CHARADES WITH SHRAES

A Talk With Author Romila 

Welcome to my another session of interview #CharadeswithShraes. I think it's enlightening for readers to feel like they're part of this chat,reading others stories after all no two stories are same. 

This interview is to generate some thought,appreciation and discussion of this interesting person. Her character is designed to offer and inspire an opportunity to readers and writers with her words circling up to bring ripples around you.She is a surprising and satisfying blogger in content,quality,diversity and critical approaches.I'm happy to interview the versatile blogger and an author Romila Chitturi from the city of Pearls,Hyderabad. 





1] Tell us more and new about you Romila?


I am a huge admirer of Apple products & TED sessions. I read poetry every day. I have a penchant for shoes, hair accessories and stationery. I make the world’s best tea & coffee – a compliment I often receive from guests or people who have had them. I have an untreatable sweet tooth. I enjoy eating and making desserts. Urdu literature & music are a big part of my life. Anything and everything about Paris city makes me so happy.


2] What inspires you to write?


No matter how much I love writing; there are some days when I depend on inspiration. In fact, I would argue that inspiration is not just a desirable thing; it’s an integral part of the writing process. Every writer needs to find inspiration in order to produce inspired writing. And sometimes, it can come from the unlikeliest sources. Blogs are one of my favorites, of course. Aside from this blog, there are dozens of great blogs on writing and every topic under the sun. I like to read about what works for others — it inspires me to action! Fiction is my favourite, but I’ll devour anything to find some inspiration. If I’m anywhere public, whether at a park or a mall or cafe, sometimes I’ll eavesdrop on people. Not in a gross way or anything, but I’ll just keep quiet, and listen. I love hearing other people have conversations. It has served as a model or inspiration for later writing.


3] 14yrs of blogging, what's your opinion on the lifespan of blogs?


Forever. Yes you read it right. If you write daily and regularly with honesty, trust me, your words will turn immortal. My very first blog post which is safe somewhere in my laptop remains one of my best posts despite the fact I wrote it in the year 2004 (thought it is a small write up). Just like books, blogs or any written content remains eternal.


4] Your ambitions into the world of writing career?


It was never my childhood dream to be a writer; I never thought I will become one until unless I gave a shot by writing an article for my school magazine followed by newspapers, magazines and websites. I can call myself as blessed writer as my words/opinions have been successfully accepted by my readers. 5 books as an author is my ambition, I have come out with 3 and 2 more will happen soon.


5] What was the hardest thing about writing your book "Between the Pages"?


Editing and re-writing few stories. I had written them in span of 4years from 2013 and tucked them in my study table drawer and it was only in mid July I decided to bring them out in book form. They were initially 15 stories in the final draft, picking up which ones to get published was another tough work for me. I am delighted I came over these hardships with patience and efforts.


6] Have you ever got writer's block?

No.

7] How much research went on to sculpt your 3 E-books manuscript?


A lot of research which cannot be measured in quantity but quality of the content proves everything. First 2 eBooks are the outcome of the annual ATOZ Blogging Challenges which I took part in 2016 & 2017. The challenges really helped me to walk alone and come out of as a winner. The success of my two eBooks pushed me to bring out my third book on short stories.


8] How long it took to complete?


The first eBook – 4months of 2016
The second eBook- 3months of 2017
The third eBook – since 2013 and book came out in September 2017


9] As a writer, what would you choose as mascot?


No mascots but I am inspired a lot by writers/authors from every generation/century from Shakespeare era till today.


10] Your experience as a self published author?


All my three books are self published on Amazon. It is free and relatively easy to publish a book on Amazon as a Kindle e-book. And fast! It takes about 12 hours to appear on Amazon for sale. You control the whole process from start to finish and retain all the rights to your book. More people are buying eBooks which hints if you write well, you will have sales. This method of publishing is very comfortable for me and I am glad few copies of my 2nd and 3rd book have been sold.


11] Your thoughts on good/bad reviews?


