Interview with Yash Tiwari

Yash Tiwari

Yash Tiwari is a remarkable young talent who has already left an indelible mark on the literary world at the tender age of 18. With a string of accolades to his name, including being a four-time acclaimed TEDx speaker and Josh Talks speaker, Yash's passion for storytelling and advocacy shines through in his works.

His debut novel, "A Celebration In Tribulation," penned when he was just 16, garnered global acclaim and awards, showcasing his prodigious talent and keen insight into the human condition. But it was with his groundbreaking work, "Pandemic 2020 - Rife Of The Virus," that Yash truly made waves. As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Yash fearlessly delved into the heart of the crisis, offering readers a poignant and insightful exploration of its impact on society.

Now, with his latest offering, "Blisters of the Battle," Yash once again proves himself to be a master storyteller. Set against the backdrop of Vijayabhoomi, the tale unfolds with gripping intensity, drawing readers into a world torn apart by revenge, brutality, and the quest for survival. Through the trials and tribulations of the Paatli family and the other inhabitants of Nadeos, Yash weaves a narrative that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking.

With each page, Yash invites readers to confront the darkest aspects of human nature, while also celebrating the resilience and courage that can emerge in the face of adversity. His skillful prose and vivid imagery bring the story to life, immersing readers in a world where the line between right and wrong is blurred, and the consequences of one's actions reverberate far beyond the battlefield.

But perhaps most importantly, Yash's work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire change and foster empathy. Through his novels, he shines a light on the pressing issues of our time, challenging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

As a globally renowned youth mentor and public speaker, Yash Tiwari is not only a literary talent to be reckoned with but also a beacon of hope for the next generation. With his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world, there is no doubt that his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

1. Can you tell us about your inspiration behind "Blisters of the Battle" and what drove you to write this particular story?

> Six years ago, I authored the first draft of my novel, "Blisters of the Battle." While I pursued other projects, it was in the year 2022 when I felt a sense of inclination to get it published, especially in light of what all was happening around the globe at that time. The book's themes feel incredibly relevant even today, highlighting the profound human cost of such situations globally, particularly on civilians, a perspective often overlooked in narratives focusing on these themes. Even when I wrote it, my goal was to shed light on the untold stories of ordinary people caught in the global conflicts. Similar to my novel, "PANDEMIC 2020," one of the first fictional accounts of the covid outbreak, this one focuses on a family grappling with the devastating consequences of a battle. Just as "PANDEMIC 2020" followed four individuals navigating the pandemic, "Blisters" delves into the lives of these family members as they confront the battle's brutal realities.

2. "Blisters of the Battle" seems to delve into themes of revenge, survival, and mystery. What message or emotions were you aiming to evoke in your readers through this narrative?

> One of the core messages that consistently emerges in my writings and speeches is peace and kindness towards each other. This resonates deeply with me because, especially in today's complex and ever-evolving world, I believe kindness is a fundamental strength. In this particular novel, I explored this concept by conveying the importance of kindness and peace even during a battle's hardships. Despite differing ideologies and viewpoints, I believe this shared human desire for peace and basic kindness ultimately brings people together. Even the greatest conflicts can be resolved when people strive for these ideals. This is, at least, my optimistic perspective.

3. The story unfolds during a single night filled with bloodshed and mysteries. How did you manage to maintain the tension and suspense throughout the narrative, considering the condensed timeframe?

> This challenge was both enjoyable and demanding. Traditionally, novels and novellas explore characters' lives over a significant period. However, while writing this story, I was struck by how much can transpire within a short timeframe, especially during battles or intense situations. This realization extended to the experiences of multiple characters from diverse backgrounds.  It became clear that even with a condensed one-night timeframe, I could create a substantial story. My usual writing style focuses on individual characters' perspectives, which I've applied here with four characters. Their lives become intertwined during this chaotic night, allowing for a deeper exploration of each character's journey. This approach adds layers of complexity even within a compressed time frame.

4. The Paatli family plays a central role in the story. What challenges did you face in developing their characters amidst the chaos of the battle, and what do you hope readers will take away from their journey?

> As I mentioned, this narrative was written nearly six years ago. While my memory of my character perceptions from back then might not be that clear,  one of the clearest points I recall was about crafting a very specific story for each character within the larger battle arc of the novel. I envisioned them not just as a group with a common goal, but as individuals with their own unique narratives. Because, as history shows, in such situations, survival instincts can differ dramatically between individuals and even groups. This desire to showcase these individual stories was a core concept while developing the four characters whose perspectives unfold throughout the novel.

5. Your debut novel, "A Celebration In Tribulation," received global acclaim. How do you feel your writing style or approach has evolved since then, especially with "Blisters of the Battle"?

