The team of ‘The Hemlock Journal’ received an opportunity to interact with author Revathi Raj Iyer where she discussed some insights about her books and writing journey.

Ms. Revathi Raj Iyer is a versatile and passionate Author, Content Writer, Beta Reader, Panel Book Reviewer on Muse India and a Yoga/Fitness enthusiast. Her books, “My Friendship with Yoga,” “Syra’s Secret—Diverse Short Stories from Siliguri, Singapore and beyond,” and “Tales from Sri Lanka and India,” have remarkable reviews on Amazon. She has contributed to several anthologies viz. ‘Sweet Sixteen,’ ‘The Whispering Pages,’ ‘Dear Mom’ – Volume 3, ‘Suenos-Chasing Dreams,’ and ‘Tales in the City’ – Volume 1. Her poetry has been featured in the “World Poetry Symposium, 2024 Uniting Voices, Bridging Cultures & Celebrating the Power of Verse.” Her articles on personal health & lifestyle, contemporary short stories, poems and book reviews have also been published in print and online media.
Revathi is professionally qualified in Law and as a Company/Chartered Secretary from India and New Zealand. She enjoys writing short stories as she believes that fiction gives a chance to express and reimagine life.
Follow her on Instagram: revathi_raj_iyer
FB Page “Expression of Pearls”: https://www.facebook.com/chirminey/

INTERVIEWER: Describe your journey as an author from a professional background.

REVATHI: I did not really plan on becoming an author. It so happened that after living overseas for several years, I could not re-adjust to the workplace environment, after moving back to India. As I was trying to figure out ways to leverage my professional skills, I penned my first short story at a retreat, which was published subsequently. That was my ‘aha’ moment which helped me pivot my life and embark on a new career. 

INTERVIEWER: You have dabbled in multiple genres from nonfiction to thriller to anthologies. How do you manage to shift between genres as authors usually prefer one or two comfortable genres?

REVATHI: My first book – My Friendship with Yoga, was more of a creative non-fiction. It was a rewarding and learning experience, in many ways. By the time this book hit the stands, I was ready with my collection of short stories. By then, I had gained a reasonable level of social media presence. This helped in the launch of my second book, “Syra’s Secret- Diverse Short Stories from Siliguri, Singapore and beyond.” I realised that I could write multiple genres and started contributing to theme-based anthologies, including books for adolescents and preschoolers. I take pride in being versatile.

INTERVIEWER: Your poetry collection has been featured in the World Poetry Symposium 2024. How was the experience?

REVATHI: It was incredible! The very idea that my poem, “Silence of the Valley,” loosely based on the upheavals in Kashmir was accepted, gave me a moral boost. I have a collection of poems in my electronic folder awaiting my attention.

INTERVIEWER: You are also a book reviewer; how do you manage the role of an author and a reviewer as both are at two ends of the publishing industry?

REVATHI: Actually, the two roles complement one another. I did not stop at being a writer. I upskilled myself as a digital marketeer, content creator and developmental editor. This also entailed reviewing manuscripts at the pre-publication stage and substantively editing the same. Reviewing books happened when the Managing Editor of Muse India invited me as a Panel Book reviewer, for their e-zine.

INTERVIEWER: You have written a book on Yoga; can you give 5 quick tips to beginners in Yoga?

REVATHI: Tips for yoga enthusiasts:

• Listen to your body and state of mind. Be mindful. It is important to pay attention as to how your body feels in various postures, to be able to adjust, avoid injury and reap the benefits.
• Focus on your breath and the techniques for every posture.
• Explore different variations of yoga and find out what resonates with you.
• Aim for a consistent routine of a shorter duration than an intense, infrequent session.
• Patience, practice and perseverance are essential to make Yoga your bff.

INTERVIEWER: Tell something about your other books ‘Syra’s Secret’ and ‘Tales from Sri Lanka.’

REVATHI: “Syra’s Secret” comprises of fascinating stories based on various themes with intriguing plots and appealing characters. One can ‘expect the unexpected,’ in this collection of short stories.

“Tales from Sri Lanka and India” portrays the fragility and vulnerability of human beings through enthralling mystery stories laced with love, passion, taboo, cultural snippets and above all, a spectacular climax.

INTERVIEWER: A girl coming from a small town to a city is an offbeat theme used in many books. What uniqueness have you brought in your book on the same theme?

REVATHI: I think the reviews on Amazon, say it all 😊

INTERVIEWER: Moms are always special. Share your thoughts on how you felt writing a tribute to your mom.

REVATHI: It was emotional and my eyes welled up as I wrote the story.

INTERVIEWER: Last but not least, what would you like to tell the upcoming authors?

REVATHI: Rejections are a part of ultimately being accepted and acknowledged as a good writer. Please don’t cave in and keep writing.

Thank you!