In Conversation With Lavanya Mathur, Author of Beneath the Surface

Q. How did you come up with the title of your book?

Beneath the surface came from the very idea of everything written in this book. This book intends the reader to think beyond and under from the surface level problems hitting realities of life. Every poem, story, thought is inspired and articulated in a way that leaves the reader with a moment of reflection and a question to ponder.

Q. What inspired you to write this book?

I don't have one inspiration to write everything down in this book. This book is a journey in itself of years of getting inspired by everything around me.It can be a thought, a memory, a person, movie, word, idea, theory, or just the voices in my head. Everything around you has a lesson to give as long as you are observant enough to understand it. I love how Charlie Kaufman puts it, "Everything I have written is personal, it's the only way I know how to write." I used to write blogs and had a global community of Wordpress readers, but it lacked the personal touch I have always looked for as a writer. I write to create a positive impact and book is the best medium to build the kind of intimacy with the reader that no blog or website can do justice to.

Q. Among all themes and topics, why did you choose this one in particular?

This theme is the essence of my writing and what I firmly believe in. A thing about my book is that it is a quick read and perfect for people who want to get into reading as I’ve felt the magic of the positive changes that reading puts into your life by challenging the way you view life outside of your surrounding and nutshell. Covering a theme that helps people become better human beings is so valuable in a world that we are living in, this feels like a need of the hour. Something we should think about.

Q. What personal experiences have shaped your writing the most?

The highs and lows that we experience in life have shaped most of what I write specially when I seek answers within myself. I don’t have one defining moment that shapes my writing because writing is a choice and a lifestyle that writers choose consciously. We live by what we believe, we write what we live by.

Q. What can we, as readers expect from this book?

As a reader you will feel a trigger of emotions inside you both beautiful and uncomfortable. You will be left with a thought in your mind which will help you take a journey inwards and lead a more meaningful life. This requires the reader to take responsibility of sincere reflection and an intention to become better person. If you’re not into reading, then this book is a perfect to start with since every writing piece is standalone and takes 15-20 mins to read . Something you’ll like to read with a coffee or tea.

Q. How do you expect your readers to use this book optimally?

To use this book optimally read it with intention and a willingness to open your mind.