Tanvi Singh
Unifying worlds with mythology & fantasy
The world wide web is a valuable tool. It can unify opposite sides of the world & open up awareness.
Imagine my delight, upon meeting another soul that loves chasing a myth down the proverbial rabbit hole & chatting about our interpretations of it. Conversations that are informative, & blossom into intriguing inspiration.
Butβ¦
We live on opposite sides of the globe. We are from different cultures & have different belief systems. What could we have in common? Keep reading, we have so much in common!
π
It is my pleasure to introduce you to one of my favorite people, Tanvi Singh.
First question, Tanvi, what attracted you to mythology and cultural folklore stories?Β
The mythology and folklores arenβt as much in the books as they are part of grandmaβs tales. I think every Asian child is going to give the same answer. I would love to say that it was just curiosity, but that would only be part truth. India has a really diverse belief system. The faiths, beliefs, practices differ within a house, let alone a community. My familyβs, for example, is one of ancestral worship, not of the gods and goddesses that the western communities are aware of. And there are thousands of other systems with their own set of beliefs that even we arenβt aware of. I was able to get to read about and witness the practices as not a believer, but an impartial spectator. As magical as each epic or a fable would be, it has its own lessons, and very much drawn from the history and culture of their time. That, for me, is the draw mythology and folklores have.Β
For those of us in the US, the Christian faiths just celebrated Fat Tuesday, which is the last day to eat fatty foods before Lent. It happens the day before Ash Wednesday. When we were talking you mentioned an Ash tradition where you live, can you share a bit about that one?β―Β
Let me start off by saying this, the ash tradition we talked about is just one part of diverse cultural setup of India, and daunting even to many of us living within the country. This particular event is tied to one of the biggest Hindu festivals, Holi. A byproduct of fire which sanctifies and provides salvation, ash is considered sacred. The devotees of Lord Shiva, apart from playing Holi with colours, are known to gather to celebrate a unique sort of Holi. Masaan Holiβplaying Holi at the cremation ground with the ashes from lit funeral pyres. Itβs a contradiction from celebrating the spirit of life to renunciation of all worldly attachments by embracing death. Unsettling, I know, and something definitely not meant for the faint-hearted. But these motifs, beliefs and stories are very lifeblood of this ancient land. We donβt separate them as mere fables, but have stitched them into the very fabric of our immeasurably vast culture.Β
We live half way around the world from each other and live in different cultures, but isn't it so cool that we find similarities even at the same time of year? I think that is something we need to hear more about in our world. I try to bring it alive in my writing worlds. Does it appear in your stories too?Β
All the time! Even if I create an entirely fictitious world, the little aspects of my culture always manage to seep in. Like in my first fantasy story, there is a scene in the beginning with a festival which bears resemblance to Lohri and Holi, both festivals that are closely related to harvest. We see a group of women dressed vibrantly, walking towards this common area where a giant bonfire is being prepared, and their arms are laden with garlands made out of sweets and dry fruits which they prepared for their children. That community feel and the celebration, it was a delight for me to include that aspect of my culture in my work. This is just one of many instances in my writings.Β Β
Do you have a favorite mythology character or story?Β
I have several, and all have one thing in commonβflawed women who refuse to conform to the norms of the society, women who are just themselves. But thereβs one that stands out, and she is even briefly mentioned in the fantasy duology Iβm currently drafting. Can I delve into the story here?Β
Β In pre-Christianity Sumi Naga lore, Kungumi are a race of sky-spirits, living in a realm high above the atmosphere. Celestial events like meteor showers, comets and such are believed to take place in their realm. These Kungumis would sometimes visit the earth, and even take human partners. This one is about a Kungumi named Shambili, who used to visit earth to pluck flowers from one particular garden; tended to by a man who wanted those flowers to catch some womanβs eye. The man spotted Shambili plucking the flowers and was immediately smitten with her. Despite her protests, he convinced her to stay on earth and life as his wife. Somehow, she agreed.Β Β
But Kungumis are not meant for earth.Β Β
Once after a few months, she said she needed to visit her home in the skies. The very next day after Shambili left, her husbandβs neighbour disappeared. When she came back, she carried with her in a basket what looked like the leg of the same man that disappeared.Β
Β It was a treat from her family, said Shambili.Β Β
Her husband, now terrified of what he had married, refused the meal. The very next day, their neighbours grew suspicious of the silence from their house. They went to check, and to their shock and horror, saw Shambili sitting on top of her husbandβs chest, eating his internal organs with great delight and comfort. The neighbours tried to break the door down, but in that moment, a terrible thunder and flash occurred, and Shambili was gone, back to her home in the skies.Β Β
