Interviews

An Interview with Author Enakshi Johri

  • When did you discover your love for writing?
    I stumbled upon Nicholas Sparks’ True Believer when I was 13 years old. Instantly, I fell in love with his writing. It was then when I realized how stories of hope, courage and dreams could enlighten someone’s mood. This was my light bulb moment and I decided to make a conscious effort to write and make my voice heard.
  • What drives you to write or who inspires you?
    The promise made to self to improve at every step keeps me going. The first person who appreciated my writing skills was my English teacher. Her encouraging words and never-ending support are the two factors that have helped me maintain consistency in my work.
  • Do you like reading? If yes, please tell us about your favourite authors and books?
    Of course, I love reading. Nicholas Sparks is my favourite. Other favourites include Bhaavna Arora, Cecelia Ahern and Paulo Coelho. Some of my favourite books are Second Spring by Sandhya Jane, PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern, Every Breath by Sparks.
  • Which genre do you prefer to write about?
    Young adult fiction, romance and satire.
  • What are your thoughts on ‘Storytelling is an art’?
    Art is an expression of thoughts in any form. Since storytelling involves creative skills, it is definitely an art. But that’s not all, for storytelling also requires the audacity to put forth your point of view and overcome the fear of being judged. Storytelling is an ability not everyone possesses. All of us have stories but not all of us are always ready to share those stories.
  • Every month there are so many calls for an anthology, how you choose the anthology?
    My selection is based on a set of criterion:
    – Publisher
    – Editor
    – Theme
    – Whether it is paid or unpaid
  • How you come across Album of Hearts Anthology?
    I found the advertisement on Facebook.
  • Your story and its title were apt. If given a chance, would you have provided an alternate ending? (I really want to know what happens next)
    I believe in inspiring my readers by presenting them with relatable and palatable stories. In case of an alternate ending, Mira would have found out about Sarthak’s side of the story and they would have ended up together. However, I wouldn’t have refrained from adding twists in their happily-ever-after!
  • Do you have any message for your readers?
    Fancy writing garners praises- this is a myth. If you write from your heart, your point of view will be appreciated by everyone. Secondly, grammar plays an important role in conveying your message. Poor language skills are like a bad apple that spoils the whole bushel.
  • What’s your message to budding/ aspiring writers?
    These days the market is flooded with romance-stocked books that are by the aspiring authors. My advice to all new authors is- be a risk-taker and experiment with a new genre. Secondly, I want to stress (yet again) on the importance of using correct grammar. Read classic literature before coming up with your own novel/ novella.
  • Lastly, how was your experience working with us?
    Having finished ‘Poison Ivy’ recently, I can safely say that Abhisar and his team are wonderful people. Not only are they very accommodating but also cater well to the interests of the authors and readers. They are genial and very professional as well. Keep up the good work!

So that was Enakshi. Thank you for your precious time.
Wishing her good luck in all her future endeavors
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You can read more about her here.

— Interviewed by Aditi Srivastava.