The path to publishing ain’t a cake walk: Raisha

From the role of a housewife to making her debut into authorship, the transition had simply not been an easy job for Raisha Lalwani who’s ‘The Diary on The Fifth Floor’ remained in news ever since its launch by Sonam Kapoor.

Interestingly, the book is based on real-life incidents which started as a collection of thoughts and got documented as notes on Raisha’s phone.

‘G-Town Society’ in a chit-chat with the young writer on her experience of penning down her first work & what’s her future plans :

Which book or author inspired you to begin writing?

I think we are in an era where everyone complains about how social media has taken over our lives. But I feel everything has something positive to offer, that is if we want to look at it that way. Today I open my Facebook or Instagram and I see it being flooded with upcoming authors sharing their thoughts. I feel inspired to write more and write well every single day. My all time favourite is Paulo Coelho. His simple style with so much depth is something I look up to.

How challenging was writing while managing a family?

Being a mom is a full time job, both mentally and physically. But, writing is something I do for the peace and quiet. It keeps me in touch with my inner-self, so as the day retires I sit down and find my pace. I wish I could give more time to it but for now, whatever little time I get, I’m happy with that.

How much of yourself do you put into your books?

I don’t think any writer can get away with this question. Not a single emotion that hasn’t been felt by me can come up in what I write. That’s all I can say.

Do you write following a fixed schedule?

Like I said, there’s no fixed time. I write when I can. May be as kids grow older I’ll have a little more time to do it.

What’s the most important thing about a book in your opinion?

It might be too soon to answer something like that given it’s only my first book. But in my opinion the most important thing about any book is it needs to have a Soul. It needs to be heartfelt.

How do you see writing? As a hobby, a passion or a full time occupation?

Well, it started as a way to vent. To bring out those deep seated feelings and emotions. Would love to make it a full time job someday.

Do you think it is more challenging to write about beliefs that conflict with the ones you hold yourself?

My thoughts, my work are a result of my own belief system and that makes the soul of my book. I think it’s one of the reasons that so many people could relate to it. I don’t think I would be happy writing about something I don’t believe in. It would be wrong.

Talking about proofreading, do you edit your work on your own or choose someone else for the job?

Well, I feel most people who write would agree with me when I say that there comes a point when one needs a fresh set of eyes to look at ones work and it’s always a good idea to share your work with people you know in order to get a genuine feedback. I’m fortunate to have found my biggest critic and my favourite editor in my younger sister who has helped me with my work every now and then. So yeah, it’s always a good idea to get someone else to edit your work.

Does it happen to you that you have a brilliant idea and are unable to recall a moment later?

More times than I can count. So, I’ve started grabbing any piece of paper and pen that’s closest to hand or even my phone at times, only to jot it down because I know the very next minute won’t be as intense as this one.

What advice would you like to give to writers who are struggling with their first novels?

The path to publishing ain’t a cake walk. So, if you have put in your heart & soul in it then don’t lose hope. Eventually things will fall in place and you will get to the other side; stronger!