The review of a book should tell us what makes it fine without declaring that it surpasses the discovery that peanuts make good butter, and will remain at the top of “The Best” lists for decades to come. There are such books and they are, and should be, held in high esteem. The reviews that I don’t like are the ones that kick a book onto the freeway with the hope that it will end up as road kill. There are people who disagree with me, but when I have spent years on a work, and found a place with either a traditional publisher or through the laborious process of self-publishing, the book surely deserves more than a deadly slamming.


12] Steps you have taken to market your books?


My first eBook was not promoted well to be frank. The reviews and reactions have been very limited. My 2nd eBook on micro poetry was handled and marketed well with the support of my online and offline connections & network and I am blessed that it has been a blockbuster hit. My third book is for sale on Amazon, as I am not giving out any free copies to anyone, the promotion is slow. I have not made my marketing plan yet for it. Hopefully I will once few more copies are sold.  


13] Best software app or program you used for outlining or drafting for your book?


None. I did not use any app/program for any of my books. All have been written and worked on paper first and then the final draft was typed.


14] What projects have you undertaken currently? Any new novel on the way?
I do have some ideas buzzing in my mind but I am not sure if I can make them work into a 200 pages novel. If it works positively in my favour, I will surely make an announcement.


15] What do you enjoy most about your work?


Definitely when I type the final draft of the article and the reviews/feedback from the readers on the same.


16] Best way you have found to monetize your blog?


Paid posts.


17]How to get loyal followers to our blogs?


Loyal friends make loyal followers – this is very simple.


18] With great friends come loyal foes. What do you have to say to your critics?


I accept them in the same way I accept compliments. I have nothing against critics. It is not necessary that every reader has to like your work.


19]Describe your blogging style?


Direct, personal and opinionated


20] Have you ever felt exhausted on blogging or writing?


No. Never. If I don’t write I feel exhausted, I cannot think about not writing every day.


21]Where do you see yourself as an author in the next five years?


More famous, more accepted and better in my work.


22] What are your favourite literary journals?


None. I don’t read any literary journals.


23] It seems like your fashion style has been good always. Your best/worst outfit in past?


I love fashion and I like wearing clothes that make me look good and comfortable. Worst outfit – a snake print pajama! I wore it for few weeks and it scared people who ever saw me in this. Best outfits have been my designer salwar kameez suits. I am very happy in a pair of shorts and t-shirt given any day.


24] How much does your tattoos mean to you?


I have been fond of getting inked since a teenager. I have 5 tattoos. My first and second tattoo - my name and the Latin phrase – alis volat propriis were inked in 2015, followed by my moon sign (Pig in Mandarin) and sun sign ( Scorpio in Greek) in 2016 and in August 2017 I got a star with Ishq – translating to Love ( in Hindi script) tattooed. Every tattoo is special as all of them are a part of my personality.


25] Why should people read your book?


My first eBook had me sharing my thoughts on random topics such as antagonists in literature, to blogging, origin of the number zero and the birth of the city of Rome, the lack of education to support organ donor programs and the disappearing greenery in our ever expanding concrete jungles and the next eBook had 26 beautiful micro poems (many of the readers, had no idea what micro poetry is and they confessed that they learnt about this form through me) and my new book has stories, where you can learn the strength of emotions between the pages of mixed feelings. My books will broaden your understanding of the world or help you get through a sticking point in your life.


26] Do you take yourself seriously?


Yes! If I did not, I would not have been in this place today. I strongly advise people to take their lives seriously. We get one life, enjoy every moment and live happily.


27]If you could pass a advice to future authors out there reading this interview, what would it be?


Writing is about half skills that you can learn. The remaining half — as in all the arts — can only arise from something ineffable called talent. There are days where I have difficulty writing altogether, so I’ll switch to editing my stories rather than trying to create them. Never assume it is someone else’s job to fix your mistakes. Find all the errors first, and deal with them yourself. The more polished and refined your work is, the more favourably it will be received when you’re finally ready to present it. When it comes to the hours or days you’ve reserved for writing, make sure you stick to your guns. Consider it sacred. I’ll admit there’s still a hell of a lot more to say on the topic of writing tips, but what it all comes down to in the end are three things I believe writers need to remember above all else: Patience, Perseverance, and maintaining your sense of Purpose.

