Name :  Tanushree Podder

Academics: MBA

Hobbies: travelling, reading and writing

1. Your journey as a writer...

After eight years in the corporate sector, I decided to quit the rat race and listen to the call of my heart. And so began my journey into the world of words...

I began with what I loved best. Humour, I discovered was my forte. Hundreds of ‘middles’ in almost all national newspapers followed. Then the constant human urge to conquer new frontiers took me to travel writing. A romance with all kinds of writing - from political satire and interviews to book reviews and serious articles continued in between.

From there to books was a natural offshoot. My flirtation with books began with a dozen non- fiction offerings. They did amazingly well and I was ready for the next step.

It was a challenge to step into the world of fiction.

As a writer I have evolved over time. It has been a long journey from non-fiction to fiction. One step at a time, I have covered a long distance during which I have experienced joy, frustration and satisfaction. I am an impulsive writer. I write about subjects that make me curious and throw up a challenge or one that makes me feel strongly about.  For instance, I wrote Death of a Dictator – the Story of Saddam Hussein after the US invasion of Iraq because I was so angry about the invasion. Boots Belts Berets, set against the background of the National Defence Academy, was written as a tribute to army officers.  To be honest, each book has been a fascinating experience.

It's been a long and fulfilling journey and I have no complain.

2. What motivates you to write and just keep writing?

There is a constant urge to explore and express, that keeps me writing. Hundreds of ideas flit through the mind, demanding my attention, each day. The challenge of exploring new genre, new facets of society and putting them in words, I guess, is what makes a writer continue writing. Also, the satisfaction of seeing the ideas translated into print keeps me going.

3. What do you think about Indian publishing industry?

I think the Indian publishing industry has grown by leaps and bounds in the recent decade. It is currently in a dynamic phase with new books and new writers emerging each day. Given the country's population, the industry is likely to grow in an impressive manner. Although, I am saddened by the fact that people are no longer buying books or reading as much as they did before, I am hopeful that the trend will change. The closing down of book shops is a worrying trend.

4. What are your views on online readership? 

Any readership is a healthy sign. Besides, we have to keep up with the technological advancements and lifestyle changes. People have shorter attention span and less time to read. Space is becoming a constraint so storing 100 books in digitalised form in the Kindle is far more practical than storing them in physical form. Although, I think the romance and thrill of holding a book is the hand outweighs the happiness of reading it in digitalised form, it is definitely a practical solution.

5. Why do we need to sensationalize the concept of feminism? What is feminism for you? 

Feminism to me doesn't begin or stop with burning the bra. It means having a say in every field of life and living with respect and safety. Feminism means empowerment.  Having said that, I would like to add that gender conflict or politics is not healthy.  It is more important to focus on the issue and find workable solutions rather than sensationalising it. Most of my books, be it Nurjahan's Daughter, Escape from Harem or Solo in Singapore, have a very strong feminine character. They are successful in sorting out the issues in their lives.

6. Tell us about your book/s. 

As mentioned earlier, I have written more than a dozen books in the non- fiction genre before stepping into the fiction zone. My first novel Nurjahan’s Daughter was published by Rupa in 2005. It was followed by Boots Belts Berets by Roli Books, which was then been reissued in an abridged version. The third title Escape from Harem, again by Roli Books, was published in 2013. On the Double, also published by Roli Books, is a sequel to the best-selling Boots Belts Berets. It was launched at the Pune Lit Fest on 6 September 2015. The latest one, Solo in Singapore, was published by Harper Collins in 2016.

Solo in Singapore is a contemporary tale about a thirty plus, overweight girl who escapes to Singapore to get over a broken relationship.  She finds her feet in the alien country and goes on to build a career and find love, as well.

7. A message for the writer's community... 

The world of books is expanding. There is space to absorb all kinds of books and writers. Believe in yourself, your idea and competence. Observing human nature is an important part of writing because the characters in your book have to appear real. Passion and a mastery over the language are fundamental requirements along with the ability to dream.  While you are at it, don't ignore the importance of adequate research on the subject you wish to write about.

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