Parul Sharma Talks About Her Book “Roohi and Khidr”

About the Author:

Parul Sharma is a writer and artist based in Mumbai, India. A post graduate in law from University of London, she practised law for more than a decade before choosing to honor her soul’ calling and becoming a writer and artist. Parul is a prolific creative and writes poetry as well as prose and has a significant creative presence on social media platforms. Her poems have been extensively published in various books and magazines. Besides writing, she also contributes extensively in literary causes of encouraging literature and art initiatives in online and offline space. This is Parul’s debut novelette.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A: Writing this book was a serendipitous experience for me. I initially wrote two short prose pieces inspired by some artistic mountain visuals I happened to see on the internet. I am an ardent reader of Rumi’s works. So when I finished writing those prose pieces, I noticed a connection between those prose pieces and Rumi’s quotes/ poetry that I had previously read. This propelled me to explore and build a story with those prose pieces as a base. And that’s how this novelette was written.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: This book is a story of an aspiring writer Roohi, who lives a quiet life in the mountains with her dog Simfi. She is deeply inspired by the work of Rumi. An unexpected encounter with a mystical ascetic Khidr, who is on a journey of self-realization, turns Roohi’s world upside down. This encounter initiates both of them on a soul-awakening adventure. They both are led onto an arduous quest where they meet different people and situations. Inspired by the wisdom of Rumi, they delve into deeper meaning of life and love as they navigate through this quest. You will have to read the book to know what is this encounter and quest all about and where does this quest lead Roohi and Khidr to.

Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?

A: While working on the book, I did a general reading of Rumi’s work, as the book is inspired by Rumi’s philosophy. This gave me a deeper perspective and understanding of his thoughts on life and love which I have tried to convey through this book. I have also learnt in depth the process of writing and publishing a book which was a new learning experience for me.

Q: Do You Try More To Be Original Or To Deliver To Readers What They Want?

A: I try to be original in my writing because I believe that is the way a writer can connect deeply with his or her readers.

Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?

A: To be able to make a connection with the readers and to make them ‘feel’ the emotions that you as a writer wish to convey, is according to me a significant success for a writer. To me, if a writer is able to make his/ her reader feel ‘seen’ and ‘understood’ through his writing or if s/he is able to transport the reader into the world that the book aims to create, then the writer has succeeded.

Q: Tell Us About Your First Published Book? What Was The Journey Like?

A: Roohi and Khidr is my first book. Being the first book, my writing journey was quite exciting and full of curiosity. I learnt a lot about the various steps involved in publishing of a book and it was a new and enriching experience for me. It is thrilling to writing a book, then be a part of the various stages it passes through viz. designing of cover and interior, editing, proof reading etc., and see it taking its final shape, step by step.

Q: How Important Is Research To You When Writing A Book?

A: Importance of research depends on the genre and subject of the book. For example historical fiction would require much more extensive research than a purely fictional book. For the present book, Roohi and Khidr, I did a general reading of Rumi’s poetry and quotes, to understand his philosophy as it is the requirement of the theme of the book.

Q: Where Do You Get Your Greatest Ideas For Writing?

A: I often get ideas from personal life situations. Also I try to be observant about the life happening around myself to seek inspiration.

Q: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Authors?

A: One must be consistent in writing without fear of judgment and read a lot.

This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.