Hello and welcome to the new series starting on my photography blog. It is called “Your’s Why”
Let’s talk a little bit more about it. Over the last year, I came across so many talented individuals who have been a vision of success on their own.
When I got to know them more it turned out everyone had a reason to peruse the path they chose to be on.
Each one had a unique story to tell. This gave me an idea on why not share these wonderful stories with all of you.
Hence the beginning of “Your’s Why Series”.
Today, I am talking to an accomplished author and a beautiful friend of mine. Author Srianthi Perera.
She is the author of the book : A Maiden’s Prayer- A family story set in 1970s Sri Lanka.
Now, without any further ado, let’s talk to Author Srianthi.
A Maiden’s Prayer By Srianthi Perera
Tell Us Who You Are:
I am Srianthi, a Journalist and Author
What is your story? How did you decide to become a Writer?
From my childhood, I was interested in books and started reading voraciously as a child. In school, I studied science subjects, but changed over to arts and went on to study for a degree in English, Western Classical Culture, and French. When I was in my early 20s, I decided to try my hand at journalism and was lucky to get a freelance position. I didn't look back from that point.
Tell us about your book.
A Maiden's Prayer: A Family Story Set in 1970s Sri Lanka is my debut literary novel. Young Tamara De Silva narrates the predicament of her uncle with wit and warmth. Berty Uncle has many girlfriends but doesn't want to marry and the extended family is very keen to see him tied down. They have a reason – the family has a notable ancestor, a Mudaliyar under British rule, and Berty Uncle has inherited the house. But it’s being unfairly occupied by his sister. So the family thinks getting Berty Uncle married would be the best way to reclaim the stately, but dilapidated house. While Tamara narrates her story, she’s also in the middle of growing up. I use Berty Uncle’s story to examine Sri Lankan culture. As the readers move toward the end of the book, they also see her thought process and her maturity. The 1970s was a turbulent period in Sri Lanka’s history, with a political party that established socialist principles that resulted in food shortages, rationing, and a soaring cost of living. The political environment of the day shaped the day-to-day life of this family. The book has many other themes – Vedic astrology, matchmakers arranging marriages, the caste system, puberty rituals in 1970s Sri Lanka, alcoholism, and Buddhism, among them. Although it’s a work of fiction, the story is rooted in reality. I depict each aspect of life and events realistically. My book is a time capsule. Overall, it illustrates the universality of the human experience.
Tell us about your achievements:
After a lifetime of journalistic writing, becoming an author is a huge achievement for me. There's a great satisfaction in holding my own book in my hands. The book received two runner-up awards: 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Finalist in Multicultural Fiction 2021 South Asia Book Award, Highly Commended Book, Young Adult Literature.
There are delicious Sri Lankan recipes too included in the book.
What are the challenges you have faced while achieving your dream to be a writer?
Moving ahead in the journalism world was not difficult, but becoming an author was a climb. My long quest to obtain a literary agent was unsuccessful, so I self-published on amazon.com. It's a challenge to find some quiet time to write every day; life constantly gets in the way.
What is the one thing you have learned on the road to being a writer?
The road is hard and rocky and the financial compensation is scant. But the satisfaction is ample.
What have you learned about yourself on this journey?
I love to research and include those findings in my writing, even if it is fiction. In short, my work is rooted in reality. I'm unwilling to create new worlds and people or fill them with fantastic beasts or mythical creatures.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer or follow their passion?
Writing is a solitary occupation. However, a writer needs a nurturing community to give and receive feedback and for constant inspiration. So, find your tribe and you will do well.
Where can we find you?
Website: srianthiperera.com
Email: evocativejourneys@gmail.com
Facebook: @EvocativeJourneys or Srianthi Perera Author
Instagram: authorsrianthi
Twitter: @SrianthiPerera
This was my wonderful friend and author Srianthi talking to us. She has mentioned so many important points here to follow your passion and live the dream. I will like to thank Srianthi for taking the time and talking to us sharing her journey.
Now, who is excited to read the book? You can find it here- A Maiden’s Prayer.
Next month, there will be another accomplished woman taking names and achieving her goals. You can follow the journey on Instagram as well. It can be tracked at #yourswhyseries.
I will talk to you soon. On that note, have a wonderful rest of your day.