Spotlight On Writers
Joyce Mary J
- Where do you originate from?
I was born in New Delhi, the capital of India. My parents were settled there even before I was born because of their jobs, but we moved back to our native place, Kerala, when I was 13 years old. Now I live in the UK because of my work.
Delhi is a union territory and metropolitan area where people come from different places in India or around the world. It is one of the most famous historical places too, with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city, the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Red Fort.
Kerala, on the other hand, often referred to as ‘God’s own country’, is a state in southern India and is blessed with natural beauty and backwaters. It has some breathtaking beaches too. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the mountain ranges!
So, as you can see, Delhi and Kerala are totally different places. Even though they are both in India, they differ from each other in language, food, culture, and tradition. So, I’m a bit of both because each of these places had a huge impact on my life and my thoughts!
- What do you cherish most about the place you call home?
I love our food, and I actually miss it very much now. Though I cook Indian dishes at home, I do really crave those special snacks and desserts such as Uzhunnuvada, Gulab Jamun, and Punjabi samosas which our family used to buy from small traditional shops and bakeries. And of course, how can I forget our Biriyani and Tandoori chicken? Some tastes just linger longer!
- What ignites your creativity?
Mostly emotions ignite my creativity such as love, happiness, serenity, sadness, grief, or anger. For me, writing poems helps me to let it all out. If I can’t feel it, I can’t write it!
Nature also inspires me to be creative. Exploring new places, taking a long walk in the nature, watching sunsets, stargazing, listening to birds’ chirping, and feeling waves on my feet at the beach, all helps to be more imaginative.
Last but not least, people! Each and every person that I come across, their personalities, their perspectives, their stories, and their experiences broaden my mind.
- Do you have a favorite word and could you incorporate it into a poetic phrase?
I have a couple of favourite words. But today, I will go in silence. Everyone can put words to express their feelings or emotions, but sometimes, I feel that silence do speak louder than words if you notice! For instance, how do babies or animals express their love without a word? It’s so pure!
In silence, my soul finds purpose,
In silence, I find myself!
- What is your pet peeve?
People leaving a place messy after visiting someone’s house or using a facility really annoys me. I really don’t understand how they can actually leave like that and not be bothered about it! My slogan is ‘Use it, don’t abuse it.’ Things are made to use, but do it responsibly, and when you leave, please make sure that your host can live there without worrying about all the mess that you have made, or that the facilities are still functional for the next person too.
- How would you describe the essence of Joyce Mary J?
Integrity is the treasure that I value the most in a person, and I try to live my life upholding my moral principles. I mean, what are you if you can’t look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day? What good can come from a life like that!
I would say that I’m a work in progress! I fall, I learn, I get back up, and then I do it all over again. Life is a tough topic, learning is a gradual process, and quitting is not an answer to any question.
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