A tête-à-tête with Hilda David
With a Ph.D in English Literature from the University of Pune, Dr. Hilda David has around 20 years of experience in the teaching profession. Currently working as Associate Professor at the Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, and the Coordinator at the Symbiosis Centre for Liberal Arts, she has also conducted many creative writing courses and soft skills workshops at various institutes.
Hilda David teacher, guide, philosopher, friend, confidante and much more. A very versatile and creative person that leaves a profound impact on your life.
Along with a penchant for books, Dr. David loves art and theatre.
What is it about Literature, which motivates and fascinates?
It opens new doors to new stories. It enables conversations with the greatest and best authors on this planet is pure joy.
There are very few Literature festivals in India, what are your thoughts about it?
On the contrary, there's quite a bit. The high profile one like Jaipur Lit Fest and Kala Ghoda fest in Mumbai. Then there are the round the year work that colleges and universities host in terms of seminars, talks and discussions. Plus in Marathi literature one comes across regular Sahitya Samellans in Marathi. It's a question of being attentive.
You are a literature enthusiast, teacher and author – Which role do you love over the others?
I enjoy teaching. The best thing is to see (and comprehend) the world through the eyes of young people.
If given a chance to rewind, what would be about the career path that you would want to change?
I would love to have been a scuba diver. The only problem is, finding books that are water-proof and finding a way to read them under the water.
What is the scope of amateurs in the field?
It is vast. Some of the best work I've been reading is in English non-fiction. Two books that I've enjoyed immensely in recent times is: Taj Mahal Foxtrot - History of Jazz in Bombay by Naresh Fernandes and Following Fish: Travels around the Indian Coast by Samanth Subramanian. Both books are by veteran journalists but I think everyone must read them since it opens up possibilities
How should one improve on their writing skills?
Read, read, read. And enjoy what you read.
How important are phonetics for a writer?
It is to a large extent..
What remains next in pipeline?
I hope to write my third book-- maybe a fantasy romance
Any pointers for ‘to-be authors? How does one go about getting published?
Write daily. Switch off your g-chat and mobile phone when you write. And above all, dare to dream.
Cherry Agarwal - CEO cum Editor @ QW
#Pertinacious Writer
#Stubborn Journalist
#Communicator
#Budding Designer
#Wishful Entrepreneur
#Stubborn Journalist
#Communicator
#Budding Designer
#Wishful Entrepreneur
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