Conversation with Ektaa Rupani

Ektaa Rupani is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of talents and achievements. As an author, image consultant, and amateur singer, she has made her mark in the literary world and beyond. Her literary contributions have been recognized and celebrated in various notable publications and events.

Ektaa's writing prowess is evident in her impressive list of published works. She has graced the pages of well-known publications such as Femina, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Bonobology, and Femina Fast Fiction. Her ability to craft compelling stories and poems has led to her inclusion in anthologies by Writefluence and The Write Order, showcasing her versatility as a writer.

In addition to her personal creative writing, Ektaa Rupani has been an advocate for fostering a love for literature and creative expression. She has conducted workshops on creative writing for both children and adults, nurturing the talent of budding writers and poets. Her dedication to teaching the craft of storytelling and poetry has helped many individuals explore and develop their own literary potential.

Beyond the realm of literature, Ektaa is also an expert in image consultancy. She has shared her knowledge and expertise in image enhancement through workshops conducted for schools, colleges, corporates, and individuals. Her guidance in this area has undoubtedly contributed to helping people put their best foot forward and present themselves confidently.

One of the crowning achievements in Ektaa Rupani's literary career is her book of short stories, "Amma and Other Stories," which was published by Crossword (The WritePlace) in 2019. This collection of short stories offers readers a glimpse into Ektaa's storytelling prowess and her ability to capture the nuances of human emotions and relationships.

Ektaa's talents extend to the role of a judge, where she has been invited to assess interschool debates and writing contests in Mumbai. Her involvement in such events reflects her dedication to nurturing and encouraging young talent in the field of literature and public speaking.

In her writing, Ektaa Rupani often delves into the mindset of contemporary Indian women who grapple with the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Her works provide insights into the challenges, aspirations, and complexities of women in today's society, making her an advocate for their voices and stories.

As an accomplished writer, image consultant, and advocate for creative expression, Ektaa Rupani continues to make significant contributions to the world of literature and personal development. Her work and dedication stand as a testament to her commitment to empowering individuals through words and self-presentation.

1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your book "Solo" and what motivated you to write it?

Ektaa Rupani : We were in the midst of Covid and were confined to the four walls of our homes. That is when the idea of a travel fiction novel came to mind. I felt that if not in reality, one can at least explore the world in one’s mind. I then decided to take it a step further, and make the book about a solo traveler and her experiences.

2. The title "Solo" suggests a sense of independence and individuality. Could you elaborate on the themes explored in your book that relate to this idea?

Ektaa Rupani : Solo is the story of an artist who is going to turn 50 shortly. She has been experiencing an inexplicable restlessness in the mundaneness of everyday living. She feels that she is slowly losing her own thought process and becoming a clone of her ‘perfectionist’ husband. The month long solo trip is based on her quest to regain her individuality and independence. She wants to explore new places at her own pace, and meet new people, who can help her get a new perspective on life.

3. Your book covers a wide range of emotions and experiences. How did you go about crafting the different characters and their stories?

Ektaa Rupani : Just like an artist has only a brief idea about what he/she is going to paint, I too had a vague idea about what the story would be like. As I continued writing, new characters started getting attached to the narrative. The protagonist Shreya, too grew as the story went along.

There was no concrete plan, but at the end, her journey was replete with many new individuals who she encounters and the strong bonds that she fosters with most of them.

4. What challenges did you face while writing "Solo," and how did you overcome them?

Ektaa Rupani : Although the book is a fictional story, there were many facts in it about different places in India,that had to be thoroughly researched. Facts about the food, culture and history of places visited by her, had to really to be verified thoroughly before I could pen them down. I wanted the reader to really be able to experience the places along with Shreya, and hence went into describing in details about each and every place. This was quite time consuming, but in the end, it was worth it.

5. "Solo" is a collection of short stories. How did you decide on the structure of the book, and what do you hope readers will take away from each story?

Ektaa Rupani : Solo is a novel with a single story and not a collection of short stories.

6. Can you share a particular character or story from "Solo" that resonated with you on a personal level?

Ektaa Rupani : Not really. But there were some shades of me in many characters. For instance, I too am in the same age group and social strata as Shreya is.

So there are a few things that may be common between us. But all in all, there is no character in the book that would be exactly like me, or me like them.

7. Many authors infuse elements of their own experiences or beliefs into their work. Are there any personal elements or philosophies that you incorporated into "Solo"?

Ektaa Rupani : Certainly. A writer writes from his/her own experiences, beliefs and ideologies, as well as those of people he/she may have encountered in his/her life. The ideology of ‘self love’ and not being able to pour from an empty cup, is the one that forms the basis of my novel and resonates the most with me.

8. Writing can be a solitary pursuit. How do you stay motivated and inspired throughout the writing process, especially when faced with writer's block or self-doubt?

Ektaa Rupani : Writing is indeed a solitary pursuit, and often one finds oneself alone in the journey of writing a book. What kept me motivated was the fact, that I really wanted to tell this story to the world by getting my book published. I guess, when you want to do something really badly, you manage to do it.

9. What advice do you have for aspiring writers who are looking to embark on their own creative journeys?

Ektaa Rupani : I would just like to tell all aspiring writers, that although the journey may be fraught with rejection, setbacks and writer’s block, they have to persist and keep going. The end result may be worth all the effort and heart break.

10. "Solo" covers a range of human experiences and emotions. What do you hope readers will take away from the book, and what kind of impact do you aim to have through your writing?

Ektaa Rupani : The biggest take away I want for my readers from this book is the concept of ‘self love’. Only a happy person can spread happiness to others. Hence no matter what, one has to believe that life is beautiful, and one’s happiness comes from within.

11. Are there any upcoming projects or books you're currently working on that you'd like to share with your readers?

Ektaa Rupani : I have not yet ventured out on my next project. Have only been penning a few short stories.

12. As a writer, what role do you believe literature plays in society, and how can it be a force for positive change?

Ektaa Rupani : The pen, as they always say, is mightier than the sword. Literature has always had an influence on the way people think, and will continue to do so for years to come. Hence the onus of bringing about a positive change in the mind sets of people, does lie to a great extent on writers.

Since my book are generally women centric, I aspire, to bring a positive change in the way women think and also how men think about them.

13. Lastly, what message or thought would you like to leave your readers with after they've finished reading "Solo"?

Ektaa Rupani : My message would be “Give yourself a tight hug today.”