Divyank J., the talented writer behind "In Search of the Lambs," possesses a unique ability to weave captivating narratives that explore the intricacies of animals, mountains, and the human spirit on its journey to healing. His stories delve into the depths of his characters' psyches, providing readers with a profound understanding of their struggles and triumphs, often grounded in the tapestry of everyday human experiences.
Raised in the quaint town of Ogna near Udaipur, Divyank's childhood was shaped by the serene beauty of nature, a penchant for a simple lifestyle, and a love for solo traveling. These influences are clearly reflected in his writing, where he seamlessly integrates the essence of his upbringing into the vivid tapestry of his storytelling. The landscapes of his tales often mirror the picturesque surroundings of his youth, creating a harmonious blend of setting and narrative.
Divyank's literary prowess has garnered recognition, with several of his stories finding a well-deserved place in various national and international magazines, journals, and anthologies. His ability to connect with readers on a profound level has established him as a noteworthy voice in the literary world.
Residing in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, alongside his family, Divyank continues to draw inspiration from his surroundings. In 2022, he accomplished a significant milestone by earning his master's degree in English literature, further enriching his understanding of the human experience and literature's vast tapestry.
Beyond his pursuits in writing, Divyank is deeply engaged in education, teaching accountancy to young students. His dedication to fostering knowledge extends to the literary realm, as he initiated and oversees the publication of a quarterly literary arts journal, "The Hemlock." This endeavor showcases his commitment to providing a platform for emerging voices in the literary community.
In addition to his literary and educational pursuits, Divyank finds solace in artistic expression through pencil sketches. His creativity extends to his personal life, where he spends quality time with his daughter, fostering a love for imagination and storytelling. On weekends, he embarks on adventures with his loyal companion, his dog, exploring the beauty of the world around him.
Divyank J.'s multifaceted life journey, from the tranquil landscapes of Ogna to the vibrant city of Udaipur, is intricately woven into the fabric of his writing. His stories not only entertain but also resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into the profound beauty of the human experience and the healing power of nature. As he continues to explore the realms of literature, education, and art, Divyank J. stands as a testament to the transformative impact of storytelling on both the writer and the reader alike.
1. Can you share the inspiration behind the title "In Search of the Lambs"? What significance do lambs hold in the context of your stories?
>The title of the book 'In Search Of The Lambs' is taken from one of short stories in the collection. In many religions and cultures Lambs are sacrificial animals. They are known for their innocence, cuteness and the divinity associated with them. In the story In Search Of The Lambs, a solider after being appointed as commander of patrolling unit, probes into a Kashmiri village following a terrorist attack. There, he finds an old Imam of village Mosque, completely broken, waiting for his lambs as they have gone to other side of the border and hadn't returned till then. The lambs being animals do not understand national issues. Lambs being divine agents do not care for human drawn boundaries whether physical or mental. They belong to the whole earth. The whole earth belongs to them.
2. Your collection is described as providing a glimpse into an Eastern world not often seen by Western readers. How do you navigate the balance between showcasing cultural uniqueness and creating a universal appeal in your storytelling?
>Neither for eastern readers not for the westerns, I wrote these stories for each and everyone on this planet. I never liked this idea of studying the target audience before writing or publishing. I don't write for groups of people. I write for individuals who are found sitting and reading books in some cozy corner of a coffe shop or at a quite place like a library. When I wrote these stories, I wrote it for the whole humanity. That is why the themes I chose for this collection will resonate with each and everyone. I am thankful to my USA based publisher, Marie Manthe, who made this collection available for Western readers as well eastern readers.
3. Growing up in Ogna near Udaipur, you admired the beauty of nature and a simple lifestyle. How has your upbringing and surroundings influenced the themes and settings of your stories?
>I think nature always plays a vital role in our life. For me human nature is no different than that of we find in the wilderness. In any society, the artists and scientists are the first to witness this phenomenon. Presenting nature in literature does not mean just talking of hills, rivers, mountains, and the comfortable beauty of a village life. It also means the complexity and the negative impact of natural laws on our life. In one of the stories in this collection titled as 'The Curtain and The Clouds' I tried to state the fact that how a slight change in weather may influence our moods negatively, triggering the couple to start again a long forgotten fight.
