Adgully Exclusive | Since real Life cannot be categorized into Genres, why should Literature be: Author, Neelam Kumar

Neelam Kumar, is one author who loves tumbling stereotypes and publishing boundaries to unpeel her latent potential. She has come up with her 7th work of fiction, Myra which is a collection of four different themes. Her journey has been absolutely thrilling much like a roller coaster ride! As a budding teenager, she faced many ups and downs in her life, whether it's a catapulting during her school life or her working experience with Khushwant Singh. She says, "I did not know English and was catapulted into the position of the class clown and in disgust my teacher scratched out my destiny in red ink on my notebook”"This Girl is Wood Sitting on Wood. She will NEVER be able to learn the English language."

But Instead of crumbling into bits, she decided to give life a brave fight and is in well known position today. She studied English Literature, achieved her Masters in Journalism from U.S and began writing books with a vengeance. "This is my 7th work of Fiction. And I write in English!," quipped Neelam.

In an exclusive chat with Adgully at Oxford Bookstore, she depicted her life journey, her experiences and much more. She says, "I am absolutely thrilled that the Chief guest at the Launch of "Myra"--Mr Ranjeet, veteran actor of over 500 films, strongly recommended that "Myra" should be made into a film. I am now waiting for someone to come forward to make this dream come true!"

Sharing her experience with Khushwant Singh, she told us that it was the most magical, life-impacting experience. Only after she came face to face with his literary genius, humility and amazing breadth of knowledge, she realized that she knew nothing and needed to learn from him. He suggested that they should pick up 40 outstanding stories from 17 regions of India, translate them and make them accessible to the English reading public. The result was "Our Favourite Indian Stories" by Khushwant Singh and Neelam Kumar (JAICO). This anthology traverses through States as far-flung as Kashmir and Tamil Nadu, mapping out our multi-lingual, multi-cultural land and celebrates its fascinating diversity. It's a book every Indian should be proud of, as it showcases India's regional literary wealth. "He remains my mentor and my friend for all seasons", she said.

Responding to the most inquisitive question - what prompted her to become a writer, she said, "I have always felt that I am Many Women. The moment I give attention to one, the other starts jostling for attention. Words and plots keep popping inside my head like popcorn. How else could I address this chaos within my being except through writing? So here I am!"

Sighting some key highlights of the book, she said, "This is the First book ever to be written in 4 different Genres. I strongly feel, since real Life cannot be categorized into Genres, why should Literature be? I am happy to share with you that, Webolusion has picked it up and is marketing it digitally internationally. E-copies of the book are also available."

Telling about the future projects in the pipeline, she said, "Once again I am busy writing a multi-genre book titled "Stopover" (tentative title). I feel such books are closer to real life and offer a lot of variety for the reader. There is something for everyone within its pages!"

Giving a meaningful message for the new entrants, she signed off saying, "Yes, write to express the different people you are¦ write to change your world¦ write till your fingers drop. Which other profession (except acting), gives you the luxury of living so many different lives? Writing is a slow journey, but the most fulfilling and rewarding one. So never give up!"

Myra is a collection of 4 different stories from four different Genres, from thriller to a film script to an autobiography and to The Unfolding. Genre: Self-Help. Thriller is the story of an innocent girl who marries someone who cheats her by making her a "front" for his shady business dealings. Seasons of the Heart: Film Script, is a story of an intense relationship discovered in the autumn years of life. This is a story of two sensitive human beings who are caught unaware by the suddenness and the strength of their emotions for each other at a stage of life they least expected to be hit by it.

She says, "Flying Solo: Autobiography, my story, is the story of a young girl who was widowed at the age of 35. I had everything against me--an inexperienced mind, a soul torn apart by the death of the man I loved most and two little children dependent on me. Whereas The Unfolding Genre: Self-Help, is a story that deals with deep spirituality. It asserts that inside every human is a godly, Buddha nature. | By Aanchal Kohli [aanchal(at)adgully.com]