Creepy. But at the same moment, itβs a lesson. One cannot seek to tame the nature of something they donβt understand. Nor can you keep someone against their will in an environment they donβt wish to. Itβs a take on many a marriage where women are stifled.Β
How has that shaped your writing life experience?Β
I believe that these tales and our society are in tandem. As we grow, we witness how much of these stories are a critique and a social commentary of our own culture and our understanding of it. You cannot separate one from the other, and thatβs the experience that bleeds into the writing, becoming the vessel for those complexities weβve grown with.Β Β
But if weβre just talking about mythologies and folklore, I prefer to use them in a manner they can be used as a tool to explain the nuances, and the vices of our cultural ethos. One major inspiration for me has been Takashi Shimizu, the writer of Japanese horror series Ju-on. I remember being in primary school when I first saw Ju-on, and the obviously terrifying visuals and the general air of unease aside, it reeled me in. The manner in which he played upon Yotsuya Kaiden, a famous kabuki play, and brought Oiwaβs character alive through Kayako into the modern world while still maintaining the motifs, repression of women in a society in particular, was a thing of beauty, though the connection to the play and the movies has been highly debated by critics and viewers alike.Β
But my primary influence has always been women writers. My school curriculum mainly revolved around English language poets and novelists like Frost, Yeats, Shakespeare, Maupassant and such. The writings of women, Asian women in particular, was sorely lacking. Enter middle school and access to library card. I ended up devouring the entire fiction section, scouring all the books by Asian writers I could find, albeit sparsely.Β
Β It isnβt just the novelists like Amrita Pritam, Arundhati Roy, Cho Nam Joo, Sayaka Murata and Matsu Miyashita who influence my writing experience, but screenwriters, musicians, artists as well. South Korean screenwriter Park Hae Young, for example. Watching a show written by her is akin to a free masterclass in screenwriting with the way she plays on human emotions. Modern artists like Soey Milk, whose exhibition βPidaβ I was so influenced by, in particularly her painting βBalsamβ which oozes delicate femininity replete with symbolism.Β Β
The irony, however, is, despite my preference for art and writings being predominantly contemporary, my own writing always tends to verge on historical. Thatβs my comfort space. Perhaps the most inspirational ones for me, regarding historical fiction have been Min Jin Lee, Amrita Pritam, Juhea Kim and Nguyα» n Phan QuαΊΏ Mai.Β Β
Β (βBalsamβ by Soey Milk. Source: https://www.artsy.net/partner/hashimoto-contemporary)Β
Are you a highly organized writer or do you have slips of stories laying about? Tell us about your process.β―Β
It would be considered a miracle if I do get all my little snippets organized. All my notebooks, and I do work on many simultaneously, have little notes scribbled or random pages dedicated to a new story idea which has no connection with the manuscript Iβd be working on, thus breaking the flow Iβd be in. Itβs frustrating, but thatβs just my writing process.Β Β
What gets you in the flow to write? What is your magical spark?Β
I can honestly say that when the writerβs block hits, it can carry on for months, with not even a word written down. But other times, it is actually like βEureka!β whenever Iβd be reading something or deep down in research. It is always little details that get me in the flow. The very first story of mine that I queried which is undergoing rewrites as of now, was inspired by a lone coin dug up at Rakhigarhi, an Indus Valley Civilization archeological dig-siteβbarely a three-hour long drive from home. Thatβs just it. Thatβs how it happens. But at the same time, I believe it is spite that motivates me to write. You have had the chance to see all the folklore posts Iβve shared thus far, and how through a vast majority of them, social issues are at the forefront. Like the story about Khawringβthe jealousy demon, or about Daayan Prathaβpersecution of women by branding them as witches. They all have a significant history attached to them, and all are deeply rooted in patriarchy. If I can talk about it, even as a diatribe, thatβs my spark.Β
Family is very important to you. You have been traveling with your mom the past few weeks, and that has led to some amazing adventures. Can you share any stories or photos? What was it like to walk in the steps of living history?Β
Β I ended up dragging her around with me everywhere, if weβre looking at semantics. As you know that it was entirely circumstantial that I got to travel, but it was good to break out of the monotony. Bhopal, as of recent memory, is synonymous with the gas tragedy of the carbide factory of 1984 which is going to stay in our psyche forever. One of the worst industrial disasters, it claimed thousands of lives. That does a number on you.Β But once we got there, we were met with a serene and beautiful city with lakes, hills and just this general air of peace.Β Β You get to truly experience how quickly life bounces back while still carrying that sadness within.