> My writing style has definitely evolved in a positive way. I can clearly see this by comparing my earlier work to what I write today. However, one constant across all my narratives, even those I'm currently conceptualizing, is a focus on human psychology. It's almost subconscious - it weaves itself into everything I write. Even within a thriller, I'm drawn to exploring the psychologies of characters and the situations they face. This focus has naturally matured alongside me. As I've gained life experience, I bring a deeper perspective to exploring human emotions and motivations. Additionally, there's a growing desire within me to explore different genres. It's a fantastic way to experiment with storytelling.  While venturing into new genres can be daunting, it's a challenge I'm actively embracing in my recent projects.

6. As a young writer, what do you find most rewarding about crafting stories, particularly in the realm of fiction?

> In my work, I bridge the gap between factual and fictional storytelling. As a public speaker and motivational coach, I deliver practical talks and workshops on communication skills, personal development, and finding purpose. These sessions rely on clear explanations, exercises, and real-world scenarios. However, as a fiction writer, I craft narratives in fantastical worlds. Interestingly, one unifying element remains: the power of storytelling. Whether through non-fiction workshops or fantastical novels, I strive to convey a message. This, I believe, is storytelling's greatest strength: its ability to entertain while imparting valuable lessons. It can grab attention, but more importantly, it can leave audiences with a deeper understanding or inspiration. This is what truly excites me about storytelling, be it in fiction, film, television, or any other format.

7. "Pandemic 2020" was the world's first novel-length book on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. How do you see your role as a writer during times of crisis, and what challenges did you encounter while tackling such a timely and sensitive subject matter?

> This is one of my favorite interview questions because writing "PANDEMIC 2020" was an incredible, albeit intense, experience. It all happened within a 30-day window during the very first COVID-19 lockdown, back in April 2020. What made it a rollercoaster was the nature of the topic. Unlike writing about historical events where data is readily available, this was unfolding in real-time. I was essentially researching while writing, which meant the storylines constantly evolved. As I wrote each chapter, I'd refine the previous ones, incorporating new information from the ever-changing news landscape. Readers familiar with the book will recognize the accuracy of the statistical data and global incidents depicted. I aimed for a dramatic, historical feel, a window into that initial, chaotic phase of the pandemic for future generations. Maintaining this accuracy was a challenge. Researching a constantly evolving situation, especially during such a stressful time, could be psychologically draining. But there was a unique rhythm to those days. Mornings were spent delivering motivational talks, then evenings were dedicated to writing these often difficult chapters. It was a constant push to stay motivated while tackling a subject that, while harsh, demanded to be told through a novel.

8. You're not only a prolific writer but also a renowned youth mentor and public speaker. How do you balance these different roles, and do they influence each other in any way?

> Absolutely, there's a fascinating interplay between my storytelling and motivational work. My passion for crafting narratives in fiction and stories naturally spills over into my talks. The structure of the presentations and the way I connect with the audience all benefit from that storytelling drive, making the talks more engaging and interesting. Conversely, the habit of delivering focused messages with clear takeaways in my motivational sessions has influenced my fiction writing as well. Each story I create now aims to convey a specific message, mirroring the enjoyment I get from consuming stories where the creator's intent shines through beyond the artistic flourishes. In short, the focused delivery of my talks strengthens how I write long-form stories, and the storytelling passion I pour into those projects translates back to my talks, creating a more vibrant and impactful experience for the audience.

9. Could you share any insights or lessons you've learned from your experiences as a TEDx speaker and Josh Talks speaker that have influenced your writing journey?

> Delivering talks at TED, Josh and similar platforms has ingrained in me the importance of structure. While a talk has a tight 20-minute format, a book is vastly different, ranging from 200 to 500 pages. Yet, structure remains crucial in both. Literature students will be familiar with various plot structures, with the three-act structure being the most common. This involves exposition in the first act, rising action and plot development in the second, and climax and resolution in the third. While this may seem basic, for a storyteller to effectively structure their narrative is an art form. A well-structured story, whether a movie, TV show, or book, is one that the audience can effortlessly understand. This ability to connect with the audience is directly tied to the storyteller's skill in crafting a clear structure, regardless of the medium – a 20-minute talk or a 200-page novel. Therefore, understanding structure across different mediums is absolutely interconnected.

10. What can readers expect from your future projects, and are there any themes or genres you're particularly interested in exploring next?

> This question truly excites me! I have several creative projects in the works, and I'm thrilled to share them with global audiences soon. As you mentioned genre, and like I hinted at earlier, I'm constantly looking to expand my storytelling skills and projects to reach a wider international audience. This is always a goal. With that in mind, I've been delving into some fascinating, unexplored genres that feel incredibly thrilling to craft. While I can't reveal specifics yet, just know that some truly exciting projects are in development, so stay tuned!