THIS BOOK OFFERS AN EMOTIONAL RIDE THROUGH ASSORTED POEMS

Author Interview: Gurpreet Sachdev

Gurpreet Sachdev is an IT consultant who lives with his family in Delhi. He also runs an online technical blog site. He posts his latest poetry and travelling pictures on Instagram (@gurpreetsachdev_). He has recently come out with the book “Yellow Tree”, which is his debut poetry collection. In the book, he has delved into topics like love, grief, frustrations, conflict, and sensuality. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, he talks about his book, his writing journey, his favourite books and authors, and much more. Read on!



Please tell us more about Gurpreet Sachdev as a person.

I am an ambivert and curious person who wants to explore the world and know different things. I have a long bucket list that includes visiting uncommon places, trying weird food and doing adventure sports. I believe that life should be enriched with different experiences so you should always learn and try out new things, have new hobbies and add meaning to life. But at the core I am a simple person who is also happy in a lazy afternoon with family, some Blues and wine in peace.



Has writing always been a part of your life? Or did you chance upon it later on and then instantly fell in love with it?

If I remember correctly, I read ‘Come Slowly, Eden’ by Emily Dickinson in school and it just stayed with me. When I got into college I started reading more of Emily and other classic poets. It inspired me to try out writing, starting with poems that rather sounded like songs. My earlier attempts at poetry were influenced by these classical poets but as I grew up, my style also grew and evolved with me. I have been writing on and off ever since whenever I get enough time from my job.



What inspires you to write?

Anything and everything. People, places, art and most importantly experiences – sometimes mine and sometimes of others.



Please tell us more about your book “Yellow Tree”.

It is collection of poetry pieces written over a decade. Each poem is independent and is filled with emotions and deep meaning. They will take you on a ride through different moods like love, sorrow, anger. It is a reflection of the places and people that have come and gone, leaving a piece of themselves behind, sometimes of their own. Each poem is in its own as the way it should be. I want readers to read it without any prenotion or presumption and enjoy each single piece as a whole.



How did the idea of writing this book originate? When did you start writing this book and how long did it take you to finish it?

Having a poetry book published had been a dream for a long time. I never thought about the specifics like the theme or title for the book. The idea of “Yellow Tree” was conceived last year when I realized that I had waited too long for this book to happen and I should do something. I started making a list of my favourite poems that may not necessarily be the best of the lot. It took me about 6 months to have the first copy of the book in my hand. But then, it's just me being lazy and preoccupied with my job that the book project had to be put on the backburner a few times.



What topics have you delved into and what themes have you explored in your poetry book “Yellow Tree”?

There is no single theme to the book. The poems were not written keeping the book or any theme in mind. They are the product of amusement, emotions and sometimes alcohol. The book is an assortment of poetry pieces written in different moods, time and state of mind. The poems with similar mood or style are grouped together - romance, heartbreak, life lessons, grunge and at the end the oldest pieces written with rhythmic meters.



How do you respond to writer’s block or not knowing what to write?

I do not force and wait patiently. It is important to not get frustrated. I listen to music, read, go out for a walk, spend some time alone, anything that brings peace to your mind and gets you in the writing zone. The inspiration eventually comes to you.



Nowadays, poetry is being shared on various social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. What do you think about this new phenomenon of “Instapoets” which is changing the face of poetry?

Poetry has always been evolving and in today's internet savvy and fast paced world, where attention span is very short, the tiny poems or quotes have become more popular, especially among the groups who are not traditional book readers, per se. They can connect instantly with a line or quote posted online. I think it is a new genre of poetry and it is not going to affect the other styles or genres of poetry. Just like Hip-Hop or Rap didn't kill other genres in music. Yes, it has become a pop-culture now and it is perfectly fine.



Can you recommend five books from any genre, for our readers to add to their reading lists, that you particularly cherish?

I am a slow reader and have a taste for political and history books. Here are a few that I can think of: (A) “Love is a Dog from Hell” by Charles Bukowski - I always recommend this one. (B) “The Jesus Family Tomb” by Simcha Jacobovici and Charles Pellegrino. (C) “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. (D) “The Country Without a Post Office” by Agha Shahid Ali. (E) “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking.



How many hours do you spend writing and what helps you to get into the writing mood?

The number of hours vary from day to day. Sometimes, I am full of ideas and inspirations and sometimes I am blank for weeks. But, I usually spend at least an hour daily trying to write or reading my own poems for inspiration.
Reading or listening to music always gets me in the writing mood.



What are you working on next? Any exciting new projects our readers should look out for?

I have a collection of short poems, the kind that is popular nowadays. These are the ones that could never fully blossom and were left unfinished and are mere quotes or stanzas now. They are more popular on social media and I want for them to have a home too.



There are many new writers and poets who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them?

Don't wait too long. If you absolutely feel your poems must have a home to call, an identity and be shared with wider audience, then go for it. The books stay forever so will your writing. Don't do it for fame but to quench the same urge that makes your write.



Can you share with our readers a motivational quote that keeps you going?

“You have to die a few times before you can really live.”