Hi! Before the year 2020 comes to a close, we are featuring today, Author Piyusha Vir who has written 3 books and has pushed countless readers to read books. Our Kaffeinated rendezvous with Piyusha is about her third and the latest book, Daśāvatāra .
For those who haven’t got any inkling about the book, here is the book blurb:
Long before superheroes in capes conquered our imagination, there was Lord Vishnu!
In Hindu mythology, wherever there is evil and whenever the world needed to be rescued, He would materialise to fulfil His role as preserver and protector. Vishnu was also the shapeshifter supreme, manifesting in different forms through different time zones and worlds.
Daśāvatāra is a fun retelling of stories about Lord Vishnu’s ten avatars, how they manifest in the world and how they save it. Trekking across these pages are also fearless warriors and kings, mystical and mythical creatures, powerful gods and goddesses and powerful demons. Dazzling illustrations come together with riveting stories to truly capture the essence of a mighty god and his timeless miracles.
Published by Westland Publications, under their children’s imprint, Red Panda. Available offline at bookstores and online on Amazon.
So let’s begin by knowing more about the creator of Daśāvatāra:
KK: How long have you been writing?
PV: My earliest pieces of creative writing are from childhood. Over the years though, life happened, and I lost touch with writing. I’ve been actively pursuing writing seriously since November 2015.
KK: What kind(s) of writing do you do?
PV: I write stories about topics and subjects I feel strongly about – mostly, feminism with my protagonists being strong female characters.
KK: How did you become involved with the “subject or theme” of your book?
PV: Mythology has always been a topic of interest, although I had never thought I would write such stories myself. When the opportunity to write these stories came, I grabbed it with both hands.
KK: Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?
PV: I’ve always been fascinated by mythology. I believe it holds immense wisdom and learning that is applicable even today. At the same time, I do not want to let go of my rationalist mind-set and the scientific approach of asking questions. While science does provide the answers, our religious scriptures encourage one to arrive at our own conclusions based on individual experiences. When I began exploring and writing these stories, I wanted to bring forth the need to constantly question and explore, while also having faith (though not blind faith!)
KK: How does your book relate to your spiritual practice/beliefs?
PV: Spirituality is all about seeking your own answers and conclusions. The stories in my book prompt the reader to ask certain questions, but I consciously stay away from providing the answers. The quest for those answers that are hidden within oneself is what makes the whole journey spiritual.
KK: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
PV: I wanted to tell good stories, stories that entertain and educate without being preachy. I do believe I’ve succeeded in doing just that. At least, the feedback from readers tells me I did.
KK: What are some of the references that you used while researching this book?
PV: I read a lot of blogs, books, articles etc on mythology and specifically on the ten avatars of Vishnu. Mythology is so vast that it’s easy to get lost if one does not specifically narrow the focus of research. I consciously refrained from getting pulled in too deep, else this would have become a life-long project. 😀
KK: What do you think most characterizes your writing?
PV: I’ve most often heard readers praise my writing as ‘from the heart’ or ‘honest’ , so I would go with that being what characterizes my writing most. This is not to say that other writers are being fake or not writing what they truly feel or mean. It’s just that I don’t worry about what I may come across as, and I guess that comes from who I am as a person – straightforward and blunt.
KK: What was the hardest part of writing this book?
PV: The hardest part was striking a balance between modern scientific way of thinking and keeping the faith factor intact. I, personally, ascribe to a rational thought process and walk the thin line between accepting certain lessons from mythology and rejecting some others. To put that across in writing, while also keeping true to the stories that have been there for ages together was a challenge.
KK: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
PV: I think, strangely, what was the toughest bit was also the most enjoyable. To be able to strike that balance successfully, to put forth stories that are fantastical in nature and yet logical and rational was fun.
KK: Any tips you want to share with others who are interested in writing a book in the mythology genre?
PV: Mythology contains some extremely valuable teachings but writing stories that entertain and educate without being preachy is not something that comes easily. My only advice would be to write what you believe in without taking the higher moral stand for yourself. While the stories need to be re-evaluated and adapted to a modern existence that encourages gender equality, compassion, and empathy, it cannot be done by imposing these values on the readers. We need to take the past along with the present, as we move towards the future.
KK: Thanks a lot for your valuable time and your answers. We really loved having your book in our December Book Box that was focused on mythology. We hope your book achieves great success that it deserves!
About Piyusha Vir:
A CELTA-certified English Language Trainer and a Creative Writing Coach, Piyusha Vir quit her high-profile hotel sales career and turned to writing in 2015.
Her writings on various platforms like Sheroes, LBB Delhi, Readomania, Momspresso and Womens Web have won her much accolades and appreciation.
She has authored three books – Just Another Day-a collection of thriller short stories, and Dashavatar-Stories of Lord Vishnu, both published by Readomania Publishing, Dasavatara (for children) published by Westland Publishing, under their children’s imprint, Red Panda.