WriterStory Interviews of Writers
Dr.Sreemoyee Guha Roy is an Assistant Professor in the Morning section in the Department of Commerce in St.Xavier’s College (Autonomous),Kolkata. She is also Guest Lecturer in many other postgraduate disciplines in various other colleges.She has a PhD in Commerce(specialised in Accounting and Finance) from University of Calcutta.Her primary area of interest is Microinsurance, Rural Development,Financial Inclusion, Microfinance, Microsavings and microcredit amongst others.
She is also an Associate Editor to two international research journal.She has an teaching experience of almost 10 years.She has published over twenty scholarly research paper in various peer reviewed national and international journals.She has also presented papers over twenty-five papers in international and national conferences.She has also received the Best Paper Award at an international seminar.
What inspired you to start writing?
My doctorate degree is on the similar subject.That was one of the many reason that I had come up with this book. Since the inception of this topic,I always wanted to write about the excluded population. They had never got the attention,respect that they deserve.
I believe that all stories (though my book is a not a story book per se) have to at least try to explain some small portion of the meaning of life. This book highlights the level of deprivation of the low-income people and how microinsurance is a helpful tool for them to overcome such poverty.In my book low-income people are plots.And their emotions,desires founded on the realities of life which shows different colour as they strike against poverty is the story line.
What did you like to read when you were a girl?
When I was kid,to be very frank,I was not that much into reading.I always preferred listening.I liked the way my near and dear ones would narrate the stories to me.I liked the audio-visual impact!!!But little that I had read it was all fairy tales mainly.
What is the greatest challenge in writing a book?
My book is a non-fiction book. The greatest challenge I faced was to give words and expressions to my thoughts and another barrier is the fear of sell.
If any first time author can overcome these two hindrances,he/she will be able to pen down naturally.
How much research do you do before writing the book?
This book is based partly on my doctoral research.So I would say there was an intensive research(almost 4 years) performed to come out with this book.
What motivated you to write the book “Microinsurance Including the Excluded”?
The reaching out to the poorest of poor and the deliverance of Microinsurance had actually intrigued me. I never though to produce a work of art,I wrote this book because to expose some myths and lies about the deprived population,and to some facts about them,which I wanted to draw attention.That is when I realised that it was time that I write about it and find the answers and explanation myself. Then I will be fully clear to my readers.
Can you tell us more about your latest book “Microinsurance Including the Excluded”?
The book reveals that microinsurance have proved to be quite effective in bringing about improvements among the low-income people. Positive effects that have been noticed including improvement in standard of living, providing education to children, protection against seasonality etc. But problems persist. The insurance market in these districts is highly concentrated; there are only a few providers that dominate and restrict the entry of others. Although the providers have achieved growth, its penetration into the territory of the poorest of the poor is still quite minimal. Low-income household struggle to save, and if they can save they prefer the traditional forms of savings. High premium amount, inflexibility in collection of premium, claim settlement is among other factors that appear to have a preventive effect upon respondents in choosing microinsurance as a savings option.But more and more players are entering the market and providing an active role.The outlook is cautiously optimistic.
How did you come up with the idea of writing non fiction genre book?
I feel writing non-fiction books can jumpstart your writing career. After you book generate some sales, you will come to believe that you can do this and the confidence will automatically rise. Each success will lead to bigger and better successes as you develop your career, getting you past that inner voice doubting your abilities.
Any writing that you do will increase your ability to write well. Writing skills develop through experience, by actually writing, regardless of what type of writing it is.
Writing nonfiction, whether it’s short pieces or full books, requires research and, probably, interviews with experts. What you uncover as you develop your material will lead you to discover other saleable nonfiction ideas. The information you collect will be useful to you if you write fiction, as well, adding richness and depth to your work.
Who are your favourite authors?
Well the list is never ending.and now that I have written a book,I know the hard work that actually goes into writing one.
But still if you insist my all time favourite is Satyajit Ray,Sunil Ganguly,William Dalrymple.
How much time do you dedicate to writing on a daily basis?
I give myself deadlines.Which is never met and regularly revised.But I try to sit with the book everyday. Even if I am unable to write anything on that day,I still make it a point to sit with it.
What words of wisdom would you like to give to aspiring writers?
Well firstly just start even before you are completely ready.Just do not sit and plan.Whatever you are saying or thinking just pen it down. And secondly, and most importantly read extensively in order to write intensively.
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