An SRCC Delhi graduate, and MBA from IIM Indore, Smita Das Jain is a writer by passion and writes every day. You can read more about her here.
Her latest book Twisted Tales & Turns is receiving rave reviews and we spoke to her about it.
Readomania: Twisted Tales and Turns is a captivating collection of short stories where nothing is as it seems. How did you ideate these stories?
Smita: The stories in Twisted Tales and Turns are born from spontaneous ideation. As a writer, I embark on each story with a random thought, often inspired by my readings, observations, and the world around me. The first sentence acts as a gateway, setting the tone, and from there, my fingers guide the characters and plot in unexpected directions, allowing the narrative to unfold organically.
The author at Bahrisons bookstore in Gurugram
Readomania: Twisted Tales & Turns has 4 broad themes, with 5 stories under each theme. How did you come up with these unique and diverse themes?
Smita: Challenging myself to grow as a writer was a key motivation. In early 2022, as I set my writing goals, I decided to explore four new genres that were unfamiliar to me. Paranormal and science fiction were among them, genres I neither read nor watched. When curating the short story collection towards the end of 2022, I reviewed about 70 stories written throughout the year. The best ones, mostly falling into the paranormal and science fiction genres, naturally became part of the book. The other two themes, 'All Doesn't End Well' and 'Love Comes in All Hues,' emerged as I selected my strongest stories and identified the common threads among them.
Readomania: Did you think of the themes first and then pen the stories in this book? Or vice versa?
Smita: I engage in daily writing, and a significant portion of the stories in the book emerged as part of this routine, without a thought to their final destination. Technically, the stories came first. However, after determining the themes and the need for five stories in each section, I crafted 2-3 stories with the specific intent of including them in this book.
Readomania: What is the messaging that you intended and how have the readers reacted so far?
Smita: The central theme of 'Twisted Tales and Turns' revolves around the profound idea that truth is elusive, and appearances often conceal more than they reveal. In this collection, I aimed to reflect the unpredictable nature of the world despite technological advancements. The twists in the stories transcend being mere plot devices; they symbolize the inherent unpredictability of life.
For me, the response has been overwhelming. With nearly 130 reviews in just four months, the engagement has exceeded my expectations. Readers who have experienced all three of my books often cite this one as the best. I've also received messages from unfamiliar readers, sharing that they picked up the book because it became a topic among their friends who enjoyed and recommended it.
Readomania: You have written a long format novel as well as a collection of short stories. Which one do you think is tougher to execute?
Smita: Both long-format novels and short story collections present their unique challenges. Crafting a short story demands a meticulous balance, as you must convey depth and complexity within a limited word count, lacking the luxury of extensive time and space. On the other hand, the novel is a singular narrative where sustaining the reader's engagement across a continuous storyline becomes paramount. However, in the context of a short story collection, like 'Twisted Tales and Turns,' the format offers the advantage of exploring diverse themes through individual stories, providing a broader canvas to express myriad ideas and perspectives.
Readomania: As a short story writer, how does one maintain the suspense till that final twist that bows the mind of the readers? Any tips for aspiring writers?
Smita: Sustaining suspense in short stories is a delicate balance of withholding and revealing, leading to a climax that leaves a lasting impact. One effective approach is foreshadowing -- strategically reveal information while holding back critical details. Build anticipation by creating characters with depth and placing them in situations that keep readers guessing. This also requires consistency in craftsmanship. Aspiring writers should focus on honing their skills through consistent practice. Develop a writing routine, experiment with various genres, and embrace the art of surprise. Ensure that every element in your story, from character development to plot progression, contributes to the overall suspense. The more consistently you engage with the craft, the more adept you become at crafting narratives that captivate and culminate in unforgettable twists.
Readomania: Your protagonist in A Price to Love, Sonia has a flourishing career with a well-paying as well as a loving husband, yet she doesn’t have a balance in life. Do you think it is a myth that one can have it all in life?
Smita: Balancing career and personal life is a nuanced journey, and Sonia's character in A Price to Love delves into the challenges many people face in achieving this equilibrium. As an empowerment life coach, I believe that one can indeed have it all in life, albeit not simultaneously. Prioritizing what matters most at a given moment is crucial. It's the lack of prioritization that often leads to the feeling of unfulfillment. Sonia's story aims to convey the message that happiness is subjective and individualistic. True contentment arises from self-love, emphasizing the importance of an internal source of balance before seeking it in the external world.
Readomania: Do you think we give too much importance to the image of happiness and success that the societal standards dictate?
Smita: Indeed, societal standards play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of happiness and success. Unfortunately, we often give excessive importance to these predetermined notions, largely due to conditioning. Mainstream stereotypes tend to dominate, relegating anything outside the norm to the status of an outlier.
Readomania: You quit your corporate career to embark on the journey of a Life Coach. Has that been more enriching?
Smita: Choosing to pursue both writing and life coaching simultaneously after leaving my corporate career was a deliberate decision. As a writer, I empower through words on paper, while as a life and executive coach, it's through spoken words. The enrichment lies in following my true passions, making the journey inherently fulfilling and impactful.
Readomania: How did you become a writer? Did you enjoy writing growing up?
Smita: I was eight when I wrote my first story. It was published in my school magazine, and I became an overnight sensation for three days. I followed it up with more writing. After college, my long stint in the corporate world made me forget my passion.
Then, in 2018, pursuing my desire to learn something new, I enrolled in Stanford Continuing Studies for their Creative Writing and Novel Writing courses. Subsequently, I started to draft fictional pieces regularly and circulate these writeups among my close friends to get their views. Somewhere, I got acquainted with the world of KDP and published my debut short fiction- ‘The Lost Identity,’ in early 2021 as an E-book.
The feedback I received for ‘The Lost Identity’ made me go for full-fledged publication, and later, in September 2021, ‘A Slice of Life: Every Person Has A Story’ was published. The journey began then.
Readomania: Does being a Life Coach make you understand human emotions and insecurities better?
Smita: Absolutely. As a Life Coach, I delve into the depths of human emotions and insecurities every day. It provides profound insights that not only enhance my writing but also deepen my connection with readers by addressing universal themes of the human experience.
Readomania: Smita, you wear multiple hats. Tell us, which role makes you the happiest?
Smita: Being authentic brings me the most joy. I thrive when making a positive impact on people's lives. Writing allows me to do so through diverse worlds, while coaching enables me to make a difference through spoken words. Both roles contribute uniquely to my happiness, and I'm realizing that success in either is meaningful only with my husband by my side and my daughter's sweet smile. Overall, in the grand scheme, being true to myself is the ultimate source of my happiness.
Readomania: Thank you Smita, for this wonderful conversation.
Her latest book, Twisted Tales and Turns is available on Amazon and Readomania
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