Ask the Author: Garima Gupta
Answered Questions (4)
Garima Gupta
Super excited to share that I am currently working on two projects -both dear to me.
The first is a handbook on parenting. It will have 30+ short chapters on the typical problems a parent is likely to experience. As with my first book, when you read between the lines, it is a lot about changing our attitude or approach to the subject.
The second is a book like The Body Nirvana but addressed to teens & preteens.
The first is a handbook on parenting. It will have 30+ short chapters on the typical problems a parent is likely to experience. As with my first book, when you read between the lines, it is a lot about changing our attitude or approach to the subject.
The second is a book like The Body Nirvana but addressed to teens & preteens.
Garima Gupta
First and foremost, read. Read good writing, in the language in which you wish to write.
Some people say read everything you can lay your hands on but that doesn't work for me. I tend to get immersed in the book I am reading. Books change me. They change my writing voice. So I am selective in what I read and I let it change me.
Next, write a lot of short pieces. My best book came from an article I wrote a few years earlier.
DO take feedback. We can be sensitive but believe me, you want to hear from your reader. You really CAN write better.
Lastly, I like to write as though I am talking to someone, someone in particular. I may envisage a different person for different chapters of my book, but I always have one or more personas (or real people) in my head when I write. It works for me.
Some people say read everything you can lay your hands on but that doesn't work for me. I tend to get immersed in the book I am reading. Books change me. They change my writing voice. So I am selective in what I read and I let it change me.
Next, write a lot of short pieces. My best book came from an article I wrote a few years earlier.
DO take feedback. We can be sensitive but believe me, you want to hear from your reader. You really CAN write better.
Lastly, I like to write as though I am talking to someone, someone in particular. I may envisage a different person for different chapters of my book, but I always have one or more personas (or real people) in my head when I write. It works for me.
Garima Gupta
The quiet!
The flexibility around working hours. I also love that I now view holidays differently. I don't necessarily holiday to get away from work. But to work in a new place, let the holiday destination inspire me, add spice to my writing.
While being a psychologist and coach gives vent to my 'people' side, as a writer I indulge the introvert in me.
The flexibility around working hours. I also love that I now view holidays differently. I don't necessarily holiday to get away from work. But to work in a new place, let the holiday destination inspire me, add spice to my writing.
While being a psychologist and coach gives vent to my 'people' side, as a writer I indulge the introvert in me.
Garima Gupta
My first approach is to actually take a break. I assume that I am probably stuck at a level of awareness that is not beneficial to the book I am writing. So for a week I focus on my other interests. I sing and dance more. I spend time observing nature, out of doors. I put the writing out of my mind. This unclogs something inside.
My second approach is to write a short article, sometimes even finish something that is half done. Any writing task that is not as challenging. Like answer this list of questions that has been pending for quite a while now.
The third approach is to read an interesting book that I have been meaning to. Finish it in a day or two. In one or more of these ways I become ready again.
My second approach is to write a short article, sometimes even finish something that is half done. Any writing task that is not as challenging. Like answer this list of questions that has been pending for quite a while now.
The third approach is to read an interesting book that I have been meaning to. Finish it in a day or two. In one or more of these ways I become ready again.
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