that keep my mind engaged and my spirit balanced.

LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?

Sumaiyal: When facing writer’s block, I engage in several rejuvenating activities to reignite my creative spark. I take a walk in terrace which often helps clear my mental fog. Some writers find that reading works by their favorite authors provides fresh inspiration and perspective, so i just open my kindle & start reading, that gives me calm & opens my mind. Also washing dishes, organzing my room create the mental space needed for ideas to surface naturally.

LiFT: What if your story will be adopted as a movie? Whom would you want to work as a director or actors in it?

Sumaiyal: Having Peter Jackson direct a film adaptation of my novel would bring a unique depth and visual richness to this intimate story of a writer’s journey. Just as he transformed Tolkien’s epic fantasy into a cinematic masterpiece, capturing both grand spectacles and delicate character moments, Jackson could beautifully visualize the inner landscape of a young writer’s mind. He could turn the protagonist’s creative struggles and breakthroughs into visually stunning sequences, perhaps showing her imagination coming to life through subtle special effects, similar to how he balanced the magical and human elements in Lord of the Rings. He could translate the solitary act of writing into dynamic visual storytelling. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to weave together multiple narrative threads would ensure that both the mundane and magical aspects of a writer’s life receive equal care and consideration. And Anne Hathaway would be perfect to portray the aspiring writer’s journey, bringing her trademark combination of vulnerability and determination to the role. Her ability to convey complex emotions, as seen in films like “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Les Misérables,” would beautifully capture the protagonist’s struggles with self-doubt and moments of creative triumph.

LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.

Sumaiyal: Currently not but am just planning it to start another book. Maybe soon I’ll start the process for another magic to audiences and readers.

LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?

Sumaiyal: Read extensively and diversely. Immerse yourself in different genres, styles, and authors to understand various writing techniques. This isn’t just about reading classics – read contemporary works, experimental pieces, and even genres you wouldn’t typically choose. Your reading habits will naturally influence and enhance your writing voice. Write regularly. It doesn’t have to be polished work – journal entries, observations, or random thoughts all count. Keep a writer’s notebook handy. Document interesting conversations, vivid dreams, striking images, or unique phrases you encounter. These small observations often become seeds for larger works. Join a writing community or workshop. Feedback from fellow writers is invaluable, and discussing others’ work helps develop your critical eye. And Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Writing is a craft that develops over time. Focus on improvement rather than perfection, and remember that every experienced writer was once a beginner too.

Click here to order Sumaiyal’s Book – ⁠⁠Ink and Soul