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Kamala Sarup, author of the short story ‘Samjhanaka Anubhutiharu’ (2004) writes about undercurrents of love and friendship with a mellow wisdom that is usually born of age. Literature is more than mere entertainment and remains pertinent over time. ‘Samjhanaka Anubhutiharu’ is a story that addresses human issues and touches gently on the eternal questions. In writing ‘Samjhanaka Anubhutiharu’ she tried to set out a number of measures for the reader.
She wrote and published many articles, books and research papers. Some of her publications are: Women's Empowerment (Booklet, 1999). Prevention of Trafficking in Women and Girls for Prostitution Through Media, (Book, 1997-1998. B.P. Koirala Foundation, New Delhi.) Efforts to Prevent Trafficking in Women & Girls - A Pre-Study for Media Activism (Asmita, Media research, 1998). Samjhuta Ko Modma (Stories collection 1993).
She also served as a program coordinator at the Media Point School of Professional Journalism and also served as program assistance in the Radio Nepal’s analytical program called Ghatana Ra Bichar. Kamala Sarup is a chief reporter of the Asmita, women’s magazine and she is a regular writer of The Nepal Digest, Paradesh and US columnist of The People’s Review, English weekly. She was vice president of INLS in Washington DC.
Sarup spoke recently with Ramesh Sharma.
1. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Kamala: When I started writing I didn't have any confidence in my writing. I didn't have the confidence that my subject would be of interest to anyone. I'd always liked writing stories. I published several poems and stories. Every time I had an idea I would think, I could use this in a story. I wanted to write a story because I loved to read stories.
2. How do you approach characterization?
Kamala: I try to use unique details rather than a bland inventory of a character's experience. So readers can remember what the characters say and how they say it. I pay a lot of attention.
3. Do you have any particular reason for writing on women's issues?
Kamala: I am a woman so I would very much like women of all backgrounds to pick up my stories. I would like to say, a lot of women from different culture have influenced me as well. I'm very happy in the way I write. Writing a short story is more challenging I believe.
4. What books have had a strong influence on your writing?
Kamala: I admire many writers. Similarly I'm a big fan of Nepali writers Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Parijat, and B.P. Koirala. I also read Dickens, Mrs. Gaskell, Eliot, Conrad, James. The people who've influenced me most in my writing are - Edgar Rice Burroughs, Conan Doyle, and Michael Moorcock. They taught me writing style.
5. What are your favourite books?
Kamala: ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen, ‘Anna Karenina’ by Leo Tolstoy, any of the Patrick O'Brian sea novels, ‘Troilus and Criseyde’ by Geoffrey Chaucer, ‘Judgment in Stone’ by Ruth Rendell and Shakespeare.
6. What comes next?
Kamala: I'm finishing up a couple of stories for my first English collection. I'm working on a new novel too. When I'm working on a novel, I try to do at least 200 words a day. Some days I feel good about my work, and sometimes I feel I've never written anything worthwhile.
7. What is your favourite part of writing a novel?
Kamala: My favourite part of the process is simply to be sitting at my chair first thing in the morning and knowing I have an uninterrupted stretch of several hours. I guess in the end it’s a sort of meditation on love and loss and what makes life meaningful.
8. What does being a writer mean to you?
Kamala: I want to write a lot of books. I appreciate your letters and your support.
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