Interview with Author Sunayana Panda
Sunayana Panda has recently published her book from 24by7publishing.com. Her collection of short stories and novella provide an impressive insight into the nature of feelings and human emotion. The team of publishindia.com was overjoyed when the author agreed to talk about her views on writing. The following is the entire conversation we had with her.
- Who has been your biggest inspiration as a writer?
There is no particular writer who has inspired me in my style. There are many whose style I appreciate. But when it comes to sheer success in the literary word, I have to say it is William Dalrymple and Jeffrey Archer. These are the two writers I admire for their energy and ability to connect with the reader and feel inspired by them.
- Does writing energize you or exhaust you?
It exhausts me. For me it is physical hard work. At the same time it liberates me from the real and mundane world and in that way it is a way to de-stress.
- When was the first time you took up the pen to write a book?
About twelve years ago I wrote the novella “Two Loves” with the intention of writing a collection of short stories which would be published in one volume. That was the first time I set out to write a book. But that story remained on my laptop for all these years. In the meantime, I wrote six other books and it is only now, after twelve years, that my first story has been published in a book.
- What do you think prompted you to write this book?
This book began as that first short story. That story started in my mind when I read the true story of the king of a South Indian kingdom who was in love with an English woman. I found this story fascinating as it was something so unusual and tragic. When I finished reading the story, I realised that I had actually spent a week in that very cottage where the king had spent six months in Kodaikanal. I thought of writing the story of that cottage where at different times two different couples had reflected on love and marriage.
- Who is your favourite author?
Jeffrey Archer.
- Is writing your passion or hobby?
It’s a passion.
- What is your idea of literary success?
When books sell in millions of copies, that is what literary success is. Of course, when you meet someone you don’t know and he says that he has enjoyed reading your book, that very moment becomes truly precious and is also the sign of success.
- Have you ever faced writer’s block? If so, how did you cope with it?
Yes, I have faced writer’s block and my way of coming out of it is to write an article about something I know very well. At that point, I don’t have to worry about what I will write. I just have to put down facts. I am a freelance journalist so I can easily sit down and start writing.
- Do you plan to work on any new books in the near future? Would you consider shifting from the present genre?
I am planning to write my second novel. I will stick to the two genres that I have touched—historical fiction and romance.
- Do you think you will ever take up writing full-time?
Yes, definitely.
- What are your most favourite and least liked steps in the publishing process?
The favourite part in the publishing process is making the cover. The least enjoyable is writing a synopsis and the author bio.
- How has 24by7 Publishing assisted you through the publishing process?
24by7 Publishing has done the boring and hard work of pre-publication preparation of the book, the actual printing of the book and all the marketing that they will do now. I am not new to the world of publication as I have already published a few books, so I can see exactly what they are doing. I am really happy that they have been able to do their work in such a friendly manner.
Book available on multiple platforms:
24by7 Publishing Online Store: https://shop.24by7publishing.com/product/two-loves-and-other-stories-by-sunayana-panda-short-story/
Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/two-loves-other-stories/p/itm6ed2e7c6e7d78
Amazon.in: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B082R1ZFZD
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082T21FB7
Snapdeal: https://www.snapdeal.com/product/two-loves-and-other-stories/670578000268
Shopclues: https://m.shopclues.com/search?q=148486135&page=1
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