Madhya Pradesh is an ancient state with a vibrant and complex history, dating all the way back to the paleolithic and Mesolithic age. A shining example of that is the Bhimbetka Rock Sheltersβnatural rock formation boasting of cave paintings by early men. Their discovery in 1980s challenged and pushed back the scientific theory of humans developing cognitive intelligence by thousands of years that previously predicted. How cool is that! One painting in particular that stands out is the Boar Rock, a giant ochre painting depicting a hunting scene. Though only fifteen of the seven hundred plus caves are open to tourists, the mere sight of them is going to leave you awestruck.Β Β
I got to visit Sanchi, where a portion of Buddhaβs ashes are kept and got to witness the history of the Mauryan empire. Udayagiri caves were possibly the hidden gem. I have never felt history staring you in the face as much as that place has. One really interesting thing about all these places is that they all fall on the Tropic of Cancer, and for someone who has never been in an environment as this, itβs like someone is pressing down on your head. Thatβs the energy here. Furthermore, it is believed that multiple ley lines coincide here, so that adds to the mystery and intrigue of this place.Β
(Boar Rock, Bhimbetka Shelters. Image by Tanvi Singh)Β Β
(Sanchi Stupa and the east gate of the Great Stupa. Image: Tanvi Singh)Β
Speaking of amazing adventures, you were just invited to speak at EPFO, Ministry of Labour, Women's Day Event. Can you please share that honor with us? What did you talk about?β―Β
It was so unexpected! I am so humbled to even be considered for such an honour, let alone be felicitated. A few months ago I had the opportunity to sit and talk about my work and inspiration with their officials. They were highly impressed and recommended my name for the βNari Shaktiβ awardβaward for women empowerment; using my voice and writings as a tool to amplify womenβs voices.Β Β
I was invited as the guest of honour and a speaker along with the Chief Guest, leading gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Anupa Walia Lokwani of Apex Hospital, Bhopal. But my proudest moment was standing amongst these incredible women with my mum right by my side. She stood there not in capacity of their senior, but as a parent. It came as a surprise to her as well when she received the call about the event.Β
They key takeaway from my speech was, and this is entirely based on the circumstances and upbringing, if you intend to live your life as a woman with her own agency, her rights and her esteem, you must be prepared for the backlash you will undoubtedly receive from your relatives and the society. And I am relieved to say that everyone present agreed.Β Β
Apart from that, I discussed fantasy and speculative fiction serving as a tool for driving your point across, especially if you are dealing with topics you will most likely be, pardon me for this, crucified for. It was a short speech, and people far more experienced than me were in attendance, but Iβm grateful for this opportunity to speak in the middle of such unparalleled individuals.Β Β
(Images courtesy EPFO Branch, Bhopal. On my right: Mrs. Promila Singh, Assistant PF Commissioner, Bhopal (and my mother), Dr. Meenesh Sharma, the coordinator of the event, and the Chief Guest Dr. Anupa Walia Lokwani)Β
(Images courtesy EPFO Branch, Bhopal. On my right: Mrs. Promila Singh, Assistant PF Commissioner, Bhopal (and my mother), Dr. Meenesh Sharma, the coordinator of the event, and the Chief Guest Dr. Anupa Walia Lokwani)Β
Me's Author Dare Questionnaire
* 1. Tea or Coffee
Coffee
* 2. Favorite Season
Autumn
* 3. Guilty Pleasure Read
As clichΓ© as it may sound, Pride & Prejudice
* 4. Do you have a writing time ritual?
Not really, I just maintain a time-frame in which I sit & write without any disturbance. Thatβs it.
* 5. Who makes you laugh?
Richard Ayoade
* 6. Dragons ~ Friend or Foe
Iβm on the fence about it. On one hand it is a giant fire breathing reptile that can decimate me in a moment, but itβs also like a cat.
* 7. Favorite Book
I have three.
The White Book by Han Kang
The Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
The Mountain Sings by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
* 8. Must have, creative time snack?
Spicy corn puffs or salted caramel popcorn
* 9. Road trip, one song stuck on repeat, what is it?
Can You Hear My Heart by Epik High ft Lee Hi
* 10. Do your socks HAVE TO match?
I have exactly nineteen individual socks belonging to pair right now, never to be whole again. So, No, they do not need to match.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Tanvi Singh is a multi-genre writer from Gurgaon, India, having written socio-political Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Literary Fiction inspired by the folklores and mythology of India while highlighting the cultural ethos and the social malpractices deeply rooted in misogyny they bring forth. Having published articles independently on multiple platforms and on her own website, she is currently in the process of revising and rewriting her debut fantasy series along with drafting multiple other projects simultaneously, including her very first screenplay.Β
Through her works, she wishes to put South Asian writers on a global map in an industry, which even though has evolved, still functions with a bias towards the global south and treats Asian writers, particularly Indian women, as secondary despite their peerless talent.Β
Since a young age, she has actively advocated for health and education of women and children from weaker economic sections, and has been a member UN Women Asia, UNICEF, Global Citizen, and countless other organizations which amplify womenβs voices.Β
LINKTREE: https://www.linktree.com/TanviSinghΒ
βββ My next newsletter, will be the debut publication of my Fictional Newspaper, Starlight Compass. My interactive & immersive creation.
As always, I love hearing from my readers. If there is an author you would like to hear from or you have questions for me, feel free to email me or comment on the newsletter. Thank you for reading! βββ
Wonderful interview with the lovely and amazing Tanvi! Thank you *Me!