Yash Tiwari could have been an ordinary 18-year-old boy. But he chose a different path. He wanted to fly high and now along with being an adult, he already is the author of two books.
His debut novel, ‘A Celebration in Tribulation’ was internationally acclaimed. The surprising part is that he wrote it when he was just 16 years old. However, his skill set is not just restricted to writing. He is also a four times TEDx speaker, JOSH Talks speaker, and an international youth mentor and has mentored over thousands of students.
It was just a few days ago that he launched his second novel on the topic which resonates with each one of us across the globe- coronavirus. His book ‘Pandemic 2020- Rife of the virus ’ is the world’s first fictional novel on this issue. Published by Notion Press, it is available at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Flipkart, and Google Playbooks. Oxford Bookstore even organized a digital launch of his book which was on their Facebook live.
Yash has indeed set an example for the youth. We got an opportunity to discuss his writing journey. Here are excerpts from the interview:-
- How does it feel to be introduced as an awarded author of an internationally acclaimed novel, a motivational speaker, and a youth mentor at the age of 18?
These titles come as a reminder about the role I wish to play in this world; to drive social changes, instill the feeling of passion and enthusiasm in the hearts of people and use my voice to take a stand for the worthwhile causes. I had always wanted to utilize my potentials and put forth my efforts towards creating an impact on society.
2. What was the motivation behind Pandemic 2020- the Rife of the virus?
My primary motivation to pen down the novel was to pay my tribute through my words to the ones who fought and are still fighting against this incurable flu and their respective stories.
3. What made you opt for the fictional route?
Well, I would prefer to say that the book is a creatively written account of what all happened during the pandemic. While the characters are fictional; the four stories are of course inspired. The book as a whole narrates precisely what unfolded in the real world from January onwards and till April (first week). The facts, figures, and dates used in the entire novel were meticulously researched upon by me, and then the four stories were conceptualized and penned down.
4. What do the four stories focus on? What was your inspiration behind choosing these particular stories/aspects/situations?
We have four globally distinct yet interconnected tales narrated in the novel- Huiqing – an impoverished boy in China, Alanna – a helpless doctor in the U.S., Terrell – a stranded traveler in Italy, and Yash – a blooming journalist in India. These stories provide a harrowing look at how the pandemic overturned everyone’s lives. The tales are based on actual incidents, mishaps, stories, facts, and data findings from all around the world.
5. What inspired you to write a novel when you were just 16 years old?
By the age of 16, I had already authored many poems and stories that got published as well as research papers that were presented at two international conferences. However, I had this aspiration to take that up to a greater notch. That is when I decided to pen down my first novel before the beginning of my 12th Standard. Moreover, the agenda to write a long-form narrative to illuminate an unheard and unspoken topic became yet another motivation for me. (Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease)
6. Is it true that you completed your first novel in just 22 days?
Yes, it is correct!
7. How much time did this second novel take you to write?
Less than 1 month
8. What would be your pick-Hard copy versus e-book/kindle?
As convenient as it seems to have an e-book, I’d still go with a hard copy of any book. I mean, can we even compare the feeling of holding an actual book in our hands with a digital device? I guess not. Actually, I hope not. Because no matter how digitalized the world is becoming, I hope for certain things to remain constant forever. For example, the joy of holding a good book in your hand and feeling calm by the soothing smell of its pages as you sit by a window on an odd, rainy day. Ah, that feeling!
9. What drives you to write? How do you try to fight the writer’s block?
What drives me to write, or speak, or take up any project in my life is my will to create a positive impact with my words – be it verbal or written.
The practical way to beat writer’s block is by conceptualizing before writing. One should always first outline the plot properly and then gradually progress writing. This way whenever you feel stuck, you will have a basic plan that will steer you on the right path to write your story.
10. You have managed to achieve a lot at such a young age. How do your parents react to your success? Of course, they would be happy watching you achieve great heights and success. But do they discuss future plans just like Indian parents usually do? Or are they easy-going?
I always say this in all my interviews and talks- everything that I have achieved wouldn’t have been possible without my family being there by my side at every step.
Yes, plans are discussed but it is more of a healthy discussion. They’re open, accepting, and supportive of all that I am doing and what all I aspire for.
11. Would you accept if given an offer by someone from the film industry or TV industry to convert the novel into a show/movie?
Of course! That’d be like a dream come true, really. I mean, while writing, I always try to visualize all the character or situations that I am writing about. Whether I talk about the intricacies of the plotlines, or the complexities in the characters – I write it all in a way that my readers get to visualize it. That is the positive review I receive as well. However, to really get to see a visual representation of my Novel is something I surely look forward to.
12. As an author, what three qualities do you believe any writer should have?
Write the kind of content that you yourself would be interested in reading. For example, don’t write a story on Pandemic just for the sake of it or because it is trendy, Haha! I wrote one because I was truly thrilled and intrigued by the global scenarios surrounding it. So feel the essence of the topic that you’re willing to write on, decide where you’re actually vibing with it or not, and then write on it.
Write content that your readers can visualize. The only way to do that is by basing all of you characters and storylines on the realistic human and worldly dimensions, no matter how fictional your story might be. Let your readers visualize what all they read in your stories.
Take inspirations from another person’s works only to a level that you do not end up losing your own unique style of writing.
13. Any quick tips for the fellow writers out there?
Be risk takers. Don’t shy away from topics that the world hasn’t yet talked about, or even appears to not be ready to talk about. If you feel it is worth a shot, then give it a shot. Use your quill and paper to write impacting tales, and not just interesting ones.
14. Any motivational advice as a mentor that you believe in and which you would want to share with our readers? Amidst all the negativity around, what message would you wish to send across?
There’s this one quote I created that I have even written in my debut novel), which I always live by in my life – “Dream Big And Work Hard, No Matter What The Odds Are”.
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