My Writing Journey So Far
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by the Eat My News team, where I talked about my inspirations, my motivation, and how my journey to be a successful blogger/writer has shaped so far. Here’s to living this life as passionately and keenly as I do now!
- Tell us more about your background and journey.
Tanya Fontes: Emerging from the chrysalis of a reticent girl, I’ve finally grown my wings; but it isn’t the sky that I’ve been flying towards. I have a goal that is closer to Earth, and so just like a butterfly hops from one flower to another and then from one garden to the next admiring the beauty of the world, and in turn is the source of amazement for onlookers; my journey is a discovery of new ways to fuel my passion for travel, fashion and life. From boutique hopping to country hopping, I’ve been looking at the world through a kaleidoscope of dreams, and by transforming my experience to words, I hope to inspire wonderment in each one of my readers.
- When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
Tanya Fontes: Reading and getting lost in those stories is what I have been doing ever since I was a little girl. But it was my cousin who reeled me into writing. When I was about 12 years old, my cousin who was visiting for the summer holidays shared a story with me that he had written himself, and I was instantly captivated. I then started building my own world, along with participating in the worlds of other writers’. There has been no looking back since…
- Is it a financially stable career?
Tanya Fontes: I’ve seen people assume that if you’re a blogger, you’re a journalist, which isn’t the case. I write because that is what I know best. I can quickly give words to my thoughts and while some may say that is but natural, I think that it isn’t always easy especially when you are reaching out to a diverse audience Also, I think it’s rather interesting that technology is what really opened up that possibility for me.
That being said, money has never been the reason that drove me to pursue blogging; it will never become my primary motivator either. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
- Who is your favourite writer and why?
Tanya Fontes: Good question but a tough one! I would say Jorge Luis Borges who paints this fantasy world full of magic and never ceases to amaze me. Jean-Paul Sartre’s is another different world I love to indulge in where he tackles life-altering questions, while never letting story-telling take a backseat. The subtlety of morals endorsed by the works of Kazuo Ishiguro is something I admire in him and wish I can learn more from his work. When it comes to Hamara Desh Bharat, I must mention Vikram Seth. He is one of those who holds the power to immediately transport you to another dimension and space. Really though, these are just from the top of my head ~ the list is endless!
- Where does your inspiration lie?
Tanya Fontes: I personally believe a writer’s inspiration is no one but him/herself. It’s the world I create on my own, so only my past, present, and future self can help me in exploring this. I love keeping a diary and writing little encouraging messages to myself. Then by reflecting on these entries in a different light, I find new ideas motivating me to express them. Of course, my focus and dedication to writing is what keeps me going.
Tip: When you submit and dedicate yourself to writing, it is then that you realize there is a whole different meaning to the life that we live.
- What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?
Tanya Fontes: Belief in yourself, I would say.
Dejection is the ultimate fall of any writer. Remember, there are way too many people out there to let your talent go unnoticed forever. Each of us has his/her own path carved, so it’s upon you to not give up and let your determination walk you till the end. Your desires will be fulfilled when the time is right. This is a belief I personally hold and plan on continuing to forge my own.
- Which is your favourite book and why?
Tanya Fontes: Singling out a book is a near-impossible task; however a thoughtful, engrossing book that I’m currently re-reading is “History of Love” by Nicole Krauss. The book speaks about love and loss, and the lucid language just touches my heart with its lyrical style. Krauss’s words elevate emotions, and for me, this book particularly reminds me of why I started writing ~ to display the raw parts of humanity and the struggles that we hide.
I’ve always wanted to have a different name tag appended to my name, a tag that nobody else has. But a tag everyone admires. I hope you find yours soon!
You may access my interview here.