Dr. Aparna is a multifaceted individual who seamlessly integrates her roles as a homeopath, writer, and teacher into her storytelling. Enriched by the experiences and interactions from her diverse professional and personal life, she breathes fresh life into her narratives. Her debut novel, "The Labyrinth of Silence," set in the evocative locale of Tilakwadi, Belgaum, delves into themes of love, silence, and societal constraints. Drawing inspiration from her vivid experiences, including her extensive summers in Belgaum, Dr. Aparna crafts characters that resonate deeply, even as they embark on journeys distinct from her own. Her storytelling is marked by a profound understanding of human emotions and a keen observation of the world around her, making her work a compelling exploration of the human condition.
In thisinterview, Dr. Aparna shared candid and heartfelt reflections on her writing journey and the inspirations behind her work. She spoke warmly about the diverse roles she juggles and how they feed into her storytelling, with patients and students often sparking fresh perspectives.
Dr. Aparna, you juggle roles as a homeopath, writer, and teacher. How do these different aspects of your life feed into your storytelling?
With the diverse roles I'm blessed to play in life, I'm enriched by experiences and incidents that find a place in my storytelling. My patients and students often surprise me with dialogues or perspectives that breathe fresh life into my narratives. My characters draw inspiration from the people I encounter. After all, how is a writer, secluded in her room, supposed to generate story ideas otherwise?
Can you share the moment or inspiration behind "The Labyrinth of Silence"? What sparked this particular story for you?
I may sound pretentious here, but the story took its own path. I started off by telling the story of a mute girl who is in love with the owner of the mansion where she works as a servant. This man is twenty years her senior and has no idea of her existence. From here, the characters began telling their story to me. It might sound like a fantasy, but it's true.
Your novel takes us to Tilakwadi, Belgaum—a place not commonly found in fiction. What drew you to set your story there?
Belgaum is a place where I have spent close to 15 summer vacations of my life. I wanted my debut work to come from a place that I knew inside and out. After Mumbai, I can say that I know Belgaum very well.
Silence plays a pivotal role in your book. How did you come to weave this theme so deeply into your characters' lives?
I’m a loquacious person, capable of talking until either my listener or I drop dead. But by weaving silence into narrative, I wanted to challenge myself. I wished to seek quietude through my characters. Perhaps this intense desire to do something out of the ordinary did justice to the theme of silence.
Out of Girish, Muki, and Kashi, whose journey resonated most with you personally while writing?
No individual journey depicted in the book resonates with me. My experiences and expressions are absent within its pages. The belief system I hold is vastly different from that of my characters. As a writer, I step out of myself and immerse into the skin of my characters.
Writing about Muki, a vibrant but mute character, must have been challenging. How did you manage to convey her thoughts and emotions?
Whenever I design a character, I find myself subconsciously adopting their behaviors. With Muki, for instance, I would contemplate how a mute girl might express herself through extended periods of silence. I continued to function and enjoy life, but I refrained from engaging in lengthy conversations. I even observed a mute girl who stayed nearby, immersing myself in her way of life. This approach helps me connect with my characters on a deeper level.
Moving from short stories and novellas to a full-length novel is a big leap. What hurdles did you encounter in this transition?
Time is both my friend and foe. The biggest hurdle while writing this novel was not finding time when my characters were telling a story in my head. Luckily, technology came to my aid, and I could type on my phone.
Your stories mix deep emotions with socio-political settings. How do you keep such narratives engaging without becoming overwhelming?
Thank you for the appreciation, but I'm yet to discover whether they are engaging. I write a story because I want to, because I believe in it. How the narrative becomes engaging is still a mystery to me.
You've experienced both self-publishing and traditional publishing. Could you share some pros and cons of each that you've encountered?
There are many pros and cons to both options. However, a fundamental consideration for the writer is to ask themselves why they are writing – for themselves or for an audience. If it's solely to express emotions and seek an outlet, self-publishing may suffice. Otherwise, it might be worth waiting for the traditional route.
Volunteering with the Goonj Foundation sounds fulfilling. Has this work influenced your writing or life philosophy in any way?
My life philosophy is influenced by my father, who taught me to look beyond myself. Though Goonj doesn't directly shape my philosophy, my parents do, and Goonj is a manifestation of their teachings.
Now that your first full-length novel is out, what are some key takeaways from the process that might help budding writers?
Budding writers, myself included, often feel like we're on a long journey before we can start offering instructions or tips. But if there's one piece of advice I'd love to share with my fellow writers, it's this: read, read, and read some more. Immerse yourself in the written word. Remember, books are your best teachers.
What's next for you, Dr. Aparna? Any exciting projects or new ventures on the horizon you can tell us about?
The work on the next novel has begun. It's quite different from "The Labyrinth of Silence." It's funny, contemplative, and hopeful, yet again delving into a social issue. For more details, both you and I will have to wait until next year.
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