Funny, moving and always entertaining, Richa S. Mukherjee's new novel, EXCESS BAGGAGE, is an ode to families everywhere. On occasion of her latest release, here is a conversation with the author, who is also a celebrated blogger and a writer for several online platforms besides being a novelist -

1.  When and how did your writing journey start? 

I started writing poetry as a child, enchanted by such a raw and untethered means of expression. My novel writing started on the threshold of a hectic maternity leave. It was an antidote to the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded me and I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t think of ever stopping to write.

2.  Your earlier book was Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd. And this one is EXCESS BAGGAGE. Why is fiction your preferred genre? 

Whether its a mother trying to force feed a toddler or an adult being convinced by advertisers into buying things he/she doesn’t need, we have always relied on storytelling as a medium to coax and communicate. Its the most time tested and effective way to connect with people. I am no different. It is a privilege to find oneself capable of evocative storytelling that can make a difference to someone. By making them laugh, cry, momentarily transporting them. Whether its humorous thrillers or contemporary fiction, the raconteur in me will always find a way!

3.  Storytelling, they say is very intuitive. Do you agree? Or, do you feel that conscious observation and craft are the primary drivers?

Writers rely strongly on intuition and organic expression to create impact. In fact that is what differentiates one writer from another. Our body of experiences, thoughts, beliefs and opinions essentially construct our world view and compels us to write in a certain way. I believe most of what we process comes to us from our immediate environment. What we see and hear, in a way bakes and solidifies into what we feel. Hence observation, processes, reading for inspiration and enlightenment are myriad weapons in every writers arsenal that he or she reaches for as per their needs and moods. Some seasoned writers have honed their craft to such an extent that it comes very naturally to them, but I feel that most of us usually rely on a combination of factors as mentioned above.

4.  Why is your latest called Excess Baggage? Please shed some light on the process of deciding on a book's title as per your experience.

This is a story about imperfect relationships in a world that is increasingly driven by the need to strive for perfection or at-least to portray that all is swell. It is about a mother and daughter who consider themselves misfits in each others lives. In essence, Excess baggage alludes not only to the crazy journey that the duo embark on but also the odd dynamic between the two. The search for book titles is sometimes tricky and at other times, as smooth as a Highland malt! Its best to be fluid and let it be a collaborative effort (along with publishers and editors). The title of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd came to me even before I wrote the book, but arriving at Excess baggage took a long while and several discussions. I didn’t expect to be expecting, my first book was in hindsight a fun but very long and laboured title (no pun intended) that ended up becoming a mouthful.

5.  What are your five top tips for aspiring storytellers?

· Stop comparing yourself to other writers.

· Don’t emulate the writing style of someone you admire. How you write is your unique voice.

· There are several story ideas waiting to be discovered in your immediate vicinity. Absorb. Listen.

· Poems, posts, short stories, everything you write is practice. Write more to understand what you enjoy writing.

· Read. Then read some more.

6.  What about the famous writer's block? Have you also faced it? How do you overcome it?

I tell myself I can’t afford the luxury as my writing happens in the time I snatch and reclaim from hectic everydays. On the days I feel that my thoughts or words are taking a while, I leave them and return later. I get some of my best ideas while working out or at the most inopportune times when I can’t even note them down! Basically, not coercing the creativity works for me. Reading and music also help.

7.  Would you call yourself a methodical writer or do you have a more spontaneous approach? How important is routine in writing? 

I am more intuitive as a writer and excessive compartmentalisation stifles my mind. However, with every successive book I’ve discovered the merits of defining an over all approach, especially when I’m writing thrillers. Craft, structure and plot graphs are essential to transform an amorphous idea into a enjoyable, impactful piece of work. While artists can explode their canvas with the hubris of raw emotions, I believe writers need to deliver their work in a more cohesive and concise manner to connect in a meaningful way with readers. Some great works are born at the confluence of intuitive writing married to industriousness and craft. While I don’t have any set routine, I try and write as much as I can, allowing enough room for movement. If I am too rigid with set expectations, then it ends up creating frustration.

8.  What are some of your perennial favorite reads? Those that you turn to for comfort or inspiration?

I find something to celebrate and enjoy in almost everything that I read but certain authors and genres feel like a comfortable, tattered yet warm blanket. Here are some of my all time favourites - Georgette Heyer, PG Wodehouse, Erma Bombeck, Rabindranath Tagore and poetry (all kinds) plus children's literature.

Get yourself a copy of EXCESS BAGGAGE and sign up for a fun and pacy read here - https://www.amazon.in/dp/9353579732/ref=cmswrsmapafabcR9sZFbZXMV5F9