Exclusive interview with Rachna Gupta

An educationist, writer, reviewer and blogger – versatile Rachna Gupta is back with her second book “Kaleidoscope – The Changing Colors of Love”. The Myriad Hues famed poet is ready to rock readers mind with saying that “Every beating heart will confess that once, at least once in their lifetime they were in love.”

Recently I caught up with this beautiful and vibrant lady and tried to understand her thoughts, her writings and her dream.

Rachna, how excited you are that your second book has hit the market? What kind of expectations do you have from this one?

I cannot stop raving about it, updating information on social networking sites and co-coordinating with book shops, reviewers and marketing people! I don’t have any expectations, but yes, I have an aim. I would like more people in the world to read, understand and appreciate poetry.

Tell our readers more about Kaleidoscope – The Changing Colors of Love

Like the name suggests, this book is all about love! The book has 37 poems which are divided into 3 sections – The Beginning of Love, Separated by Miles and Love Finds a Way.

This anthology has 37 poems, which one is your favorite?

My favorite is “Legitimizing Love” … It talks about society and its notions about how people should live.

Love is an essential theme of your poems…is there any special reason? 🙂

Good question! Well! I am a romantic at heart and last year the rainy season cast a spell on me and once I started writing I just couldn’t stop ;)!

What was your experience with the publisher?

I have been fortunate enough to have found a good publishing house to publish my book. They have been incredibly supportive and the whole process – from sending the manuscript to them to actually making the book available online just took about 2 months.

What kind of support have you been receiving from the book industry as well as from your near ones?

Some of my friends, family and well-wishers have bought the book and have been sending me messages about how much they like my style etc. Others have shared my posts, tweeted about it and featured me on their blogsJ!

What inspires you to continue writing?

I am inspired by everything around me. I notice and feel things that others don’t, so that is enough inspiration to continue doing something that is as important as to me as the air that I breathe!

Tell us more about you…where do you want to see yourself five years from now?

Questions about the future are always hard to answer! Anyway, for now, I would just like to say that 5 years from now I see myself having many more books to my credit; different genres like novellas and novels apart from poetry. I can also picture myself talking to budding writers and sharing my experiences with them!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a published writer?

Last year, while I was teaching poetry to the students of Grade 4 I realized that I was ready to accept praise as well as criticism. Letting others read my work included baring my soul for others to see and that was a tough decision to make!

What is your opinion about the standard of current poetry writing in India? What can be done to popularize poetry in India?

Recently I have come across some writers who write amazing poems, so I think there is great potential today. I understand that it will take time to create awareness about poetry, but it is happening with the help of social media and new publishers who are encouraging and supporting poets like me.

Who are the notable writers that have influenced your writing?

I like reading poems by Gulzar, Sarah Kay and Rumi.

You are also associated with NGO works…do tell us more about that effort?

I work with an NGO that is involved in educating children about Sexual Abuse. I feel it is the need of the hour and as teachers, parents and aware individuals it is our duty to keep children safe.

Do you have any parting words for the aspiring poets?

Well, here is a quote that is my personal favorite and I am sure that many aspiring poets/writers will relate to it – “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.” – Cyril Connolly.

Thank You Rachna.

That was Rachna Gupta! Spectralhues wishes her glorious success and hopes she would come up with many more remarkable books.

Details of Kaleidoscope:

 (Interview taken by Susmita Bose)

• About the Author

About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!