Interview with Indian writer and professor - Rishikesh Upadhyay
What inspired you to become a writer?
Well, I’ve always been an avid in writing, teaching and research from my post MSc onwards. It’s not possible to say where inspiration comes from? Well that is largely a mystery. Simply, I just love to write, learn and teach. From there, it just took shape. I always try to be genuine in my actions and my words.
Do you write with a specific audience in mind?
I have a varied audience — both men and women, young and old, even students or research scholars. But the sweet spot would have to be people in their 15s- the 50s. I focus on telling the best I can through my writings, and I trust that it will boom with the right audience.
What is the most rewarding part of being a writer?
The most rewarding part is hearing from readers who have been touched by my writings. Whether it’s through an emotional connection to a story or writing or a new perspective on a topic, knowing that my writing has impacted someone is incredibly fulfilling.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
Well, I have learned how deeply I can empathize with my teaching and writings. Even those who seem very different from me still have pieces of my own fears, desires, and struggles. Writing and teaching have taught me to be more introspective and has helped me understand myself and my potential better.
Do you have any writing rituals or routines?
As you know it’s very hard to get yourself or anyone back in that zone of thinking about the imaginative world or idea that's in your mind. During the day, I work at a local government college, and by night I pour my imagination and ideas out onto a page.
What role does research play in your writing and teaching process?
Well, it depends on the subject matter I write or teach. I want to make sure the world I’m creating feels authentic, so I spend a lot of time ensuring that the details are accurate both in teaching and writing.
Do you listen to music while you write?
Yes, sometimes! It helps me get into the right emotional state for writing.
What motivates you to keep writing, even on difficult days?
The love for writing, storytelling and teaching has always inclined from my post MSc onwards. Even on tough days, I remind myself that the hard work will pay off. I also think about the reader, student, who might connect with my articles, stories, poems, etc. and that’s a huge motivator.
How do you balance writing with your academic life?
It’s completely a different act. Teaching students and writing combines as my two primary loves. I especially enjoy helping students who’ve always believed they were bad in their writing and learning realizes that they’re better than they thought. I enjoy helping them find confidence in their writing assignments, projects, etc. I think I’m a much better writer and teacher (i.e., professor) now than I ever could’ve been if I’d never taught students.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
This is a good question, I enjoy teaching, doing research work, thinking, sitting with a laptop, walking, pouring water to plants, and watching television with my family members. These activities often provide me with inspiration for my writing.
Do you ever co-write with other authors, and if so, what is that process like?
Yes, I have done some co-writing. It’s a collaborative process where we bounce ideas off each other and divide tasks based on our strengths. Communication and trust are both needed to making it work smoothly.
How do you handle bad reviews or negative feedback?
Nice question! Though negative feedback is tough, but I try to see it as part of the process. Not everyone will connect with my work, and that’s okay. I focus on constructive criticism, which helps me improve a lot. I leave the reviews for the readers since they are to help them decide if a book or my writing is a good fit for them or not. I try to analyze and learn from those reviews and feedbacks. And, negative feedback is awesome since it improves us a much better writer.
Are you willing to share a little bit about what you’re working on now?
Sure! I usually write articles, book chapters, nonfiction titles, children’s, poems, research articles, short stories, etc.
Where can readers and students find your writings and connect with you?
Readers and students can find my writings on major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Google Books, Google Scholars, etc.
I could be connected online at Google Scholar and LinkedIn also.