28] Create a slogan for you?


I am here to win!


29] Asked to cook a dinner for your favourite person. Whom would you invite and what would you cook and why?


I have always cooked for myself or for my parents and no one else. Coming to my favourite person, I would invite my best friend K and I would cook Chicken, Kashmiri Pulao and Gajar Ka halwa – easy to make and tasty to eat.


30] Biryani or Chinese cuisine? Why?


I love both. Being a Hyderabadi, my first choice obvious is Biryani. Do I need to give a reason? I am a foodie, Biryani tops my list.


31] Most hated chore on household chore list?


I don’t find any dislike/hatred towards any household chore. In my maid’s absence I do all the work, otherwise the dusting/minor cleaning and laundry is done by me. In fact I like cleaning the dishes.


32]Topic you love to debate with Arnab Goswami?


Arnab who? I definitely want to know. Jokes apart, I am always open to debates, if that is Arnab or Barkha or anyone else, it makes no difference. Topic can be religion.


33] How was my interview?


I am now so used to give interviews but this one was/is different as you shot me with so many varieties of questions. I loved answering them.


Let's wrap our interview with some rapid questions to Romila-

1. Do you google yourself?


Yes.


2. Be honest, how often do you wash your hair?


4 times a week because my hair turns greasy within 10hours after shampoo and I just cannot tolerate oily head and scalp.


3. Do you write alone or in public?


Alone. I cannot concentrate writing in public. I don’t understand people who write in public cafes/parks and other places.


4. Where can we find you online?


Twitter - @romspeaks


5. How did you get to be so witty, funny, and good looking?


I have totally impenitent sense of humour which is all the time impulsive. I make people cry with happy tears with my expressions. Am I good looking? The credit goes to the face wash, gold peels, gels and the makeup which I use. My wittiness is NOT in my DNA, it an exclusive god blessed quality.


6. What is your favourite extension in your internet browser if you use any?


I have three favourite extensions - Alexa Toolbar (for sure), last pass and Quick JavaScript switcher


7. What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list right now?


Christian Dior Lipstick


8. If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be, who would play you?


Romantic Comedy and I would like Natalie Portman to play me.


9. How many books have you read so far this year? What’s your current read?


45 + and I am currently reading Dan Brown’s Origin.


10. What compliment does people give you the most?


‘Your eyes are really beautiful’.


11. If you could teach any grade or subject what would it be?


Subjects: Business Management, Economics and Communication skills


12. What is your favourite song?


Yaaram – one of the best songs written by Gulzar.


13. If you won a million dollars what would you buy?


How many million $’s did I win? I have a huge list – a luxury car, tickets for a world tour, lots of designer bags and investment bonds for a happy & crisis free future.


14. What was the last film you watched?


Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania


15. What is better: certificates or experience?


Experience certificate


16. What is better: being organized or attention to details?


Attentively organised


17. Sex?


As a classification I am a Female. Otherwise as a noun referring to sexual activity, it is dreamy, juicy, likable, romantic, worthy and yummy.


18. iPhone or Samsung?


iPhone (and I own Samsung too)


19. Four things you would change about yourself?


I would want to be taller, have a clear skin, lose few kgs and have that perfect bikini body.


20. New York City?


For cheesecakes


21. Last item you purchased?


4 bottles of Coke zero – I am addicted to diet drinks.


22. What impresses you?


Intelligence, good vocabulary & pronunciation and knowledge.




Thank you Romila for precocious interview!

Connect with Romila through her



Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Great to have some personal insight into your life..keep it up u surely r here to win...

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Such a beautiful post! Thanks for the insights of a life of a writer.
    Appreciate the beauty of words weaved like pearl.
    Cheers to both the ladies SS and Roms !

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great interview! Always lovely to learn more about a blogger's life! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger's Pit Stop! Roseann from www.thisautoimmunelife.com

    ReplyDelete

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