Kanishka: From Blogger to Author – Exclusive Interview

What is meant for you,

will make it’s way to you.

~Anonymous

Kanishka Srivastava’s journey as a writer commenced with a single blog post on reflections, a moment that sparked a profound passion for the written word. Encouraged by the resonance of their initial post, Kanishka delved into various writing forms, from captivating short stories to thought-provoking essays. A pivotal moment arose when they decided to challenge themselves by entering a poetry competition, initially grappling with self-doubt until bolstered by the unwavering support of their two closest friends.

Surpassing his own expectations, Kanishka’s poetic prowess shone through, propelling them to the esteemed ranks of the top 100 poets in India among a vast pool of participants. Sharing this achievement on social media unexpectedly opened doors to numerous opportunities and collaborations, including contributions to anthologies that allowed Kanishka to explore an array of themes and genres.

The pinnacle of his journey arrived with the offer to publish their own book, a dream realized through unwavering dedication and unwavering passion. From humble beginnings as a blogger to the exhilarating heights of becoming a published author, Kanishka’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and creative fervor. Below, delight in the interview featuring Kanishka.

1. Kanishka, can you tell us about your journey from blogging to being recognized as one of the top 100 participants in poetry? How did this recognition impact your writing career?

My journey from blogging to being recognized as one of the top 100 participants in poetry has been one of gradual growth and dedication. Initially, I started writing poetry as a form of self-expression on my blog, sharing my thoughts and emotions with a small audience. Over time, I honed my craft, experimenting with different styles and themes, and actively engaging with the poetry community online.

The recognition as one of the top 100 participants in poetry was incredibly validating and served as a testament to the time and effort I had invested in my writing. It boosted my confidence as a poet and opened up new opportunities for me in the literary world. This recognition impacted my writing career by providing me with a wider platform to showcase my work, connecting me with fellow poets and readers, and encouraging me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

2. Collaborating on numerous mythologies is a unique and intriguing experience. Can you share with us how these collaborations came about and how they influenced your writing style?

Collaborating on numerous mythologies has been a truly enriching and fascinating experience for me. These collaborations often came about through mutual admiration for each other’s work or shared interests in mythology and storytelling. From the very beginning i had a deep sense of interest in mythologies like reading about mythological characters.

Reading allowed me to explore different perspectives and interpretations of familiar myths, enriching my own understanding of these ancient stories and their relevance to contemporary themes. The various web series and documentary movies also influenced my writing style by encouraging me to embrace experimentation and collaboration, leading to a more dynamic and diverse body of work.

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3. Getting an offer to publish your own book is a significant milestone in any writer’s career. How did you feel when you received this offer, and what can readers expect from your upcoming book?

Receiving an offer to publish my own book was an incredibly surreal and gratifying moment in my writing career. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion for storytelling. The offer filled me with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that my words would soon be reaching a wider audience in the form of a published book. My participation in an anthology led to my work being selected for inclusion in a book titled “Five Petals” by Writers Pocket. This anthology featured my poetry “An Engineer’s Holi,” and I became a co-author of the “Five Petals” book, which became the key point or channel between me and the publishing company writers pocket to give me the offer to publish my book with them .

Readers can expect from my upcoming book i.e. An Engineer’s Pen, a collection of thought-provoking and emotionally resonant pieces that reflect my unique voice and perspective. It will be a journey through themes of love, loss, identity, and the human experience, crafted with care and authenticity to evoke a range of emotions in readers.

4. Kanishka, your writing spans across poetry, short stories, and essays. How do you approach each genre differently, and do you have a favorite form of writing among these three?

 Each genre – poetry, short stories, and essays – offers its own set of challenges and opportunities for expression. Here’s how I approach each one differently:

1. Poetry:
   Poetry, for me, is about distilling emotions, thoughts, and experiences into concise and evocative language. I often focus on imagery, symbolism, and rhythm to convey complex ideas or feelings in a condensed form. My approach to poetry involves a deep exploration of language and sound, as well as a willingness to experiment with structure and form to convey meaning in unique ways. I find poetry to be a highly personal and introspective form of writing, allowing me to delve into the depths of my emotions and experiences.
2. Short Stories:
   When it comes to short stories, I approach them as opportunities to craft compelling narratives with well-developed characters and plots. Unlike poetry, which often relies on suggestion and ambiguity, short stories allow me to explore themes and ideas in a more expansive manner. I focus on building tension, creating vivid settings, and developing realistic dialogue to engage readers and draw them into the world of the story. While short stories still require attention to language and style, they provide more room for character development and narrative complexity.
3. Essays/Plays/novels:
   Essays, for me, involve a more analytical and structured approach to writing. I use essays as a platform to explore ideas, share insights, and engage in critical thinking about various topics. Unlike poetry and short stories, which often prioritize creativity and imagination, essays require careful research, logical reasoning, and clear communication of ideas. I approach essays by conducting thorough research, organizing my thoughts into coherent arguments, and supporting my claims with evidence and examples.

As for whether I have a favorite form of writing among these three, it’s difficult to choose. Each genre offers its own unique rewards and challenges, and I find value in exploring different modes of expression. However, if I had to choose, I would say that poetry holds a special place in my heart due to its ability to evoke powerful emotions and capture moments of beauty in language.

5. Kanishka, can you share with us a bit about your creative process when writing poetry? What inspires your poetic work and how do you capture those moments of inspiration?

When it comes to my creative process in writing poetry, I draw inspiration from various sources, primarily my life experiences, book reading habits, and all the moments that shape my existence. Each experience, whether joyful or challenging, serves as a wellspring of emotions and insights that find their way into my poetry.

