Ask the Author: Radhika Nathan
Answered Questions (3)
Radhika Nathan
Thank you for your question.
There was no specific event or experience that I can recall that made me a writer. I have always enjoyed the written word. My writing grew gradually from that joy.
It was relatively easy to write short stories and to blog - there was no long-term commitment required after all. At one point I decided to try writing a novel. To sustain the habit, I chose themes and stories that wouldn't drain me. It was difficult in the beginning but after a while, I found my rhythm.
There was no specific event or experience that I can recall that made me a writer. I have always enjoyed the written word. My writing grew gradually from that joy.
It was relatively easy to write short stories and to blog - there was no long-term commitment required after all. At one point I decided to try writing a novel. To sustain the habit, I chose themes and stories that wouldn't drain me. It was difficult in the beginning but after a while, I found my rhythm.
Radhika Nathan
I tell myself this often as well. My advice to aspiring writers would be to be clear about the why and the what. Why do you want to write, and what do you want to write. The answer to these questions would automatically make it easier to answer the how. Writing to get this story off my chest, writing to become world famous, writing to launch some other business or career - all these would require different approaches. Similarly writing a historical romance would demand a different set of techniques in comparison to say writing a story about a mentally ill, abused woman in an institution.
There are many excellent books on the mechanics of writing. Above and beyond those, the other two basic questions are very personal and worth knowing an answer to.
There are many excellent books on the mechanics of writing. Above and beyond those, the other two basic questions are very personal and worth knowing an answer to.
Radhika Nathan
I experience two types of writers’ block. Type-I block [that sounds awfully like a disease] is due to lack of discipline, or hiding behind distractions. This happens when I have finished the fun part of writing – conjuring scenes in my head, coming up with a few lines that I am thoroughly tickled by etc. The only way I am able to overcome this is by forcing myself to sit and slog. The first few minutes are a disaster – I simply stare at the screen while thoughts race in my mind, but soon things become manageable. I put in some words and that propels more words and more words. Type II is harder which has to do with an inability to get any creative thought in my head. After much introspection I have found that this happens when I am distressed or when my physical health is not in its optimum levels. I do the exact opposite - I stay away from my writing and concentrate on calming my mind or getting well. Then one day I wake up full of energy and will to write and it’s a sweet, sweet moment.
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