The INSPIRING STORY of a passionate writer who with her resolve and determination became a successful and noted poetess and an internationally published author.
Q. Take us back to your beginnings and how it led to the opportunity to become a noted poetess & internationally published author?
Well! If I talk about the beginnings, then I will have to go back to my school days. I was a brilliant student who won many creative writing competitions. In college, I became the managing editor of the college magazine and received college colour in public speaking. So I was always good with words.
Later on, I got into scripting and anchoring events and reciting poetry in various events.
I received immense love, respect and adulation which encouraged me to become a published author and a poet. It is indeed the love of people and my readers which has made me a noted poetess and a much-loved writer. People call me , “Revered Poetess” and my poems are being translated into Indian and foreign languages. Also, my father was a man of letters and would daily discuss poets, playwrights, essayists and authors of different eras. He played a great role in shaping my mind and the culture at home made me what I am today.
Q. If you weren’t a Poetess & Author, what would you want to do?
(Laughs) I am a natural poet and a writer and it is hard to even imagine anything else. Even after winning Beauty contests and getting offers from the fashion world and Bollywood back in time, I could only think about writing. Writing is not only a passion but it is almost like a meditation to me.
This is also the reason why people are loving my work and I am receiving love in abundance and recognition in plenty.
Q. What leisure activities do you love to indulge in?
I love listening to music to relax. I go for long walks to unwind. I love swimming in the summer. I also play golf and love to travel and explore new places and spend time with my family.
Q. What is your mantra to create a perfect work-life balance?
I feel blessed to be doing something that I love. So my work is not a burden. In Fact, it is pure enjoyment and very satisfying. Having said that , I never neglect my duties towards my family. My family is my priority.
I have to put in more hours of writing during the night when days are busy. It is rightly said, ” Where there is a will, there is a way”.
Moreover, my husband and children are my support system and perfectly understand my nature of work and extend all help and cooperation.
Q. What’s the story behind authoring your book ‘The Temple Stop’?
I am the wife of an Air Force officer.
We were posted in the valley during the Kargil war and it won’t be wrong to say that I conceived the idea of writing a story on the struggles and sacrifices of the soldiers and their families, there . Though I wrote TTS much later but certain experiences and incidents had left an indelible mark on my memory which compelled me to write this book
Also as a defence officer’s wife, I wanted to take up the cause of the soldiers who I feel are glorified only during wars and war-like situations. The TTS is a work of fiction but the concerns that I voice are not far from reality.
Q. Your inspiring story has been featured in a reputed magazine and you have also been honored with multiple esteemed nominations and awards. What were the challenges you faced while pursuing your passion?
I feel extremely blessed when today people call me an achiever. Success does not come overnight and there is definitely no gain without pain. My journey from a beginner to an achiever is interesting and inspiring because of the fact that challenges were there and I faced them with grit. All along in my journey, my faith in God and confidence in myself made the impediments look so small. Every end became a bend as I marched on putting every challenge to shame. Today after receiving recognitions and awards and being featured in leading newspapers, magazines and media platforms , I feel that the game was worth the candle. In short my story is about daring to dream, braving the nightmares and carving a niche.
Q. How has the still ongoing pandemic situation impacted you?
I actually never stopped. I made the most of the Quarantine year.
Since there were no events and travelling, I used it as an opportunity to write more and as a result co-authored 15 poetry anthologies and contributed in various International magazines and Coffee Table Books and added more feathers to my cap. I connected with people through social media and made good of the time available. I also received many awards and recognitions during this time and post covid19 , I just plan to continue on this journey with a new vigor.
Q. What message would you like to give to people who admire you?
Yes! I would urge people to pursue their dreams patiently and passionately in order to translate them into reality. And it is never too late to start as all glory comes from daring to begin.
Q. share any interesting episode of your life, something that would surprise the readers!
There was a time when the glamour world beckoned me and I had offers from the Fashion world and the Bollywood to work with the top banners and stars but my calling was different and I had identified my passion. In fact, I was called ” crazy ” for not accepting these offers but I had already seen a dream of being able to contribute to the society and the world in my own humble way through my writing.
Q. Share your social handles where our readers could find you?
Facebook: Author-Harinder-Cheema
Facebook: Harinder Cheema
