Q.1 Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something, not many people know?
A. I hail from Indore and have completed my schooling at various schools across India.
I am a post-graduate in management from the prestigious B-school IMI, New Delhi, and a graduate in Computer Science and Technology. I dreamt of being an author since childhood and one day, in 2016, at 23, I packed a rucksack and left Mumbai, in search of my true self. I met people with extraordinary stories; travelers, entrepreneurs, artists, visionaries, and saints, who gave me the revelation to take steps in a new direction.
I penned my debut novel - ON THE OPEN ROAD: Three Lives, Five Cities, and One Startup. I am glad that it is now receiving a tremendous response from the readers. It draws from my real-life experiences, and I wish to inspire my readers to follow their hearts and live their dreams. Apart from writing and speaking, I enjoy singing and dancing as well.
Q.2 How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
A. I had written a book during my engineering days. I had password-protected it then. Years later, I have no idea how to access it. Connect me if you know someone who can break passwords? Huh!
Q.3 Where do you get your ideas?
A. Reading good books has always empowered me to tell my story better. However, travel is my inspiration. When I need to write, I know I have to make a move, out of the comforts of my city life, meet my characters on the open road, and know what it feels like to live others’ lives.
Q.4 What advice do you have for writers?
A. The only unsuccessful writer is the one who gives up too soon. Keep writing, keep dreaming. The journey to your dreams is going to be full of challenges, but be willing to embrace it, fight it, and move past it.
Q.5 Do you try to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
A. I try to be original, and as honest as I can. Even if it requires me to be irreverent at times. And, voila! I believe that an honest account or narrative always connects with the readers.
Q.6 If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
A. Make a routine, have a schedule, and have deadlines that you aspire to meet.
Q.7 What are the most important magazines or websites for writers to subscribe to?
A. I haven’t subscribed to any magazine in particular. However, I enjoy reading The Ken. I believe writers must read everything, from that false hair growth promise on the sticker of that hair oil bottle to the signboards on the way to the metro station. There are stories, all around us, you just need to look around!
Q.8 What is the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
A. Experiences define the characters. While it’s easier to translate one’s own experiences, it’s a little tricky to imagine the experiences of the characters from the opposite sex. However, speaking and interviewing a lot of people helps us understand their side of the story better.
Q.9 How do you select the names of your characters?
A. I hear, actually listen to the barista call out names when the customer’s coffee is ready. Is that eavesdropping? Clearly not. Is that legal? Absolutely yes! As I mentioned earlier, the stories are all around us.
Q.10 Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
A. Yes, I do read all the reviews. When the review is bad, I note down the points of critique and try to work on them. When the review is good, I give myself a pat on the back and get back to work. Feedback is imperative to grow as a writer.
Q.11 Does your family support your career as a writer?
A. Initially, they never wanted me to quit my high-paying job, and take on a bumpy ride. They wanted me to have a comfortable life as they loved me. The best thing is, I took the decision on my own, and they still love me. They support nevertheless.
Q.12 What do your fans mean to you?
A. My fans, or more correctly put, my readers, mean everything to me. They’re the reason I want to write more and more. The love that I receive is exactly the love I give back to my work. They’re my balance.
Q.13 How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
A. I have authored On The Open Road - Three Lives. Five Cities. One StartUp so far. I’m penning down my next novel which is slated for release in 2019.
Q.14 Do you have any unique and quirky writing habits?
A. I write while I’m on the toilet seat. I hope I’m not banished from the country for being so forthrightly straightforward. But, that’s true. My morning thoughts are the ones that I can’t miss to note down on my smartphone.
Q.15 What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
A. When people write back to me, telling me how much they loved the book, I feel great. But, when people write back to me, telling me that my book inspired action, they could make a move and set out on the journey to their dreams, I feel ecstatic.
Q.16 What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
A. Something I find really odd is that authors do not help fellow authors. I personally believe in building and nurturing a community where we grow together.
Q.17 Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?
A. My book is self-published, and I haven’t by far had the luxury to afford an editor. So, I look forward to having one by my side for the next one. Fingers crossed!
Q.18 Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
A. I’d like to go back in time, the twentieth century precisely, and meet the Italian novelist Italo Calvino. I’m in love with two of his novels. I’d like to sit down over a cup of coffee, somewhere in Italy, or Paris when it rains, and understand his writing process.
Q.19 What is your favorite book and why?
A. My current favorite is If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler.
Q.20 How can readers discover more about you and your work?
A. Website - www.stutichangle.com or write a mail to her at stutichangle@gmail.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/stutichangle
Facebook - www.facebook.com/stutichangle1
Twitter - www.twitter.com/stutichangle
Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/stutichangle
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