A warm welcome to Shuchi!
Your real name and pen name? I write under my real name – Shuchi Singh Kalra
Please share some of the best memories of your childhood My fondest memories are of my home in Libya – it was a beautiful Spanish villa with a huge green belt behind it. There, I had my own tree house and a hammock. I used to spend all my afternoons in the tree-house with my dog, a bag of goodies and a stack of books. I wish I could relive those moments again.
About your education
I did half my schooling in Libya and the other half in Lucknow. I then went to the Bausch and Lomb School of Optometry in Hyderabad to become an Optometrist. After I got married and moved to a remote Kashmiri town with my fauji husband, I took up Masters in English Literature for the sheer love of it. I’m so glad I did because of all the things I had studied till date, I enjoyed this the most.
I belong to a family of academicians, mostly doctors
and professors. Both my parents are independent medical practitioners, and
following in their footsteps seemed like a natural choice. I realized quite
late in life that I wasn’t really cut out for the profession, and that writing
was my true calling.
What languages you can speak and write?
Hindi,
English and a smattering of Punjabi
What is your biggest source of inspiration in life? I think it is Life itself – I tend to observe people and situations very closely, and then imagination takes over.
What hurts you most in this world?
The general attitude of apathy that people have – towards everything. From crime against women to depleting natural resources and everything in between, most people seem to be unmoved by anything that does not concern/impact them directly. I would like to take this opportunity to salute all those who are taking an initiative and trying to make the world a better place in whatever way they can.
If you had to live a day of your life as one of the living or dead personality, who would it be and why? Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua probably – I could use some pampering right now!What is your favorite genre and why?
I always turn to chick-lit whenever I am in the dumps or just in need of something that doesn't require too much brain power. There is something strangely uplifting about these books – perhaps because the characters are so relatable and are going through the same life problems as you. I just wanted my first book to be entertaining and fun, which is why I chose this genre.
Which of your work has been published so far? Would you like to share a synopsis of your work?While I can call myself an experienced copywriter and editor, I am very new to fiction writing. Some of my short stories have found a place in anthologies such as ‘Love Across Borders’, ‘Stories for your Valentine’ and New Asian Writing’s upcoming collection. Done With Men is the first time I am going solo as an author.
What are your forthcoming writings? I am working on a couple of other manuscripts. Hopefully, I should be out with my next book soon.
What are your future plans?
I don’t have any fixed plans as such. Right now I just taking each day as it comes. I’m game for whatever opportunities life throws my way. But yes, I am definitely going to write more books.
What four top most things you take care of while writing a book? I strongly believe that a good book is one that is written with honesty, without being a slave to pre-set formulas. When I write, I write from the heart and I just let the words flow. I know for a fact that if I don’t enjoy writing the book, I can’t expect the readers to enjoy reading it.
Your dream destination on Earth? I really want to cruise down the Amazon once in my life.
Your origin of birth and other countries you have visited/ stayed.
I was born in Lucknow and moved to Libya with my parents when I was three. I returned to the homeland as a teen and spent my growing-up years in Lucknow and then Hyderabad. I love traveling and have travelled across 4 continents to more than 15 countries, the latest being Maldives.
Your favorite time of the day? Afternoon – when everyone is asleep.
Your zodiac/ sunsign? Libra
Your favorite color and why? I love vibrant colors everywhere – in my life, at home, in my wardrobe. If I have to pick one, it would be green.
Your favorite food? I’m a complete foodie and I dig everything from roadside paani puri to sashimi.
Some quickies: Sun or Moon: Moon
Laughter or Smile: Laughter
Morning or Evening: Evening
Coffee or Tea: None
Mountain or Sea: Sea
Long Drive or Short
Drive: Long Drive
Silence or Conversation: Silence
Water or Fire: Water
Air or Earth: Earth
Mars or Jupiter: Mars
Tulip or Rose: Rose
Red or Blue: Red
Left or Right: Whatever!
Glance or Stare: Ignore
What three words come to your mind for each –
Technology: Makes life
easier
Life: Travel. Freedom. Family
God: Karma.
Peace. Love
Humanity: Beacon of
hope
Terrorism: Rooted in
religion
Racism: An
unfortunate reality
Childhood Abuse: Disgusting
and Intolerable
Love: Has many
forms
Parenting: Overrated.
Overwhelming. Irreversible. Sucks (sorry, today is just one of those days)
Old age: Still far
away
The last line of your autobiography would be...
Take it or leave it…
Links:
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/shuchikalra
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shuchisinghkalra
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7706842.Shuchi_Singh_Kalra
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.in/Done-Men-Shuchi-Singh-Kalra-ebook/dp/B00GO3H88Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394043337&sr=1-1