It was a great pleasure interviewing Mr. Yashodhaan Burange (Instagram : yashodhaanburange ). He is known for his brilliant way of expressing emotions. His imagination of writing start from where probably we stop thinking. So here are some few words with him :
1. Hi, first of all, I must say that you are doing a wonderful work through your creations in your page on Instagram . Thank you for giving us the time. So, speaking of writing, how did you first think of this, and when this habit developed?
A lot of my childhood was about being inadequate in expressing myself. It started as a therapy exercise, maintaining a diary and a track of my thoughts. Eventually, I realized that I needed to communicate myself to the world. Instagram offered me a platform to go against the tide, posting poetry in places flooded with selfies. What started of as a hesitant hobby is now looking like a very definite dream and occupation.
2. So, what do you enjoy writing more ? Poems, abstracts or short stories ?
I definitely prefer poems; to be honest, I don’t format what I’m writing. I let go and see what shape it takes. I’m not too well-versed with short stories, I would definitely like to give it a shot someday!
3. Going through your writings on the page, one will find hope, pain, experiences and other feelings you have come across. So, is there any particular genre you like to write about? Any particular style that you follow ?
For me, sadness acts as a catalyst. I’ve realized that happiness, when it comes to writing, fades away. Like a passing thought. Sadness is such a consuming emotion, that it stays. It takes the form of nostalgia and longing for me, which I’ve observed, delicately suits my style of writing.
4. Well, writers write to express their opinion or feelings about certain things. So how important do you think is it to relate writings to social issues to raise a voice and hence inspire people? Do you engage in such topics ?
It’s obviously very important to have an opinion and try to divert it towards instigating a change in this society. However, I’m of this firm opinion that social issues need a different plan of action. Strictly speaking about writing on social issues, I avoid engaging in such themes, partly due to my lack of wisdom and partly due to the fact that I prioritize other emotions and scenarios in my writing. Power to those who are writing on social issues though!
5. So which medium do you usually use to share your creations?
Instagram, predominantly. I did try blogging, Wordpress for a few days. Just wasn’t my cup of tea. I also write on Facebook occasionally.
6. Tell me five keywords in your work and writings that you really can't do without. (Apart from the mandatory the, is, are , etc )
Love, pain, sadness, childhood, mother
7. Who inspires you as a writer? Which are your favorite books?
I don’t specifically have strong favorites, but Murakami, Gregory David Roberts, Khaled Hosseini and Jhumpa Lahiri have all been influential. The Namesake and The Kiterunner have been beyond pivotal in my writing journey.
8. How important do you think social media plays the role for growing writers? And what are the best ways to reach and create an audience?
It’s one of the best bridges, I’d say. Not only does it give every writer a platform to exhibit their writing, but it also connects them with other writers. Not just readers. More exposure means constant improvement. The only way I know of reaching and creating an audience is to keep writing regularly. Taking inputs, implementing them and interacting with your readers, getting their opinion on your current writing style is instrumental in growth.
9. We have heard terms like writers' block. Even if that is not the case, but some may feel that whatever they are writing is reaching a stage of saturation and isn't getting any better. Did you face such challenge yourself and how can one overcome it ?
For me, Writer’s block is clearly a painful truth. That’s because I’m distracted a lot of times and easily overwhelmed. An easy solution which works for me is to take a step back and pause. Write another day, live and feel through this one. Not everyday is a good day for writing, but it can be an opportunity for observing, listening and feeling.
10. Your words of wisdom or tips for the aspiring writers.
Ignore the noise and don’t underestimate the power of doubting what you write. Be true to what you feel, never skip past that phase. As important it is to be creative, it’s equally important to write what you’re feeling. Put emotions before technicalities, your readers will feel what you write, they aren’t always interested in your picture perfect grammar and vocabulary. Be simple, but effective. If you aren’t overwhelmed by what you’ve written, stop. Rewrite. Never settle!
11. It has been great to hear from you, so this last question.. what are your plans with writing in future? And if you write a dream book, what would be the story line about?
I would definitely love to publish a poetry collection, the genre and theme aren’t yet established. Down the line, I would love to be a novelist, should I ever craft a powerful story.