In fact, I'd started working on the last of my “Pursuits” and would have continued to complete it but somehow I found myself being drawn towards writing poems – them being a medium through which I could spontaneously jot down my feelings/observations in the form of simple verses, of course peppered with a liberal dose of my fertile imagination. Also, I did not follow any rules or any particular form. If you care to read a few of the poems from the book, you will notice that most of them are simple, non lyrical and direct. Critics may even find them too simplistic, lacking even the basic tenets of Poetry writing. (If something like that exists or is followed). But to me, they appeared just right . J
When and how the set of 40 poems were written and completed…I never realized. But once the collection was there in front of me…I could do nothing but take the next step and get them published. It was not an easy process. I was told that Poetry does not sell in India. Everyone I knew or approached told me so. My determination grew with every negative response. Finally and fortunately, things just fell in place on their own. And I decided to go ahead and self publish the book. (The book with its attractive cover page, cheerful title, apt illustrations with each poem and cost effectiveness, makes it extremely appealing to the youth and curious minds).
The release of the book was also a proud moment for me, one that I will always cherish. I was invited by my alma mater as a Guest of Honour for a "National Seminar on poetry," held on Feb 10,2012, which in itself was a huge honour. I decided to release my collection titled "Poetry Out and Loud” during the inaugural function of the prestigious event. My ex Principal graciously agreed to let me not only launch the book during the inaugural function of the event but also released the same himself along with the Vice Chancellor of Jabalpur University. It was a well covered event and I could not have asked for a better way of bringing it out. I shall always remain deeply grateful to my ex Principal, Fr. Davis George and my College for presenting me with this wonderful opportunity.
It’s indeed my good fortune that I was smoothly able to bring out the collection despite reservations by many of my well wishers and even industry insiders about the viability of this project.
Would the book sell? Would a country that has recently woken up to reading books especially fiction (courtesy a few contemporary writers who set the trend with their informal, conversational style stories that struck a chord with the young Indians readers like never before), pick up a book of poems, let alone read it? After all, Poetry is seen as something uncool, complex, boring, subdued and for the literati circle.
All such questions and many more need to be answered and hopefully they will be in the coming months. “POETRY OUT AND LOUD” is out. It is being discussed and talked about though in limited circles right now. Hopefully, with the right kind of platform and visibility, it will attract young India towards Poetry reading and writing both.
Strangely a country where poetry first originated and developed as a form of literature does not have a popular following. Because of my own love for the particular written form, I have attempted to do my bit. Rest as they say - Que sera sera…
Link to eBook -
http://www.infibeam.com/
Link to Paperback -
http://www.infibeam.com/Books/-poetry-out-loud-sujata-parashar/9788190964098.html
Link to Paperback -
http://www.infibeam.com/Books/-poetry-out-loud-sujata-parashar/9788190964098.html
Face book Fanpage of “Poetry Out and Loud” -
First of all i would certainly congratulate for this bold step..despite odds against you, you moved ahead. Bravo!
ReplyDeletePoets are themselves to blame for lack of response...and you indirectly addressed the issue. Poems should be simple, should relate in simple tersm, should talk about something known...simplicity is the real solution of poetry not the meter, similies, rhyme.
If I can't understand, i"m bound to bounce and there the effort of the poet goes to the drain.
India has been through a renaissance and it's very good that prose has united them while complicated, metaphysical poetry has made them to twist their nose.
Bravo, bravo you've done it. Big hand to you and poetry.
Thanks.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I agree with your views. Poetry does need a big round of applause as its the most beautiful, honest and spontaneous form of expression that connects hearts. :-)
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