Being born and brought in a middle class family in a small town, I always observed the lives of common people closely. It's natural that I am drawn to their everyday issues. That's what is evident in my writing.
4. Your stories often revolve around animals, mountains, and broken people on their journey to healing. Can you elaborate on why you find these themes compelling and how they contribute to the overall message you aim to convey?
>I think the themes of a creative work must resonate with everyone, from a eastern reader to a westerner, a child to an adult. They all must find something in your stories according to their age, experiences and the level of understanding. Having said that, I believe we are all made of the same matter. Not only we humans but also the animals and mountains. I tired to weave them all together in some compelling stories.
5. In addition to writing, you teach accountancy to young students and started a literary arts journal, The Hemlock. How do these diverse pursuits complement and influence each other in your creative life?
>Most of the time having such contrast in your working life does not do any good for you. It just gives you more and more stress, resulting in never ending procrastination. I delayed so many projects because of this working life. Being an introvert, a kind of perfectionist, and not good at multitasking, I have to schedule the whole month beforehand, only to fail to meet the deadlines. While teaching accountancy most of the time, I have to reserve the holidays for writing projects and for the Hemlock journal. But I am hopeful that all these efforts will bear some sweet fruits someday.
6. As someone who draws pencil sketches and appreciates solo traveling, how does visual art and personal experiences contribute to your storytelling process?
>I want to quote here one of my all time favourite writers The Late Ernest Hemingway. In one of his works he stated that he wanted to write like Cezzane, 20th century post impressionist painter, painted in canvas. I am glad that Hemingway was able to find the link between these two forms of art: writing and painting. Sketching directly or indirectly shapes my writing, while solo travelling allows my mind to relax and think. Thinking is what we do not have time for in this busy life. Solo travelling is a must for those who play with creative ideas.
7. Your characters seem to undergo healing through mundane, everyday experiences. How do you approach delving into the psyche of your characters to make their journeys relatable and authentic?
>As a writer I am not generally drawn to the big issues like racism, gender equitlity, terrorism, civil wars, political unrest, environmentalism etc. For me studying a brick is more important than yelling about an ugly wall that is about to fall. The meaning of life will not be found in these big issues. One issue will be resolved just to give birth to another. Understanding these big issues takes a lot of generalisation of the fact which will never help us to get to the truth. But on the contrary, the things that take most of our lives such as how you talk to your wife everyday before sleeping, when you took your dog out on a trip, why you keep remembering that one insignificant incident with your father that took place way back in your childhood. And the things that shapes your behaviour, psyche and somehow decides your future are the most important for me.
8. Living in Udaipur, Rajasthan, how does the cultural richness of your surroundings seep into your narratives? Can you share an example of how a particular place or cultural element inspired one of your stories?
>I would try to keep it modest. I have been to many cities in the country but I never found a place like Udaipur. Whenever I sit at the bank of one of the lakes (there are five beautiful lakes in Udaipur and thus it is known as the City of Lakes), I thank to the founding fathers of this city. Naturally beautiful, udaipur is also culturally rich with more than five centuries of history. This city taught me many things, especially creating a beautiful settings in my stories.
9. Your stories have been featured in various national and international publications. How has the experience of sharing your work on a global platform shaped your perspective as a writer?
>When I started writings I had no idea of what is good writing (or more importantly what is bad writing). Many people would say that there's no such thing as good or bad writing but I strongly disagree. You have to read as much as possible to develop the taste, and then you have to write to put yourself on a trail. When I started sending my stories out for publication in some renowned national and international journals, I learned the parameters on which your writing will be judged. I encourage all the youth reading this interview to submit to the Literary Journals. Don't be afraid of rejections. Rejections forced me improve my craft of writing, while acceptance boosted my confidence and my faith in my style.
10. The world is described as being both bigger and more similar than we often realize. How do you hope your stories contribute to a better understanding of the shared human experience across diverse cultures?
>There is something in our human nature nature that does not change with space, time and upbringing. We laught at the same jokes and the same song makes us cry. Given the context and right atmosphere, every reader will feel the same emotions, I believe. I won't consider a story a good story which is only written for a specific type of readers. A writer must create such characters that draws empathy from the whole human race, regardless of their age, nationality and cultures. That's what I tried to attempt in the book 'In Search Of The Lambs'.
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