Ranjana Joshi

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.