Author Interview : Revathi Raj Iyer
Posted on March 11, 2018
Revathi Raj Iyer, author of “My Friendship with Yoga” published by LiFi Publications, is a freelance writer, book reviewer, company director, service volunteer, and yoga/fitness enthusiast. Professionally qualified as Company Secretary (India & New Zealand) with legal background, she has worked in the corporate field for over a decade. She bid adieu to a rewarding career with a multinational to become a full time mum and pursue her twin passions: yoga and full-time writing. She lives in Ahmedabad, India and has completed her next book which is a collection of short stories.
Let’s get to know her more-
Tell us something about your recently published book My Friendship With Yoga.
My Friendship with Yoga is about my progression from learning under an instructor to achieving confidence in self-practice and sharing my varied experiences with readers. I have presented the complicated aspects of yoga in a lucid style with practical hints so as to cater book lovers of all age groups and skill levels.
When did you start writing?
I began as a closet writer at a very young age. As a book lover, I have often wondered as to what it takes to be on the other side and how wonderful it would be to connect with readers all over the world. I started reviewing books and was invited to join the panel of Muse India. I also began writing stories, poems, limericks and articles. This was my transition phase. As my work started getting acknowledged in magazines, both print and online, I felt encouraged and continued to write. I then decided to combine my passion for yoga and writing to reach out to a wider audience. “My Friendship with Yoga” thus took shape and was launched on the 10th January, 2017 at the New Delhi World Book Fair. Thanks to LiFi Publications for making this happen!
Interesting! What is the purpose of your writing?
Writing is very therapeutic and it makes me happy. I love to connect with people through my work. “My Friendship with Yoga” is my humble attempt to inspire readers and spread awareness of health by sharing all what I have been exposed to.
What inspired you to bring forth this idea as a book?
Physical activity was dominant in my life right from an early age. I trained as a classical dancer since my school days and this continued till my late twenties. For almost a decade there was a complete break as I became engrossed with my career together with being a hands on mum to a lovely little daughter alongside other demands that needed my attention. Things changed when we moved to Fiji Islands. I chose to take a break from my corporate career and became a full time mum. I got back into fitness with intense aerobics and strength training, along with a bunch of friends. Around that time when I was in my late thirties, I began to read about yoga, tai chi and was filled with an urge to learn something different. As destiny would have it, a disciple of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar was deputed to Fiji to introduce this ancient tradition to the people of Fiji. Yoga was at my door step and thus began my journey in this paradise island. To me it was an exercise, dance, meditation and gradual awakening of a hidden spiritual side within me. I embraced yoga with heartfelt love and since then it has become part of my routine. It made me realize as to how yoga can change one’s lifestyle and perception. I understood its therapeutic as well as meditative aspects and felt inspired to share my friendship with yoga.
What is your idea of meditation and spirituality?
My idea of meditation is being able to improve concentration and develop a receptive, calm and open mind that wishes to learn and evolve. To me, spirituality is self-discovery and being able to experience the divinity that is within each one of us.
Which of your works have been published so far?
My debut book titled “My Friendship with Yoga” was launched at the New Delhi World Book Fair, in January, 2017. Since then it has been exhibited at several International Book Fairs viz. London, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Tehran, Colombo, Indonesia and Beijing under the auspices of The National Book Trust, India. It was also displayed at the College & Research Libraries Conference, Baltimore.
Many of my short stories, flash fiction, book reviews and other writings have been published in Muse India. Click onto author index link followed by my name to view these.
Short story “The Visitor” and “Serendipitous moment” were published in Woman’s era
My poem “She” was published in Singapore based Kitab.
Two of my poems “Timeless friendship” and “Rizzu” were published in The Sunday
Hans, newspaper.
Another poem “An evening to remember” was published in the print version of Woman’s era.
My Facebook Page “Expression of Pearls” showcases my work.
Woah! That’s far too many 😀
So how was this journey of becoming a published author?
To me, success is being able to accomplish my goals that I set at the start of each year and happiness is to enjoy that journey. Hence, the journey of becoming a published author has been extremely exciting and fulfilling. It is important to follow the guidelines and present a well-crafted proposal to capture the attention of the publisher since that will start the dialogue between a potential author and publisher. Be relentless but patient in your efforts. “Where there is a will, there is a way” is the mantra that kept me on my toes. A professional approach and adhering to deadlines helps build a rapport with the publisher. I used to meticulously check and edit my manuscript at every stage of completion, along with the team of Lifi.
Have you self-published your book or followed the traditional approach?
My book has been published under the traditional method.
Which approach is better according to you: traditional or self-publishing, and why?
I think there is a lot more challenge and excitement in the traditional approach as opposed to self-publishing a book. However, the marketing and promotion is something the author has to be actively involved in and support the publisher, regardless of the method of publishing.
What should the beginners do today?
They could seek the support of a mentor who will be able to guide them along the way, unless they are self-starters with penchant and drive for excellence.
What is your take on book publishing as you see the current scenario?
It is a highly competitive business but still there is room for emerging writers to create their own footprint.
What are your forthcoming writings?
My next project is a collection of intriguing, theme based short stories with interesting backdrop ranging from the dainty dwellings of India to the land of the long white clouds and larger than life characters.
What are the four top most things you take care of while writing a book?
Syntax, Style, Narration, & Milieu
I see! What is your favorite genre and why?
My favorite genre is a racy thriller as it breaks my routine.
What / Who is your biggest source of inspiration in life?
Humility and generosity are the traits that inspire me the most. My source of inspiration keeps changing all the time that I now have a long list of ones who have touched my life.
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Health scare that fortunately turned out to be a misdiagnosis – yoga & meditation helped me through the whole phase.
If you had to live a day of your life as one of the living or dead personality, who would it be and why?
My namesake actress / director Revathi for her talent and versatility.
And finally, any message for the readers?
Rejections are a part of the whole process of being ultimately accepted and acknowledged, as a writer. Please do not give up, no matter what, and pursue your passion, despite the road blocks. Do not ever succumb to this self-created monster, the so called ‘writer’s block’, which is a fragment of our own imagination. Think of the book lovers and connect with them. Write for them and the passion will always be with you.
#Thankyou #Lifipublications #madhurivarma #lifi #Readers #yogabiddies #Iyengaryoga #Harekrishna
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