Prof. Divya Joshi, a creative writer, translator, has been teaching English for the last three decades. She has made a mark in academia with her research and publications and her areas of interest include Indian Aesthetics, Philosophy, and Cultural translation. She has travelled extensively for academic pursuits. Her short stories and poems have been published in prominent journals. Poetry and short story are her preferred genre; poetry of course comes first, she says.Dance of Life, a collection solely dedicated to women of fortitude and ingenuity was her first poetry book and Matryoshka , the second is an ensemble of 100 poems, closely knit and woven together with the thread of creativity and cosmos. Divya loves to travel and as a keen observer observes everything, be it people, situations, behaviour or surroundings. Her creative journey also manifests love for details and simple moments and musings. Here are the excerpts of our conversation with the author.
Excerpts
Q: Are you a disciplined writer or a spontaneous one?
A: Writing is more of an intuition to me, and routine is somewhat discomforting. Most of the time a poem or a story drops and sparks at unexpected moments. Sometimes the process unfolds organically and sometimes it is highly impromptu in nature. It is really difficult to follow a strict schedule or a preconceived plan.
Q: Tell us about your other interests apart from writing.
A: I am a teacher by choice, but I am glad I was handpicked by poetry. Beyond the realm of academia and poetry, my interests are diverse and often intertwine with my creative pursuits. Nature has always been a profound inspiration for me; I find solace in long walks, observing the changing seasons, and capturing the beauty of landscapes through photography. Music is another passion that fuels my imagination; the melodies and rhythms often serve as a backdrop to my writing, influencing the cadence of my verses. I am also an avid reader, exploring various genres to expand my perspectives and deepen my understanding of the human experience. Philosophy and psychology fascinate me, offering insights into the complexities of emotions and relationships, which frequently find their way into my poetry. Cooking is a delightful escape for me, a sensory experience that engages my mind in a different way. Experimenting with flavors and textures becomes a form of artistic expression, akin to crafting words on a page.
Q: Any new projects that you are currently working on?
A: Two parallel projects are currently in the pipeline. One is a poetry collection waiting for its title poem to fall in the lap and another one is a short story collection.
Q: What do you do in your professional sphere? Has it ever conflicted with your writing or has it influenced it?
A: My professional sphere revolves around educating and inspiring students. In the classroom, I strive to create an environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love for literature. My goal is to instill a passion for language and self-expression in my students. Teaching and writing poetry are intertwined aspects of my life. While they may seem like distinct realms, they often complement each other. The interactions with my students, their perspectives, and the challenges they face contribute to the rich tapestry of human experiences that fuel my poetry. However, it›s not always a seamless integration. There are times when the demands of teaching, grading, and administrative responsibilities can be overwhelming, leaving me with limited time and energy for my personal writing.
Q: Some tips for aspiring writers.
A: I am not that experienced to share tips but, yes I can share what I feel works for me. At first, writing is all about reading. I mean the more we read, the better we write. Second is, observation. All of us are blessed with unexplored creativity and punch but we seldom put it into the right garb. The last tip would be, not to force writing. If it comes naturally as a habit, only then it would work.
Q: In your opinion, how can India make reading more affordable and accessible?
A: Initiatives to promote a reading culture, such as book festivals, author interactions, and reading campaigns, can foster a love for reading and increase awareness of available resources. Investing in public libraries and establishing community reading centers can enhance accessibility. Promoting digital platforms for e-books and audiobooks can also play a significant role in increasing accessibility, given the widespread use of smartphones. Collaborations with private sector entities can be explored to develop cost-effective technologies and innovative solutions for wider dissemination of literature.
Implementing these strategies collectively can contribute to making reading more affordable and accessible across diverse demographics in India.