Interview With Anita Krishan

    • malini.menon@timesgroup.com
    • Publish Date: Feb 7 2018 11:46AM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Feb 7 2018 11:46AM
Interview With Anita Krishan

Set against the background of the India-Pakistan conflict (1965), ‘Fluffy and Me’ is about a young girl who feels lonesome until the arrival of a mischievous Lhasa Apso at her doorstep. Friendship, life in the hills and the consequences (big and small) of a conflict, and a tween’s perspective are just some of the reasons we adored this book. Author Anita Krishan spoke to us about why every story about our canine friends must be told. Excerpts: 

How much of Fluffy is inspired from real life? 

The book is a truthful depiction of an amazing dog and of our life together. However extraordinary it may appear to the reader, many incidents that Fluffy got himself into are true. Like the protagonist, my family used to live in a lonely cottage surrounded by a pine and oak forest, at a time when not many crimes happened in Shimla. But one summer, Fluffy was poisoned by some miscreants because he was a wonderful guard dog, and it was obvious that the criminals wanted him out of their way. Another time, Fluffy pounced on the chief guest at the dog show, creating an embarrassing situation. 

The book is set in the 1960s Shimla. Was it difficult to tell a story set in the past to a new generation? 
Not at all. I know from personal experience that youngsters love to read stories from the bygone era as they are vastly different from the current scenario.

Why did you weave the 1965 India-Pakistan conflict into the plot? 
The events discussed in the book, and in this chapter, are mostly factual experiences. I felt it was important to discuss war and its futility from a child’s point of view, especially given  the conflict ridden world we live in now. 

Nature too is an important theme that emerges in the book...
Having spent my childhood on the pristine hills of Shimla, I wanted my readers to experience the beauty that nature bestows on us, and the need to preserve it.

Lastly, what’s your advice for procrastinating/newbie writers? 
If you feel the urge to write, don’t suppress it. Writing is a great outlet to voice your emotions and passion. Start by writing about something you are familiar with, something you have have experienced first hand or observed closely. Strive for originality. Do not copy other people’s writings or ideas; though there is no harm in taking inspiration from  your favourite  writers. 

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How to write about your pet as a character

Your reader doesn’t know your pet as well as you do. So make your pet into a fully developed character. Here’s how: 

1. Do they have a favourite spot? Describe what they do there and watch out for something peculiar while they do it. Describe this.  

2. Love talking to your furry friend? Why not jot down the conversations? Note your friend’s response... was it a smile or a grunt? 

3. Do they strike a funny pose at odd times? Write about it. 

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