- When did you discover your love for writing?
I was in class six. My father inspired me to write a poem for my school magazine. Being lazy I didn’t write, copied from a source instead. But, my teachers and friends appreciated me a lot without knowing the truth. I realized, if copied poem can get so much hype, I must do justice to their faith. And I tried again of my own and it was even more praiseworthy. And I kept writing since then. - What drives you to write or who inspires you?
Most of the years of my childhood I remained lonely at home. I hardly had friends in and around my locality. I wanted friends to share my creative thoughts and inner problems, but my father was very strict and never allowed me to go outside. So, I decided to make a good friendship with my pen and write the unsaid. So, my critical observation on people, emotions, situations everything flows through my pen. - Do you like reading? If yes, please tell us about your favourite authors and books?
I like reading. But, not textbooks. I read whatever I feel like. There is no particular genre I follow. I like books on psychological thrillers, mythology, romance, tragedy and so on. - What do you prefer writing – poetry/short stories/prose and why ? I generally write poetry. I can complete it within short span of time. Even people can read it on a quick glance. But, prose, short stories and novel are the things I want to focus on in the near future.
- What’s your thoughts on storytelling platforms or open mic? Have you every participated in them.
Yes, I have participated. I do it often. I enjoy them as live performance includes so many skills apart from the literary language. I think in this digital era, it can mobilize more number of youth to submerge into literary pool. - Every month there are so many calls for the anthology, how you choose the anthology?
I mostly choose the themes which I like. I like unpaid sources to contribute. I dont think creativity to be sold. And I also prefer the publisher who respects writers as an artist not as a client. - How you come across “Towers Of Inspiration” Anthology?
To be honest, my sister informed me about this. Her name is Sewli. She studies in Central University of Odisha. Knowing my interest for writing, she always sends me if she comes across any anthology offer on social medias. - Do you have any near plans for writing your full-length novel? Or tell us about your upcoming novel?
Yes of course. Even I’ve already started a novel on cultural diversity of Bengalis and Odias. I like to write the unseen and less observed sides of different corners of the world. - Apart from writing, what other things you prefer doing?
Apart from writing, I like to teach my students. Classroom is the second most favourite place after home. It gives me inner power to showcase and polish my gained knowledge. I like singing and acting too. - Do you have any message for your readers?
I want you to be with me in my bad days. I’m a huge fan of Amir Khan. So, I believe quality over quantity. I take my time, but try to produce some extraordinary piece of literature. - What’s your message to budding/ aspiring writers?
I would say, don’t think whether people will like your writing or not. Write more then assess and reasses. Try to get better and sharper. Tell your close friends and relatives to read them and find out the ways to improve. Learn everyday. Observe more. Most importantly, channelise your joy and sorrow in a productive way by writing. - Lastly, how was your experience working with us?
It was an outstanding platform to work with so many great legends. Thank you so much InkQuills for this opportunity. I wish you will bring more projects like this in future.
So that was Suman Jana. Thank you for taking out time and interacting with us.
Wishing him good luck in all his future writings.
— Interviewed by Aditi Srivastava.
