For her second fictional work “Voice Mates” Anamika Mishra did not have to go far. Taking a leaf from her life, the writer was inspired to pen a story revolving around a teenage girl, a perfect child in every sense, who harbours the secret desire to become a singer but is unable to convey this to her parents.
Anamika, a vociferous reader of classics since her school days, had a burning ambition to pen a book each time she finished reading one. Urged by her parents to focus on studies, she pursued computers. Realising after graduation that it was not her cup of tea, she moved to writing. “It was a big risk. Even though scared I was determined to give it a shot and now I am a full time writer of blogs and articles on health, beauty, fitness and lifestyle besides fiction. Through ‘Voice Mates’ I want to convey that those passionate about a non-traditional career like music, dancing or writing, etc must give it at least one shot, irrespective of the results.”
On choosing an international singing reality show competition on television as the backdrop for this Jaico publication, she avers: “Shows like this are perceived as a waste of time and energy by many. This is not so for the participants –– youth. For them it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do what they love.”
The novel brings to fore two important issues –– the need for a dialogue between parents and children and allowing freedom to youngsters. “Just like me, the main character in the book, too is afraid to share her dream with her parents. This happens with a majority of the children. A healthy dialogue is imperative with parents seeing their child’s point of view. Parental pressure should be replaced by parental guidance leaving the final choice to the child,” comments the writer. She adds that youngsters, on their part, instead of being swayed by peer pressure and other considerations must decide what they want to do.
On the second aspect, Anamika feels that too much restraint is detrimental to development. “Allowing freedom is good for a youngster’s well being but it cannot be unfettered.”
Imbued with simple language and style, the story underlies some sensitive issues concerning teenagers like romance and infatuation. Stating that these are unavoidable, Anamika recommends caution. “It cannot be checked but there is a need not to be completely carried away making education and career secondary.”
Having finished her third book, the writer is now working on her first non-fiction work.
