#Interview with Namrata, #Author of Metro Diaries 2

About the Author:

Namrata is A Lost Wanderer who loves travelling the length and breadth of the world. A published author in various anthologies and magazines she enjoys capturing the magic of life in her words. She is forever in pursuit of a new country and a new story.




Contact the Author:
Website * Facebook * Twitter

Interview with the Author:

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?

I never thought I could tell stories till one incident in my life shook me up badly. I wanted to keep that story wrapped somewhere safely and what better than to write it down. It was not only cathartic but at the same time it helped me get a lot of feedback on my writing and that is how the story teller in me was born. Till date most of my stories are true stories mixed with liberal doses of fiction.  

What inspires you to write?

Life and people. Nothing can be more fascinating and mysterious than human nature. One moment we love, the next we hate with a vengeance that was unknown till then. We give birth but can kill too. We plan and destroy too. Isn’t it inspiring enough? 

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?

This idea was already existent when I had finished working on Metro Diaries Part 1. That series is very close to my heart and though for various reasons that blog is no longer there I plan to continue these stories till the time I can. 

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?

There are loads. Atleast 8 of them out of which 4 are full fledged novels. I keep going back to them and rework at times to make them not sound outdated and then somewhere it gets lost again. Maybe I keep them more for memories rather than anything else. They are proof of my growth as a writer for me.

Tell us about your writing process.

I usually have lot of scribbling ready by the time I start working on a story fully. So I might have scene two 6th dialogue written in my phone. Scene 9 beginning scribbled in my diary. Most of the times I just stitch them together with my writing because the process of creating a story has already been done. I follow the flow chart method for creating outline of plots. 

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have written almost everywhere. Yes, in auto rickshaws, moving trains, standing in bus, waiting at the reception for a client meeting, in between a seminar and my mobile phone is full of such notes and saved draft messages which have my writings.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?

I read a lot. My most favourite author is R K Narayan and I am highly impressed and influenced by the simplicity in his stories. That is something I try to replicate in my stories. Keep them simple and yet touch hearts that is what makes him special. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?

Do what you are born to do – write!

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Keep writing – even if you have no readers to start with. Remember anything done with heart and lot of love never goes unnoticed. 

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?

A book, my diary and a pen.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?

I have a swing in my house which is my most favourite place with a cup of green tea. That is where I spend my free time, staring at the horizon and cooking stories in my brain. 

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I wanted to attend a live concert in Sydney Opera House and I was lucky enough to do this in March when I visited Sydney. None other than Asha Bhonsle was having one of her last stage concerts and that moment was like a dream come true when I heard her crooning my favourite song standing just few feet away in Sydney Opera House.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.

1. I suffer from OCD – I need to fold blankets and make beds even in hotels!

2. I am addicted to music. I need to have it on all the time that I am awake.

3. I am a hoarder. I have a box full of letters, bills, slips, trinkets and what not from my childhood and I still keep adding to it. I protect that box like anything.

What do you have in store next for your readers?

I have a travelogue which is almost done. It is proposed to be a series of 6 books and covers all the places I have travelled till now. But the unique thing is, it is not about the places but about the people I have met till now.

I am also working on yet another collection of short stories, currently titled Posts Returned Undelivered which is basically a collection of letters written by women and talks about the various issues women face today in our country like acid attacks, eve teasing, marital rape etc. 

About the Book:

Give life another chance. Laugh a little longer. let go of your past. Hold onto what you love. In short LIVE rather than just exist!

Some told, some untold, some heard and some unheard - this collection of stories will make you look at life in a different light and make you ponder over its definition of it till now.


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