Name: Supriya Parulekar

Birthdate: 20/07/1974

Academics: B.A/ Post Graduation in Journalism 

Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Music and traveling to different places and interacting with people in search of inspiration. 

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

It began with story-telling sessions with my dad. He would regale us with stories from his childhood. I started making notes of the stories he narrated. Later I was connected with television industry. It was world of stories out there. I seriously took to writing when my toddler asked for a new story every night. When all the fairytales were exhausted, it was time to come up with a new story. Those too went in my collection. The world of stories has always fascinated me. A book borrowed from school library was devoured immediately and the printed words transported me to another world. I think writing for me had already begun then as I was pulled into the mesmerizing world of stories.         

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

A writer takes inspiration from the world around. In a group of people you will find me observing more and speaking less. I let the ambience soak in, pick up nuances from people around. I let them tell their stories. Many a times, strangers have walked over and confessed their deep dark secrets with me. For an author, the art of observing is very important. The characters for a good story are born from everyday people we meet, friends whom we hang out with, books we read and the beautiful places we travel to. A new experience in life, a rainy evening and throwback moments from the past bring fond memories and motivate me to go back to my writings. For me writing is a passion. It’s not something I indulge in free time.   

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

Reading can be one of the strengths of a good writer. Books throw open doors of unknown world to you. Books give wings to ones imagination and it enlightens and inspires. A good book is like an enlightened guru. It can take you places you have never known. Book has the power to enhance your creativity. Reading can never go wrong. As a kid I remember reading hoardings on road, labels off medicine bottles, re-reading chapters from history text books and anything that screamed ‘words’. Learn to read people and situations around you. It will boost your imagination.        

4. Do you believe that writing is a therapy? What is writing for you?

Writing began as a therapy for me and then brought immense joy in my life. I could channel my creativity in right direction. There was a phase in my life when I was hurting from within. My mind would be occupied with negative thoughts. They refused to subside. Then one day, I began working on the stories I had narrated to my daughter and then ‘A Soulful of Lie’ happened. In pain lay my strength. I used it positively to enhance my creativity.         

5. Your views on online readership. 

Digitalisation of literature is born out of mankind’s need for comfort. Time has evolved and so has our way of life. In a sense digitalisation has its benefits. We save on paper and space. Ancient literature can be stored effectively. But the next generation won’t know the joy of opening a book fresh out of press and lose oneself in its paper-mint smell. Holding a book in hand always gives me an immense pleasure than reading it on Kindle. Somewhere that connect with the author and story gets lost in digitalization.   

6. Why do we need to sensationalize the topic of feminism? What is feminism for you? 

It’s the 21^st century and we are more progressed now then we have ever been before. The world has come together and is connected through social media. You can share your thoughts and opinions with a single click on international platform. When I come across articles or statements of people who say, ‘I am not one of those feminist type haa,‘ they fail to understand that to be one of those ‘feminist types’ all they have to do is believe in equality. Feminism means absolute equality for everyone. No more. No less. When we say the word ‘mankind’ it refers to men and women both. Why do we assume that feminism is only restricted to women? All genders are facing some issues today. May it be men, women or the LGBT community! But if we as a society start shying away or tabooing these problems instead of attempting to resolve them, then equality is truly a lost cause.    

7. What is social media for you? How do you see social media? 

Social-media is a vast concept where the whole world connects with each other. The tiny dots on maps come closer on social-media platform. The world becomes a small place to interact and connect. I view social-media as an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, touch base with authors; international as well as national, build image and create platform for my books. It’s also an effective medium to interact with readers.

8. A message for young literature enthusiasts... 

Follow your dreams and passions. Never lose hope. Make every situation work in your favor. Don’t be disheartened. Remember, your competition is with yourself. And read, read and read… and create!   

[ Supriya Parulekar is the author of the books " Diabolical" ,"BFF : Best Friends Forever", " The Gangster's Muse", "One Tequilla, 2 Tequillas" ]