Indian
First Language(s): Hindi
Second Language(s):
English
Ranjana is a Computer Engineer, a business graduate, and now an author. She has spent over ten years in corporate strategy before deciding to pursue her dream of writing. Her debut book, The Tales Next Door, was published in October ’20. It is a collection of short stories about love, friendship, drama, crime — stories of people around us. She loves to travel and runs a blog www.intelligentparent.com.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My love for reading started when I was in grade four. I was introduced to Enid Blyton by my elder sister. She forced me to read “Five Run Away Together,” one of the Famous Five series. I am thankful to this day for that extra push that introduced me to the world of books. Reading that book was an “aha” moment. I still remember the rush of adrenalin as I went on the adventure vicariously and the friends I made as I read the book. I never looked back. Enid Blyton became my favorite author as a child, and I devoured any of her books that I could find.
Do you remember the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?
I have always been able to express myself better when I write than when I speak. I started writing as a healing process, a catharsis of sorts. I primarily wrote for myself. It was only last year that I decided to write creatively and publish my short story collection. When the words make the story come alive, the joy that I feel when the characters come to life on a page is immeasurable.
What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?
The most thrilling thing has to be when I launched my debut book in October last year — “The Tales Next Door.” It was like seeing your creation come to life. It was the birth of something that I made, to be enjoyed by others, just like so many authors’ creations had given me joy — an amazingly exciting experience. As for the most adventurous thing, I’d say rafting through grade 4 rapids on the River Ganges. It was exciting and scary at the same time as we rowed the raft through the rocks and the fast-moving river water.
Do you listen to music while reading or writing?
While reading, it doesn’t matter whether there is any music on or not because I get lost in the world of the book. I never listen to music while writing. It takes away the rhythm from the written words.
Short Story
Mama's Fairy
Issue Spring '21
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