The Subtle Braiding: Interview : Rubina Ramesh

I always wondered about sending some questions to any random author for whom we were doing a Blog Tour on TBC but not a single question ever came to my mind. But then we had "Knitted Tales" and I was sad because I was asked to send only five questions for Rubina Ramesh.

"Some people are not extremely close but still they pour some warmth."

In conversation with Rubina Ramesh.
Writer, Reviewer, Second name of TBC.

1. How were you pushed in the world of books?

With your Grand-dad a writer and your mom swimming in the world of books, how can you not? I can't remember when I started reading. It was always there with me. My dad would get transferred every 3 years. So books had to become my best friend. Same thing happened after marriage. So with wheels on my heels, books have been my life partner always :)

2. Managing a book club, reviewing books and now writing one. How were the three phases?

Never thought of this one. Writing came first. I wrote a sci-fi for an anthology much before the Book Club was formed. Book Club has gone through many phases. People have left me and rejoined or unfriended me. Hah hah.. but I am stuck with TBC. There are days I am fed up, want to give up and then a cute letter drops in my mailbox saying that a new author wants to be promoted. I get hooked. I love promoting new authors, aspiring one. The one's that have the drive and zeal to face any reviewer, however, harsh they might be –so every time a new author turns up the wheels start rolling again.

Reviewing is the toughest job for me. I hate criticizing any writer. Yet I cannot praise always. Most of my reviews are private. I am not looking to be acknowledged as a reviewer for this is one of the toughest jobs in the literary world. A job that does not get you money but costs you many relationships.

3. What inspired you to write the book?

Knitted Tales was based on prompt writing in Wrimo India Group. We had such fun during those days. We fought over good writing, were passionate over our viewpoints and it was simply about the art of writing. The Knitted Tales were kicked, abused and then loved in Wrimo India.

Most of the stories are taken from life or incidents I have heard. But the endings and the sequences are mine. You know those small things that you hear and you go in a 'mungeri lal' mode? I often do that. And Knitted Tales does prove that I have a very wrapped sense of imagination. :P

4. Do you think short stories are easy or hard to pen then a complete tale? What was your experience?

I cannot consciously sit and write a short story. I cannot plan a short story. It has to happen. Something bursting inside me to be told. It comes very naturally and I will not change a single event after I write it. But novels are planned. Characters are built and events are plotted. It has to have a depth which should suck in a reader. It took me four years to write Finding the Angel and a few hours to write each story of Knitted Tales.

5. If you want to change one thing in your book what would it be?

Not one thing. I am very stubborn that way :D As I said, each story has to come out naturally. I never plan them. So how can I change them? :D

It's really fun to know some people. :)

You can read my review of Knitted Tales here.