My book reading habits also play a significant role in inspiring my poetic work. Exploring different genres and styles of literature exposes me to diverse perspectives, language techniques, and themes that often spark new ideas or evoke profound emotions. Whether it’s the vivid imagery of a novel, the lyrical beauty of a poem, or the thought-provoking concepts of non-fiction, each book leaves its imprint on my creative psyche, enriching my poetic repertoire.

Capturing moments of inspiration is a dynamic process for me. Sometimes, inspiration strikes unexpectedly – a fleeting emotion, a striking image, or a poignant memory can ignite the creative flame. In those moments, I make sure to jot down my thoughts, feelings, and observations in a notebook or on my phone, capturing the essence of the moment before it fades away. Other times, inspiration comes through deliberate reflection and introspection, as I consciously explore themes and ideas that resonate with me.

Regardless of how inspiration manifests, I strive to remain open and receptive to the world around me, allowing myself to be moved by the beauty, complexity, and unpredictability of life. Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection, a profound conversation with a loved one, or a captivating passage in a book, I find inspiration in the everyday experiences that shape my existence, weaving them into the fabric of my poetry with honesty, sincerity, and vulnerability.

6. Your writing often incorporates themes of mythology. How do these ancient stories influence your own storytelling and what draws you to explore mythological elements in your work?

The themes of mythology hold a profound influence on my storytelling, infusing my work with richness, depth, and timeless resonance. My fascination with mythology stems from its ability to capture universal truths, explore fundamental aspects of the human condition, and transcend cultural boundaries. Ancient stories, myths, and legends are repositories of collective wisdom, archetypal symbols, and allegorical narratives that have endured through the ages, resonating with audiences across generations.

Incorporating mythological elements into my writing allows me to tap into this vast reservoir of symbolism, imagery, and narrative motifs, enriching my storytelling with layers of meaning and significance. Whether drawing inspiration from Greek, Norse, Indian, or other mythological traditions, I find that myths provide a powerful framework for exploring complex themes, grappling with existential questions, and imbuing my narratives with a sense of timelessness and universality.

7. As a writer who has successfully transitioned from blogging to publishing, what advice would you give to other aspiring writers who are looking to make a similar leap in their writing careers?

1. Take Blogging Seriously:
   • Treat your blog as a professional platform. While it may feel less formal than traditional writing, it still requires practice and skill.
   • Understand that blogging is not inferior to book writing; it’s a different medium that demands its own set of techniques and dedication.
2. Master Your Craft:
   • Refine your writing skills continuously. Just like crafting a novel, blogging improves with practice.
   • Invest time in understanding the nuances of online writing, which can differ from print.
3. Enjoy the Process:
   • To succeed in blogging, you must genuinely enjoy it. Find your voice and embrace the unique opportunities it offers.
   • Remember that all the content you create for your blog can have another life—whether in another format or publication.
4. Build an Author Platform:
   • Establish an online presence. Use social media, author websites, and other digital channels to connect with readers.
   • Engage with your target audience and share valuable content related to your writing.
5. Know Your Audience:
   • Understand who your readers are and what they seek. Tailor your content to resonate with them.
   • Consider their preferences, questions, and interests when creating blog posts.
6. Repurpose Your Content:
   • The best blog content can find new life elsewhere. Condense your top blog posts into
7. Network Beyond Writers:
   • While connecting with fellow writers is essential, don’t limit yourself to an echo chamber.

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8. Your work includes both fiction and non-fiction pieces. How do you navigate the line between imagination and reality in your writing, especially when crafting essays and short stories?

1. Essays:
   • Reality: Essays are grounded in factual information, personal experiences, and research. They explore real-world topics, events, or ideas.
   • Imagination: However, even in non-fiction essays, there’s room for creativity. I use imagination to present ideas vividly, create engaging narratives, and connect with readers emotionally.
   • Balance: I blend facts with storytelling techniques. For instance, when writing about historical events, I imagine the emotions of people involved, adding depth to the narrative.
2. Short Stories:
   • Reality: Short stories often begin with a seed of reality—a snippet of life, an observation, or a memory. Real emotions and human experiences inspire them.
   • Imagination: Here, I let my creativity soar. I invent characters, settings, and situations. Imagination fuels plot twists, unexpected endings, and magical elements.
   • Balance: The key is to ground imaginative elements in emotional truth. Even in fantastical tales, relatable emotions make the story resonate.
3. Characterization:
   • Reality: Characters draw from real-life personalities, quirks, and behaviors. I observe people around me and infuse these traits into my fictional characters.
   • Imagination: I amplify or alter these traits to fit the story. Imagination allows me to create unique, memorable characters.
   • Balance: Characters must feel authentic, even if they inhabit imaginary worlds.
4. Setting and Atmosphere:
   • Reality: Real-world settings provide authenticity. I research locations, historical contexts, and cultural nuances.
   • Imagination: I embellish reality. A mundane street becomes mysterious, a park turns magical, and a café gains significance.
   • Balance: The setting should evoke emotions and enhance the story without overwhelming it.
5. Themes and Symbolism:
   • Reality: Themes emerge from universal truths—love, loss, identity, etc.
   • Imagination: I weave symbols and metaphors into the narrative. A rose isn’t just a flower; it symbolizes passion or fragility.
   • Balance: Symbolism enriches the reader’s experience without overshadowing the plot.
6. Research and Imagination:
   • Reality: Research ensures accuracy. Whether writing about historical periods, medical procedures, or cultural practices, I delve into facts.
   • Imagination: Research sparks ideas, but imagination breathes life into them. I fill gaps with plausible details.
   • Balance: Rigorous research grounds imaginative elements.
     

P.s.  Kanishka, thanks a ton for bringing your vibrant energy and awesome story to our interview! Your passion for writing is contagious, and we’re so grateful to have you on board. Feel free to follow him on instagram.

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