Recap: Twitter chat with Sudha Murty

Following a Twitter chat last month with celebrated bestseller writer and Write India author Sir Jeffrey Archer, our author for the season of September, TOI Books had its fourth Twitter chat session of Write India Season 2 with Author of the Month for October, Sudha Murty. The Infosys queen and India's most beloved philanthropist, answered an overwhelming number of questions on Twitter on September 21, 2017.

With a tremendously enthusiastic audience and Write India authors Shobhaa De and Namita Gokhale participating, the chat received a response from Mrs Murty that was beyond imaginaton. The endearing author of "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read" was more than happy to answer as many as 44 odd questions leaving all the Twitter chat participants ecstatic. Write India participants, budding authors and bibliophiles across the country wanted to ask several questions to their favourite Sudha Murty, and she resolved most of them with great patience.

The questions were all interesting and Mrs Murty answered each of them with her signature grace and poise. Write India enthusiasts and the author, together, made the chat a great success, with the Twitter chat ending on a very positive note, much like her prompt for the contest.

Keep writing for TOI Write India author of the month Sudha Murty and hurry! Send in your entries by September 30 midnight here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/writeindia/season2.cms

Here are the Tweets Sudha Murty replied to:

I follow my heart and write. I keep an eye on the words and the storyline. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/m9wMEBmwBQ

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Authors do inspire me but not just one. Different authors have done so over different periods of time.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/jf09AZBfYI

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I do get writer's block at times. During such time, I read a lot but do not write. I allow it to pass on its own.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/AEoLKAdTji

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

My real life experiences collate in my mind almost like the simmering of milk until it brims over. At that point, I get the drive to write continuously.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/QAxL7ozRcj

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I feel completely normal, just like everyone else. To be simple is a joy. It is a choice, and I thoroughly enjoy it.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/gQEr2NES24

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Children should attempt to write without expecting a reward. The process of writing itself is a joy and true reward.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/so1v60TukU

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

The writing that comes across as genuine, is narrated in a simple manner and inspired from real life experiences touches my heart. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/r5IoOyLS7N

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I get an idea and constantly keep thinking about it and improvising on it - almost like a spider weaving a web.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/l3sAVkO4Bo

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

When I write for children, I try to mentally become a child of twelve or so myself. I look at the world with their eyes. For adults, I write whatever I see and feel myself. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/yGnps1ZFA5

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Anything concerned with the qualities of being human - be it greed, anger, love or happiness gives a global appeal. The local flavor is added through the context such as names, culture, environment, food, appearance and other such factors.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/fsN6IuwOvW

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

It increases a child's imagination and helps him/her develop a different perspective of the same situation. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/GLokA6nYuH

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I wrote for myself but I was concerned about who would publish or read the book. Over a period of time, I have stopped worrying about this and enjoy writing for myself as it brings me joy #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/xV9A7iLiEL

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I do not write for the larger audience. It was never my aim in the past nor today. Writing should be done purely for your own soul. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/Qkf7FcNynj

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I have two words - Life Experience. 🙂 https://t.co/qCf8LTLjmn

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I prefer non-fiction in real life.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/AJALPhQkfY

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Sensitivity is subjective and depends on the nature of a person. It has its own pros and cons - joy and pain. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/ZxJYTLkP2l

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

When it comes to reading, I like history, biographies, travel, and non-fictional experiences.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/buKtVfOjJU

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

It is impossible to filter it to just one as I have many that I like. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/g2c1M8r98S

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I believe in traditional publishing.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/f94ypmnwJO

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Because they all stem from real life experiences.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/F60L1dmZXp

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Neither of them. I write for my own soul.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/ZX2ksojH2b

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

When I start writing, it is a getaway for me and I become positive once I begin. It takes away my negative thoughts and stress in my life. I enjoy the process.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/eXvzZ46zZo

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Yes, it was. My engineering background helped me become disciplined, systematic, accurate, and precise in my process.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/ISBX1GX8JT

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Never play the 'I'm a woman' card at work, unless it is a safety issue at hand. Then you must raise it all you want. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/wczEWTlTDo

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Whatever role I get, I give it all I've got with sincerity. It keeps me happy and at peace.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/qfokqPSVXb

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Yes, I completely agree and want to provide them with gentle, affectionate, inspirational stories with a hint of naughtiness and values.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/H35mB3II71

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Like a mother loves all her children, all my books are very dear to me. House of Cards is a complex book and took almost 15 years to write and it holds a special place in my heart.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/Kd0nNFkBfd

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

It is individual to each book and depends on the storyline - from a minimum to 5 days to 45 days.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/ccHxPeko5k

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Go for a walk and during this time, think about the story in your mind. It is a physical and mental exercise. Once you get into the routine, you will find focus. Remember that we may lose the battle but we will win the war.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/dN0rpqbbbw

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I enjoy both equally. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/M0K08igVzg

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

No, it does not limit your imagination. Think positive - it has proven to have long term benefits.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/AJ7iKy72bC

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Preferably both, but it depends on the storyline. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/hyrI9Z1AWN

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Early mornings. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/5wrP2gAZhj

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Over a period of time, I have learnt to tell people upfront about the utility value of the donated items. Today, I do not accept unusable items.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/dadvQYktOF

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

When I was young, Chandamama influenced me to a great extent. Children themselves inspire me to write for them. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/hAbaLsImoK

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Generosity of a few is the hope for milliions. I saw this quote in a hospital in USA and really liked it. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/VEc7q1RjG8

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

These days, self-help books are in greater demand than novels. Non-fiction has also become quite popular, I feel, along with children's literature. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/H7JslFqUxM

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Reading itself is at a new high. The form, however, has changed considerably and so has the format. Now there are devices to allow easy reading, influence of social media, related articles, and such. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/jkirnf4BXx

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

The last book I read was 'My name is Gauhar Jaan' by Vikram Sampath. It is a well-written and well-researched book. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/62QZZtVnO6

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

Pen it down in your own words. At first, it may be difficult but it will happen more easily in time. After you have written the content, wait for some time to pass and read it again without bias.#TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/18KnEdgdjM

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

I don't think I will ever do a 100% romance novel but a shade of romance is there in all my fiction work. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/K4coqkcW1D

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

As long as the core of the story is applicable to real life, the story itself can be a fairy tale or anything else. It's all about the magic of weaving the story. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/CGWW0ZlSmK

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017

The pen is mightier than the sword - there is no doubt. But the question of bringing peace back is not dependent solely on the pen. #TOIAskSudha #TOIWriteIndia @TOI_Books https://t.co/omBLI9NZMA

— TOI Write India (@TOIWriteIndia) October 16, 2017