Elina Kumra

What was your favorite book as a child?

As a child, my favorite book was Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I can still vividly recall the sense of wonder and thrill that swept over me as I read and re-read the delightful tale of Max and his journey to the land of Wild Things. The book's potent blend of imagination and reality appealed to me even back then, echoing the very essence of what I strive to capture in my writing today. The subtext of the story that hinted at the comforting embrace of home and the transformative power of imagination left a lasting impression on me, shaping my perspective of storytelling at an early age.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

My initial motivation to start writing creatively was triggered by a deep-rooted desire for self-exploration and articulation of my identity. From my early days of journaling, I found peace and solace in converting my thoughts and experiences into written words. Writing was, and still is, my way of making sense of my place in this world. It began as a cathartic process, a conduit to explore and examine my thoughts, emotions, and struggles. Writing transcends to include humor, drama, and wit, offering more than cleverness or sermons. The ability to shape narratives from my own experiences and weave stories that are deeply personal, yet universal in emotion, eventually propelled me towards creative writing.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

One of the most adventurous things I've ever done was embarking on a five-day hiking trip across the Appalachian Mountains. Much like the characters in my writing navigating their personal journeys, this experience, filled with challenges and unexpected encounters, became an exploration of my own endurance and resilience. Each step on the rigorous trails echoed the procession of thoughts and revisions inherent in every writing draft I create. The exhilarating encounter with nature's raw beauty, the quiet solitude, and the ultimate triumph of completion — all those emotions seep into my writing, enriching it with vivid recounting of personal experiences.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

Yes, I often listen to music while writing. I find that just as Virginia Woolf “found solace in the world of the book,” I find a similar refuge in the melodies that complement my creative process. The tranquil notes of a Chopin nocturne or the vibrant hues of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons infuse rhythm and mood into my narratives, assisting the flow of thoughts onto the canvas of a blank document. However, it’s crucial that the music remains a backdrop, aiding rather than intruding upon my mental conversation with the characters and plot. While reading, I prefer the silence, allowing the words to create their own symphony, unaccompanied by any external stimuli.