WRITING SOULFUL POEMS WITH A HEARTFELT GUSTO

Author Interview: Shreyans Kanswa

Shreyans Kanswa has done his B.Tech. in Civil Engineering and M.Tech. in Structural Engineering. Though he runs a construction business, his love for literature has compelled him to dedicate himself to poetry. To stay close to his passion, he is also a part time blogger. Shreyans, a dreamer, spends most of his time delving into the world of nature and philosophy. He has come out with a poetry book “Voice of the soul”. The most mesmerizing thing about his writing is that both complications and enthusiasm thrive on simplicity, as even dilemmas are made to feel desired. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, he talks about his latest book, his writing journey, his favourite books and authors, and much more.


Being a civil engineer and working in the construction business, you have authored a book on poetry? Were you inclined towards writing from the start? Can you tell us more about your writing journey?
No. I was not inclined towards writing. I didn’t even know that I will write a book one day. One of the reasons is the fact that I am an introvert and I loved to read books and talk less. And some books I read inspired me to write. I was not comfortable with other modes of communication. Writing became a way of expressing. And I am writing since then. I can talk to myself when I write.

Can you tell us more about your book “Voice of the Soul”?
Voice of the soul is a book very close to my heart. It is the true voice of my soul. The poems in the book are all different yet with every poem one will feel the essence of the true nature of soul. The poems are easy to understand and those who don’t read poetry will also connect with the poems.

Can you please share the blurb of your poetry book for the benefit of our esteemed readers?
How does it feel to lie just by yourself and delve into the silence. The silence that is a path to deeper self, a self that is unexplored. That same unexplored self can also be regarded as the soul.  While the time ticks on the clock, a bond with your soul is timeless. Such metaphors are rendered powerless when a conversation is created with oneself. These poems mean more than just words, they scream soulfulness. It is rather weird that we go looking for answers outside when all that we have to do is seek deeper within ourselves. The poems are experiences that the poet shares with the world, and these experiences are nothing fancy- they are all moments that the poet experiences with himself. They are questions risen from inquisitiveness and introspection.

How has the response of the readers been to your book?
It has been very amazing. I have got many positive reviews and messages from those who loved the book. I just want to convey to all the readers that poetry is an expression that can inspire your life and with this book they will be inspired.

What are the themes that you have delved into in the mesmerizing poems in the book?
The poems basically are based on the meaning of life and the true nature of existence. Some poems go into the emotional side and make one think.

What do you think of the current scenario in the Indian poetry arena? What themes do you think contemporary poets should write more about?
You can write anything but what one needs to keep in mind that it should be an honest expression either derived from personal experience or your imagination. Also, I would like to say that if you are writing poems on love, it’s okay. It is the most read genre in poetry. But one should not forget to explore other human emotions.

What are your favourite books? Can you share with our esteemed readers about the genres that you like and your favourite authors?
My favourite book is “To kill a mockingbird”. It has changed my perspective on life. You can read it fifteen times and you will learn a new thing every time. I like almost all types of fiction. I am not that much into self-help books. In poetry Charles Bukowski and Robert Frost are my favourites.

What are your other interests apart from writing?
I like reading and watching movies.

Are there any other literary projects in the pipeline?
My next is a collection of short fictional stories.

There are many new writers and poets who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them?
It is great news. I would just say that before publishing they make sure their content is ready for it. They should get a few reviewers among family and friends and show them their work. Because once your book is out it may be subjected to negativity. Once you are sure you can go ahead and publish.

Would you like to give some message for our esteemed readers?
Just stay connected to art in any form. It connects you to your soul and makes you more human. It will be your biggest success.