Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am a certified Montessori teacher and trainer as well as a B.com (Honours) graduate in International Business from the University of Rajasthan. I have worked in several professions and like to call myself a jack of all trades but a master of none. A rolling stone, gathering experiences along the way, from being an auditor, principal, trainer, and now a prolific short story writer, poetess, and enthusiastic volunteer in the mental health space.

Komal Gupta is a poetess and author. She has written 2 books on poetry viz ‘Verses Of Time’ and ‘Of Silhouette Words & Moonflowers”. She is also a content writer.

Ronak: How was the idea of Tejaswini Aura born? What was the inspiration behind the same?

Komal: The answer to this question lies in the misty realms of idealism, reality, and intrinsic motivation. My inspiration lies in the everydayness of life, the wonder of the miracle of life. The smallest things, words, and gestures are a source of endless contemplation and reflection. My writing process synthesizes these ruminations, how things are not what they seem. The machinations of the undercurrents of thoughts, gestures, and synchronicities of the universe play a role in our perceptions. Words inspire, too; they are the thoughts that walk lines and say so much yet so little, depending on the sentence placement. This is especially true of poetry; the words have a life of their own and can simultaneously hide and say so much. This is a life of grace, play, and presence filled with awe and gratitude, a truly magical journey. Tejaswini Aura is the culmination of this stream of thought- my pen name and my writing identity.

Ronak: How did you get started as a poet?

Komal: My writing journey started in 2013 when I began writing on Wattpad, a community of writers and poets. I have always been an avid reader since childhood, and writing was always my forte. Words enchant and mystify with their everchanging meanings and combinations. The process of writing is magical and enjoyable to me. My first foray into writing was into the world of poetry. I was featured on many national and international platforms, besides winning competitions. I have since branched out to freelance content writing and short stories while continuing to write poetry prolifically. My intrinsic motivation comes from the words of Jason Silva; “Words are magical spells, not only descriptive but also generative. Become an author of your reality.” I have been trying to do that and also believe that “The world is made of words, and if you know what the words are, you can make anything,” as quoted by Jason Silva.

Ronak: How did you get your first piece published? Any significant obstacles that you faced?

Komal: I have been published across all media channels. No obstacles as such; I think intent and clarity are important. It shows through one’s writing and helps speed up the publication process. At times, rejections have been a part of the process, but I feel they push one to work harder and polish one’s craft. This is the magic of the process, and one shouldn’t be disheartened. It all comes together one day! The key is to work hard and work smarter. Technological advancements have made it easier for writers to learn different concepts and styles at a faster pace and integrate them with their brand of writing.

Ronak: Do you enjoy meeting your readers and promoting your books?

Komal: Book promotions are an important part of the process, a culmination of all the hard work put in. It is an enjoyable experience. One becomes a personal brand as an author, an extension of the writing world we as writers inhabit. It helps in getting feedback, and one always feels motivated meeting people who have enjoyed your writing. It is like a springboard to work ahead on your thoughts and ideas, allowing one to push boundaries in every literal sense.

Ronak: In your opinion, how have readers’ interests changed after the availability of e-books?

Komal: E-books are an extension of words reaching out to the readers. I feel that they have their niche, and reading interest has increased during the last few years. The more, the merrier, as readers like me would say, hardcovers and e-books! Given the availability of e-books and their easy accessibility, I think it has increased the reader base and sparked on-the-go reading habits too.

Ronak: What kind of readings do you enjoy yourself? Do you try to include those in your writing as well?

Komal: I am any kind of genre-reading person. Everything fascinates me and is a door to learning about writing, life, and the world. I admit that mystery has a special appeal for me and spirituality books. As writers, we tend to absorb most of the world in the form of experiences that remain signposts of memory. These do surface in writings, especially poetry and short stories.

Ronak: Can you share the learnings from your journey with budding poets and authors?

Komal: My learnings to share with everyone would be to write and start writing. Put the words on the lines. Be you. The words are yours; there will be nobody like you. Embrace this uniqueness, this life-changing reality, and transfer the enchantment onto the lines.

First and foremost, read as you have never before, and see how the world is to others. Assimilate, absorb, ruminate and then begin to forge your perspectives. Reading is the rabbit hole of Time, where as a writer, one has to disappear to come out wonderstruck and inspired on the other side. You will never go wrong ever. Be an alchemist and a dream weaver; use words with discernment, agency, and intention. Jason Silva says, “Be the wizards, music makers, and dreamers of dreams. Remember this and make it your guiding light in your writing journey. This is the magic of poetry and all writing.