Interview with Siddharth Shirole

Q Why do you write?
I write because I love to express myself. I write on the basis of the experiences of my life. I love to propagate optimism by sharing my thoughts with the world through writing.

Q Describe your favourite writing space.
I take down notes on my phone as it’s very easy and handy for me. Mostly I write at night when I’m more at peace with myself in company of soothing music.

Q Your favourite word?
Customise. 

Q Do you have a writing schedule?
Not really. Because my writing is based on my personal experiences, it depends on which experience I feel like introspecting on any particular day.

Q Ever struggled with writer’s block?
Yes, I struggle when I wish to write but my mind isn’t in sync with my thoughts. 

Q Do you keep a diary?
Yes. I started writing with journaling. I feel a person’s thoughts cannot be confined to the walls of his mind. They have to find a way into the diary. Journaling is one of the best forms of self-expression.

Q Best piece of advice you’ve ever got?
Once a dear friend of mine told me that nothing great can happen to you until you truly believe that great things can happen to you. It’s all about believing in your abilities, destiny and dreams. This is the best piece of advice I ever got.

Q What inspires you to write? Do you have a secret trick, or a book/author that helps?
My experiences. More the experiences, more the inspiration to write.

Q Coffee/tea/cigarettes — numbers please — while you are writing…
Coffee, the way I love it... Just one.

Q Which books are you reading at present?
Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik.

Q Who are your favourite authors?
Devdutt Pattanaik and Robin Sharma.

Q Which book/author should be banned on grounds of bad taste?
None. I feel each book is written with a desire to express, and that expression should always be respected.

Q Which are your favourite children’s books?
I usually love to read inspirational books, but yes in my childhood I used to love TinTin comics.

Q Who is your favourite literary character?
Anne from Anne of Green Gables, Miss Trunchbull from Matilda and Ms Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.

Q Which is the most under-rated book?
None. I feel each book finds its readers, sooner or later.

Q Which classics do you want to read?
The Bhagavad Gita.

Q Which is the most erotic book you have read?
I usually stick to motivational and mythological books.

Q Which book do you wish you had written?
None actually, because I believe that writing is an original craft. It has to come from within you. I only wish that I  write many more books.