Here’s an exclusive interview with the contemporary Author, Mousumi Kalita Sachdeva who authored an inspirational true story bringing out the plight of slum and street children, “Making Impossible Possible” published by Damick Publications. Let’s read what is her inspiration for writing it and a sneak peek into her life.
Damini: Tell me something more about you. How and when did you start writing?
Mousumi: I am a writer by passion and poet by heart. I am a teacher of English Language and Literature and a trainer of Soft Skills. At present, I am serving at the United College of Engineering and Research in Allahabad. I am also an Editor by profession. I write for newspapers and International Blogs. I am also the author of the novel “Love Remains Undefined”.
I began my writing journey when I was seven years old and my first poem was published when I was in the third standard. And, interest grew to be my passion. I have been writing for newspapers, magazines, e-magazines and finally, I landed on writing books.
Damini: Tell me about your book and your inspiration behind writing it.
Mousumi: ‘Making Impossible Possible’ is a motivational book carrying a true inspirational story. It brings the picture of the slum and working children on streets, their dreams and hopes.
I am known as the children’s friend and my heart aches for the deprived children when I see them on the streets begging, wiping the car windows and seeking money. One day, I happened to know a person on social media who was a slum child but today he is an educated gentleman working for the education of the street children. His story is an inspiration behind this book.
Damini: How is your experience with your publisher?
Mousumi: Just one word for the publisher and that is – AMAZING. The book aims no profit but has a social cause and the publisher supported me at every step. I bet no publisher proceeds the creation of a project without terms and conditions fulfilled and most importantly the publishing cost. The entire script took the shape of a book without a single reminder and I express my gratitude for his trust. It was an amazing journey with Damick Publications.
Damini: What do think about the literary world and what are your expectations from it?
Mousumi: The Literary world is a beautiful picture although today the genuine taste is missing. Publishers publish books full of errors just for money and the reviews and interviews are bought to make the book popular; whereas, Literature in a true sense is hidden and the good books are left aside.
I expect true respect to Language and Literature and this can be done only with the spread of good books and writings and fair judgments. A writer must be well versed and careful in the language he or she is writing. We must encourage good reading habits so that the Literary World becomes beautiful and worth appreciating.
Damini: What are your plans for writing career?
Mousumi: Writing is more of a passion than a career to me. I am already on my new path to write a new book and hopefully, it would also be a message to the youth.
Damini: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Mousumi: Quality of a book must be the determining factor for the success of a book. However, in India, marketing overrules the quality.
Damini: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Mousumi: I aim to promote the true taste of Language and Literature. I also believe in spreading writings for a social cause. The social cause is a wide term; however, I basically aim to promote education among the slum and working children. Children are the leaders of tomorrow and many good leaders stay hidden in the slum areas. I want to urge each and every citizen of our country to give an adorable look to the deprived children, help them in every possible way, stop encouraging child labour and most importantly stop giving money to the children who beg and the young beggars on the streets.
Damini: What do you do apart from writing?
Mousumi: I am an editor of a publishing house. I edit books. I am a poet having contributed my poems in many anthologies and international blogs. And, most importantly, I am a teacher, a motivational speaker, and a counselor. At present, I am serving at United College of Engineering and Research Allahabad as a Language and Soft Skills Trainer.
Damini: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Mousumi: Music and a cup of coffee, of course.
Damini: What if your story will be adopted as a movie? Whom would you want to work as a director or actors in it?
Mousumi: I was approached for my first novel to be converted to a movie by a South Indian director. However, I had no such intentions as I value literature in words framed in a book than on the screen. I have no such plans and if in future, the opportunity knocks, I would give it a thought. At present, I have no aim to work with any directors or actors. My focus is on writing.
Damini: What importance do a pen and word keep in your life?
Mousumi: I breathe with my pen and words.
Damini: What are your suggestions to the budding writers that they could improve their writing skills?
Mousumi: I would request all the budding writers to brush up their grammar skills while framing sentences. Punctuation is again a field, where every writer must be careful because a single punctuation mark can change the meaning of a sentence. Write with your heart but do not keep your brain aside. Avoid too many complex sentences as a book must be easily read by all. However, the beauty of language with new words and creativity must always be encouraged. Writing is a long journey. There is no end to learning and exploring.
My book is available on Amazon.in, Flipkart and Damick Book Store.
