Ask the Author: Saiswaroopa Iyer
Answered Questions (11)
Saiswaroopa Iyer
Yes, I promise :-). I also want to write about our forgotten male heroes. Sometime in future for sure
Saiswaroopa Iyer
Sita: The warrior of Mithila by Amish is on the top of my list as I was waiting to see how he portrayed the heroine of Rama. Another very promising debut work I want to read is The Dark Road by Mayuresh Didolkar (Published by Juggernaut). Coming to Non fiction, Musings on Hinduism by Nithin Sridhar has been on my reading list. Hope to complete reading it this summer. I am already reading Self Publishing Bootcamp by Susan Kay Quinn. I guess this would be all that my band width provides as I am working simultaneously on two novels of my own :-)
Saiswaroopa Iyer
The Naga Garuda Rivalry is traditional. But their unity too is. Lord Vishnu is equally close to Adi Sesha and Suparna Garuda both. So it is safe to assume that the grand old tribe founders have put aside their differences to serve their Lord.
By the times of Mahabharata, I felt that this traditional rivalry might not be strong, the Nagas themselves being diverse and spread out tribe. Krishna's paternal grandmother was a Naga Princess called Marishaa who was the daughter of Aryaka. So he was indeed related to both sides.
I believe in Krishna's impartiality more because his worldview (or universal view) and not just because of his balancing the alliances. There are times he might look like sacrificing one side for the other which we, by our standards might not find it acceptable. But thing is he does not seek acceptability and will do what he feels will uphold Dharma, (I think Dharma is the balance that keeps the world going).
By the times of Mahabharata, I felt that this traditional rivalry might not be strong, the Nagas themselves being diverse and spread out tribe. Krishna's paternal grandmother was a Naga Princess called Marishaa who was the daughter of Aryaka. So he was indeed related to both sides.
I believe in Krishna's impartiality more because his worldview (or universal view) and not just because of his balancing the alliances. There are times he might look like sacrificing one side for the other which we, by our standards might not find it acceptable. But thing is he does not seek acceptability and will do what he feels will uphold Dharma, (I think Dharma is the balance that keeps the world going).
Saiswaroopa Iyer
Thanks Sindhuja, both female and male characters do have traces of what I see in people around me, sometimes what I want to see. (Krishna, though is influenced by my reading more than experience). I strongly believe that our choices determine what we are. But at the same time, I don't believe that characters, either male or female should be faultless. They should be able to realize their faults and grow. They might develop new weaknesses too in the process. But growth is what makes it worth writing their story.
Saiswaroopa Iyer
Nice question. What we mean by fiercely independent might differ from author to author. For me, the strength of a female character is not in remaining as a faultless, isolated superwoman, but in recognizing her own strengths viz a viz that of her partner/brother/mentor, growing and keeping focused on the greater cause.
I don't think it is necessary to short change a male character to depict a strong female character. Doing that would, in fact, end up showing our own female character in a dishonest or artificial light.
A heroine becomes a better inspiration if she is in cognizance of her flaws and figures out a way to persist, grows out of her weaknesses and build on her strengths. I would emphasize that strong female protagonists are not those who have zero dependence on their eco-system, but they are those who have the courage to face their dependence and in turn live up to those who depend on them.
I don't think it is necessary to short change a male character to depict a strong female character. Doing that would, in fact, end up showing our own female character in a dishonest or artificial light.
A heroine becomes a better inspiration if she is in cognizance of her flaws and figures out a way to persist, grows out of her weaknesses and build on her strengths. I would emphasize that strong female protagonists are not those who have zero dependence on their eco-system, but they are those who have the courage to face their dependence and in turn live up to those who depend on them.
Saiswaroopa Iyer
In the five years that went into writing Abhaya, I can say that around three years accounted for writers block. My writers block followed after discarding a draft and at times it used to be a shattering experience. In the last and final phases, it was sheer inspiration and discipline that drove me. I set a target of 2000 words a day in the last two months of writing and it worked. Following my husband's idea, I started going out to places where I dont find many distractions like some stand along cafes, parks etc where I could focus on writing. Associating with encouraging beta readers was another important factor that helped me fight writer's block.
Saiswaroopa Iyer
There are many great things about being a writer. We get to explore different perspectives. We have worlds where we can escape to and have exciting journeys while sitting in our study. Above all, writing teaches us patience, self appraising and helps our soul grow up.
Saiswaroopa Iyer
Make friends with your characters and feel them. Challenge them with intrigues, but keep your faith in them. Above all, love them with all your heart. They will manifest through your fingers in ways that your mind would not have imagined and delight you and the readers.
On a sober note, it is important to keep reading, watching movies and observing intense characters that are self driven. The focus on characters drives your story forward and keeps readers engaged.
On a sober note, it is important to keep reading, watching movies and observing intense characters that are self driven. The focus on characters drives your story forward and keeps readers engaged.
Saiswaroopa Iyer
Currently, I am working on a Rig Vedic story of Queen Vishpala. It is a surprisingly under played episode of India's ancient past on female valour. Blame the lack of Vedic Knowledge in the mainstream, a lot of inspiring stories are lost. I am also looking forward to write a series of historical fiction on the Kings who ruled over Southern India.
Saiswaroopa Iyer
I do a lot of contemplation and wait for the characters to grace me with their actions/dialogues or thoughts. My progress is slow this way, but feels very fulfilling. Speaking of inspiration, an intense movie, a visit to a bookstore, a walk in the nearby park, everything has some inspiration in store. The best among them is reading books that are very engaging.
Saiswaroopa Iyer
From the Bhagavata Purana which deals with the episode of Narakasura vadha. The episode also celebrates female valour and is very close to my heart. It also speaks about the social dynamics and the status of women in the days of Mahabharata. I took a lot of creative liberty by borrowing from various local legends and introducing new characters for the plot.
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