Ask the Author: Dibyajyoti Sarma
Answered Questions (7)
Dibyajyoti Sarma
Aurora and Abraham Zogoiby, the parents of Moraes Zogoiby, the Moor, in Salman Rushdie’s The Moor’s Last Sigh, for the fantastical family they raised. If you want a young non-sexual couple, I think Lyra and Will in Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy is a match made in the ‘republic of heaven’ – Lyra’s cunning and Will’s courage, coupled with their instinct to protect each other at all cost make them a perfect couple.
Dibyajyoti Sarma
When writers talk about the mysterious ways they get inspired to write, you think it’s hokum, but trust me, it’s true. The key is to ponder over issues. You keep thinking about something and then suddenly something else flashes – a light bulb (!)
Dibyajyoti Sarma
I am working on a rather ambitious novel against the backdrop of Assam, with a special focus on the recent insurgency movement. The River Brahmaputra, which flows through the heart of Assam, is a central character. There are also eastern magic, star-crossed lovers, identity politics, and lots and lots of violence. It sounds fun, but it is very difficult to write.
Dibyajyoti Sarma
This is a little trite, oft-given advice, but it is time-tested: Write for yourself, not for others. Write what you would like to read; read more to make sure this is what you want to write.
Dibyajyoti Sarma
The best thing about being a writer is the ability to live different lives. Every character you create is a form of wish fulfillment. The choices your characters make is a form of self-liberation. You become someone else in your writing, and the feeling is exhilarating.
Dibyajyoti Sarma
I deal with writer’s block by writing. What works for me is this: I pick up a notebook and works of my favourite poets and copy my favourite poems in the notebook – slowly and deliberately, appreciating each word, savouring the cadence of each phrase. Before the notebook is complete, I am ready to write again. Words inspire you.
Dibyajyoti Sarma
Not book, but I got the idea for my most recent short story from the ongoing American TV series The Flash Season 2 . Time travel and alternate timelines has always been a fascinating subject for me, though my writings tend to be hyper-realistic. Inspired by The Flash, I wrote a short story charting an alternate history of modern India, set in Shillong, Meghalaya.
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