How did you write your first book Once Upon a Verse? 

It began with my 2016 New Year resolution. I have always loved reading and really enjoyed the bedtime stories read out to me when I was younger.  So when we sat down to discuss our New Year resolutions, one of the 20 resolutions I had set for myself, was to write a poem every month. Out of curiosity and the urge to try something new, I started writing. As I continued this, I enjoyed the process of coming up with new topics, using rhyming schemes, learning and using new words and expressions. By the end of the year, instead of just 12, I ended up with 52 poems – with one written every week. These 52 poems are the ones that got published as my first book.

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Did you ever imagine getting published at such a young age? 

Honestly, no, not at all! I never had the faintest idea that I was going to become a published writer one day. I must however, admit, that while I was writing my poems and posting them on my blog. A lot of people – my family, friends and teachers – took notice of my writing and wanted to read more. So, one day we printed all the poems that I had written and got them bound as a book, so I could show it to my folks. I loved the way my poems looked in the rough draft! That is when we thought of publishing. I don’t know what profession I would take up when I grow older – perhaps an interior designer or a paediatrician. But writing is something I will always continue. It will always be my most favourite thing to do!

What does it feel like to be a young poet?

Being a young poet feels… just absolutely fabulous. I feel a sense of joy in being able to put my thoughts into words not just as an essay or a write-up, but in a poetic way that many find difficult. It has also given me an added passion to enrich my vocabulary and thought process. Ever since my book has been published, I have had so many new experiences, it’s been amazing! The recognition that I have received has been overwhelming. Being interviewed, writing for magazines, being invited to conferences, international events, everything came with such a rush and I must admit, that it’s fantastic. Jaipur Literature Festival, of course, is one of the best things that has happened to me. I have connected through social media, with so many people – not just whom I knew, but even absolute strangers. My horizon is widening, I am learning so many new things continuously. It’s marvellous.

Can you describe a day in the life of Anoushka Sabnis? 

Oh God! I had never thought people would want to know how I, Anoushka Sabnis, go through my day! So, on a regular week day, I get up early morning, dress up for school, have my breakfast and get on my way. School starts with a football coaching session followed by regular subjects, art, music etcetra. Once I am back home, after freshening up, I complete my homework, and any pending class work. If there’s not much work, I indulge in reading a book! Then I have a non-negotiable 2-hour play-time with my neighbourhood friends. In the evening, I spend an hour or so writing the next book that I’m working on. Sometimes I also write poems. Evenings are also time for me to study for my school tests if any. Every so often, I also discuss interesting things with my mom, new ideas to work on. We love watching DIY craft videos & trying them out. I also love shopping online with my mom. Once dinner is ready, I scarf that down, watch a little TV, pick up a book for bedtime-reading and drift off into a great slumber, to be woken up at six the next day, of course.

My weekends are generally fun with late mornings, an occasional movie outing or visiting our relatives in town, sometimes shopping at the mall, or baking a new recipe and long hours of book-reading.

Apart from reading, writing and illustrating, what are the other creative things you do? Craft, dance or anything?

Well apart from these, I really enjoying singing, painting and baking, I learn Indian classical vocal music at home along with harmonium and I love it. I am also part of my school choir. Besides, I am also interested in art and craft – sketching, painting, drawing etcetra. This reflects in school also, as I am a part of my school’s art club as well. On most weekends, I can be found baking a cake or pretzels or bread which is almost like a stressbuster to me.

What is your favourite subject to write about?

I do not have a particular ‘favourite’, but when I write poems, I like to write about nature. When it comes to prose/essay-writing, I enjoy writing about socially relevant topics like gender-equality, stereotyping, environmental crisis, sometimes bitter societal truths, though the latter is something I am still exploring.  

I like reading quotes with deep hidden meanings, and whenever I write a new composition, I try to add my own perspective of depth to it.If we talk of stories, I love writing fiction-fantasy about wonderful things that do not actually, materialistically, exist, but are very much ‘there’ in my stories! Currently I am working on my second book which is in a similar genre.

Tell our readers about illustrating for Once Upon A Verse.

Now that I think of it, the actual purpose of the illustrations was to see to it that my readers were engaged in what the poem was narrating. I wanted to make sure they could visualise what I was trying to portray through my words; to make them actually ‘live’ the poem.

How was 2018 for you in terms of your poetic endeavours?

2018 was a wonderful year for me especially since my book released in December 2017. With all the praise and adulation for my work, it also gave me many platforms to share my poems with varied audiences, both in school and at outside events. I met many different people and became part of many inspiring campaigns, foundations and initiatives. 

I, of course, have continued writing poems. I experimented with some newer forms and techniques of poetry. I also wrote on different topics this past year. I participated in various inter-school competitions and even won some awards.

This year I also decided to expand my writing style and started writing prose. I wrote 4-5 short stories. I participated in the Commonwealth Essay competition and won the Gold Award for my short story. Another essay of mine got published in a book released by an environment foundation. I am currently also working on a novel.

Have you anything planned for 2019? What is in the pipeline for you?

Of course, I have! I am working on my second book, the story of a girl and her mysterious friend and how both have different aspirations and purposes but when they come together they end up doing something incredible in magnitude. I hope to complete my book over the coming few months. I also hope to find a publisher for the same. 

I am also a youth volunteer for an international foundation which will require me to start a child rights’ club and create awareness about the issue; so I’m excited about that too.

I want to learn playing the guitar this year. I also want to attend some photography and creative-writing workshops. I hope 2019 is a fun-filled year for me and everyone else!