Susmita Paul

What was your favorite book as a child?

A Bengali translation of a book of stories from epics from across the world.

Do you remember the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I guess creative writing was my way of stepping away from the rulebook existence that I lived as a child. At 5 I wrote my first rhyming poem. I remember the joy and pride that piece gave me. As an adult, taking to creative writing seriously was not a conscious decision. It chose me rather than me choosing it.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

I guess it has to be scuba diving in the middle of the Indian Ocean and being blinded into disbelief at the underwater life. And, I can't swim.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

I don't. I feel listening to music, or reading or writing –– each requires a deep meditative space. Overlapping them overwhelms me greatly.