Born and raised in Bhanjang Basti, Haflong in the Indian states of Assam to a Nepali speaking couple, Pitambar Upadhaya (father) and Nandakala (Bawni) Upadhaya (mother). His father was in the Northeast Frontier Railway service and mother, a homemaker. Dr. Rishikesh Upadhyay received an MSc, MPhil and a PhD from Assam University, and has been writing and teaching for the past decade. His works have appeared, quoted and cited in several international journals and books of repute. He was an Albert nelson lifetime achievement award winner, the winner of Pencraft literary excellence award, the literary titan book award, along with many other honors.

  1. First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Thank you so much, Jimmetta, for having me at Write2Be Magazine.

Well, writings, doing research works and teachings makes me feel more alive, deeply experience things, and able to tell my thoughts/research/stories to the world, and genuine writing is so powerful. It can change someone’s life.

I’ve always been an avid in teaching and research. It’s not possible to say where inspiration comes from. Well, that is largely a mystery. Simply, I just love to write, learn and teach. From there, it just took shape.

The most frustrating part of writing is getting your book in people’s hands. It is also frustrating when the readers absolutely love your book yet will not take a moment to review it.

  1. Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

Well, I usually prefer to write, or interested writing nonfiction titles, articles, research articles, poems, and children’s, etc. All my articles and books are available at online bookstores worldwide, Google scholars, etc.

Here’s the links –

Amazon    https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B076T8TTLG/allbooks

Goodreads    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17275904.Rishikesh_Upadhyay

Google Scholar    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=h232zIsAAAAJ

Librarything     https://www.librarything.com/author/upadhyayrishikesh      

  1. Do you have a schedule for when you write? What projects are you currently working on?

Oh, that’s not specific. As you know it’s very hard to get yourself or anyone back in that zone of thinking about the imaginative world or idea that’s in your mind. During the day, I work at a local government college, and by night I pour my imagination and ideas out onto a page. I believe in and write.

  1. What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

I want something that educates me, and better yet, teaches me something good. I pick those books by the author rather than the content sometimes and the best stories have something to say. That’s important to me.

  1. What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

Being able to publish articles, research articles, authored and edited books, are genuinely awesome. Looking back, I would have never imagined going from a student who enjoyed studies and who writes research papers to a published author or writer. No, never. So, I am beyond appreciative of everything that contributed to this journey, from teaching to writing, to editors and researchers. Each published book represents a journey, and I’m happy to share these journeys with my readers.

In the next five years, I see myself writing even more articles and books. My objective is to continue improving and exploring new writing and teaching techniques.

  1. How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

These may vary. Would you please spend some time thinking about your reason for writing a book? Be prepared to invest a thousand hours, energy and perhaps many more, to finish a book you are proud to share with your friends and family. Make writing a hobby or passion, not for earning money. Revising and polishing your work before submitting it is also essential. 

  1. Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

I do not find it difficult to deal with the creative sides because I write and teach which allows me to be able to handle. But yes, it’s very challenging to create a writer/author platform because I am not a full timer writer.

  1. So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

In a nutshell, I have no issue with reading it, but I absolutely use another set of eyes as I will or may miss stuff and carry my own bias about my writing.

  1. Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

Well, Success can be well-defined in many ways. As for some, it might mean getting book published or receiving praise, while for others; it could be as simple as finishing a manuscript or touching someone’s life with their words. As long as we take enjoyment in the process, it’s never too late to pursue writing. Unlike other pursuits, writing often improves with age, allowing us to continue developing and refining our skills regardless of our age or experience.

* These were questions presented by the author*

10) Would you like to share with us your non writing activity?

This is a good question, I enjoy teaching, doing research work, thinking, sitting with a laptop, walking, pouring water to plants, and watching Television with my family members.

11) Any regret till date?

Yes, I don’t have some good photographs or videos or letters or emails saved from my late father. Unfortunately, he died before smartphones were a thing.