Hello Readers,

Today we have Priyanka Sharma Kaintura, author of My Jiffies with us. Priyanka is a seasoned marketing communications professional. As a communication professional, there has always been a perpetual spectator inside her. She writes about society, love, relationship and mythological interpretation. Let’s know more about her and talk to her about her book and writing journey.

Welcome to our Blog Priyanka.

Tell us about yourself. Who is Priyanka Sharma Kaintura apart from the author of My Jiffies?

Priyanka Sharma Kaintura is a backpacker with no agenda. The one with people as destinations!

What inspired you to write a book?

Human vulnerabilities and their tussles to dress them in words or in silence, inspire me to write. I am a compulsive observer and explorer of people which is why I write on subjects related to society, love, relationships and mythological interpretation.

Did you always want to write a book?

No, I didn’t really have any plans or aspirations from the beginning. It was when I realised that people truly like reading me! Before that, whenever a friend told me – you know Priyanka you should be writing. Or Priyanka, have you ever thought of putting together a book. I would tell myself they are just too kind. Or they love me and hence say sweet things to me. Or they just happen to be a few who like listening to me. So I told myself – No, it isn’t really much.

One day a friend pushed me to make a page on FB and that’s when I wrote my first story. Then I started writing regularly. The more I wrote the more stories germinated. One thing led to another and I touched 10K readers on my page. Most of my stories were met with a response which told me they are striking a chord. And that’s because the readers see themselves in it. I found that it was quite like I was telling their untold musings.

With time I met more people and more situations, my observations became wider and richer. That is when the idea for the book came about. I just decided to reach out to more readers.

How much writing a book has changed you?

It’s not so much the process of writing but the response to my writing that changed me. I think writing gave me a window to understanding people better, which also eventually nourished my writing. I understood human behaviour from the way people consume content. I took notice of their choice of what to engage with when they read something that touches them or what they choose not to. I am more receptive a person now.

It’s been almost 3 months since your book release. How you deal with negative reviews/reactions of the readers, if any, you have received so far?

I haven’t had any negative reactions to the book yet. At least no one told me to my face or wrote a negative review. Perhaps it’s too early in the day. But yes, I have faced criticism on my blog. To answer your question as to how do I deal with it, I would say I welcome all reactions. If I am happily accepting the plaudits I must be ready for the brickbats as well. So, I never ignore any comments, leave alone purging them. I try and respond to each one, address them and if I gather there is an issue worth everyone’s energy and time, the next piece of writing could be an oration on the same.

What is your favourite part of the writing process and why?

Discovering the topic or a plot to write about. That’s a huge kick for me.

Any writing project you are currently working on?

Writing is a journey which will continue. In the course of this excursion, I cannot predict what I will run into. I have a few book structures in my mind that I am toying with, it could be all poetry, or a love story or something mythological. I would really like my readers to stay tuned. Still better tell me what book they want from me!

The observations are continuing and My Jiffies are being rolled out even after the book.

How do you manage a work-life balance?

Do you ever have to balance eating with your life, or breathing or walking? It’s the same way for me. The expression is at the core of who I am. I do it through writing, reading, speaking, listening, painting or any other possible form of receiving or delivering expression.

Which author do you admire most and why?

Elif Shafak for her evident sensitivity in the writing style. J K Rowling for her power of imagination. Khushwant Singh for his wit and ruthless humour. Paulo Coelho for his understanding of life.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

A good book can be different from a successful book.

Final words for the readers of My Jiffies?

I like to hear from you! Please express to me what you like and what you don’t.

Buy this Book Here:  Amazon

Read review of ‘My Jiffies’ on the Blog Here

Connect to her:

Website: priyankasharmakaintura.com

Email: priyankaintura@gmail.com

FB –  https://www.facebook.com/MyJiffies.PriyankaKaintura/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Instagram – https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/kainturapriyanka/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/MyJiffies