Name: Mona Mohanty 

Birthdate: 25 Th December 1966

Academics: Graduated in History from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi.

MA and M. Phil in History from JNU

 Hobbies:  Reading, writing and travelling.

1. When did u find yourself lost in the world of words? 

I have always been in love with the written word since the time I could read. So, the love affair with words started really early in life.

2. Do you believe that self-experience is important to keep your pen flowing? What motivates you to write and just keep writing?

It is the most important factor to translate thoughts from the mind to paper.For me, writing is not only a need to move from the realm of abstract thoughts to reality. That happens the moment imagery gets converted to a picture through the written word. It is also the greatest relaxant that I have ever known.

3. For a writer, How important it is to be a good reader?

I would say that it is the most important thing for a good reader imbibes a lot from reading in terms of language, topicality, the milieu in which a novel is based and a host of other things.

4. Tell us something about your books. 

My book, Betwixt Twists And Turns, is a collection of short stories based on the vagaries of the mind. All of them have a twist in the tale.

5. Why do we need to sensationalise the topic of feminism? What is feminism for you? 

I don't believe in sensationalising feminism but to make people aware of it subtly. Sensationism to my mind undermines the essence of the subject.For me ,it is necessary to sensitise people to it's meaning. Feminism for me means pushing the cause through rigorous planning aimed at improving the cause of women and sensitising the masses about the fact that there should not be any gender bias.

6. A message for young literature enthusiasts... 

My message is just three things:

Read, read and read.There is a beautiful world in the arena of words. Lose yourself in it.

[ Mona Mohanty is the author of the book "Betwixt, twists and turns" ]