Interview Q&A with Sanu Sharma
@TheSanuSharma
We present our first exclusive Q&A Interview with Sanu Sharma, whose literary works have graced our Spillwords pages and earned her the title of November 2024 Author of the Month.
- What does it mean to be selected as Author of The Month?
Being selected as Author of the Month is an incredible honor. It not only acknowledges my creative work but also reflects the support I’ve received from readers and the Spillwords community. It encourages me to continue sharing my stories, knowing that they resonate with others.
- How have your friends and/or family influenced your writing?
Growing up in a remote area of Nepal, where girls and women were discouraged—both directly and indirectly—from writing and sharing their work publicly, I had to keep my writing a secret. I wrote essays, stories, and novels, often hiding them in my room, afraid of being discovered. During this time, I lost drafts that were emotionally significant to me.
However, a pivotal moment occurred that changed everything. While I was still in Nepal, one of my affectionate relatives discovered a manuscript of a novel in my room and took it, promising to return it after reading it. To my surprise, after I moved to Australia, I received that draft as a published book. They had arranged for it to be published. This unexpected gesture not only marked the publication of my first book but also inspired me to revisit and complete many of my unfinished works and publish the finished ones—something I had never seriously considered before. Thus, I can say that my close ones have played a motivating role in bringing my writing to the public.
- What inspires and motivates you to write?
From a young age, writing has been a compelling force in my life, though I’ve never been able to pinpoint exactly why. It serves as a form of therapy, helping me process and navigate my emotions. Over time, I’ve also found inspiration in the experiences of others—their challenges and triumphs—which has deepened my desire to explore the human condition through my work. Thus, my writing is driven by a blend of intrinsic passion, personal reflection, and the internalization and imagination of the struggles people face daily.
- Can you tell us about the catalyst that sparked your writing journey?
My writing journey began with an innate desire and emotional experiences, shaped by the world around me and the stories I observed during my childhood. Initially, I wrote based on the observations of my village, friends, and other people in the community. Later, as I grew into adulthood, I began to internalize the inner conflicts of those around me and the broader world—whether their sorrows, triumphs, or behaviors—which provided material for my writing. The struggles and triumphs of individuals are central to my work. They reflect the state of humanity and the complex realities of society.
For instance, one of Princess Diana’s interviews, where she showcased vulnerability, inspired me to write my novel Biplavi. In this work, I explored the quiet struggles of my protagonist, mirroring the emotional isolation I sensed in her words. I thought, if a high-profile woman like her could face such challenges, what must the lives of ordinary women be like? Similarly, the circumstances of a little girl growing into adulthood in my neighborhood in Nepal inspired my novel Utsarga. In these novels, I have woven personal reflections with broader societal events and truths. Similar observations and influences have shaped my other novels, short stories, lyrics, and poems, though some poems express more personal emotions.
- Please share a glimpse into your writing process.
I write in solitude, drawing on imagination, memory, and observation. It’s about capturing emotions in words, frequently sparked by moments of inspiration or snippets of conversation. I also use freewriting to unearth thoughts that later evolve into the narrative. While my stories are shaped by my personal lens, they are mainly influenced by the lived experiences of those around me.
Regarding the editing and rewriting process, my first book and some of my other early works were published in almost draft form. However, as I’ve developed as a writer, I’ve come to understand the importance of refining my work. Now, I focus more on revising and reworking my manuscripts.
- What do you find most fulfilling about the act of writing?
Writing provides me with a unique space to process and articulate my emotions while exploring the complexities of the world. It allows me to reflect on life’s diverse experiences and serves as a form of emotional healing. Writing is a deeply personal journey, but its greatest fulfillment lies in knowing my words resonate with others.
- How does the use of imagery contribute to conveying your story?
It is widely recognized that using imagery is one of the most effective tools in writing. It helps readers visualize scenes and understand emotions more deeply. I, too, aim to make the emotions in my work feel authentic and impactful through imagery, though it’s not always possible or easy to achieve.
- What is your favorite reading genre?
I don’t have a specific favorite genre. I enjoy reading books of all forms, whether they’re poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Reading, for me, is a way to feel more human. As long as a work is creative, thought-provoking, or fills the vacant spaces within myself, I find joy in exploring it.
- What human being has inspired you the most?
I can’t pinpoint a single person who has inspired me the most. Many people have influenced me, from icons like Buddha and Gandhi to poets like Laxmi Prasad Devkota and Sylvia Plath, among others. Numerous fiction writers have also left a significant mark on me. Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, through works like Modiaain and Sumnima offered deep insights into human emotions. Gabriel García Márquez, with his masterpiece One Hundred Years of Solitude, introduced me to the beauty of magical realism and the power of storytelling. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice revealed the brilliance of wit, social critique, and romance. Toni Morrison’s Beloved provided a profound exploration of memory, trauma, and resilience, while Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart illuminated the effects of colonialism, cultural conflict, and identity through a deeply moving narrative. Each of these individuals, among many others, has inspired me in unique ways, helping me appreciate the vastness of the universe and human life, as well as the depth of literature in its ability to reflect and shape the human experience amidst the chaos that human beings have created in a world that was originally calm and peaceful.
I also draw inspiration from contemporary poets, writers, and individuals from Nepal and beyond. There are so many remarkable people around the globe who inspire me in both life and writing.
- What message would you have for the Spillwords Press community that voted for you?
I am deeply grateful to the Spillwords Press community for your support. Your recognition fuels my passion to keep sharing my work, and I truly appreciate your belief in my writing.
- What would you like your legacy as a writer to be?
I do not seek personal recognition or wish to be known or remembered as an individual. Although I initially wrote to find peace amid my own discomforts, as my works have become public, my hope is that they will endure, remembered as heartfelt creations that resonate with readers long after they are written. However, I believe my best work may still lie ahead.
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my readers, friends, and everyone who has supported me on this journey. My stories are inspired by the world around me, and I hope they continue to foster meaningful connections. If my words linger in your hearts and spark reflection, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose of sharing my stories. Thank you for believing in my work.
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