Author Interview – Arwinder Kaur – Living While Human

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, ecological activist Arwinder Kaur shares what inspired her to write the multiple award-winning memoir, Living While Human, about creating a better world for future generations.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Arwinder Kaur about her life and career, the inspiration behind her new book, Living While Human, and her creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I’ve woven a captivating narrative that delves into the enigmatic human psyche while offering a candid and heartfelt account of my South Asian family’s migration to Canada. My memoir shares my incredible experiences as a globetrotting youth, which provided me with a unique education about the multifaceted nature of humanity. As a social worker specializing in child welfare for nearly three decades after attending SFU, I’ve gained a wealth of wisdom and compassion that I’ve poured into my writing.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

As a young adult, I never imagined myself as a writer. However, my lifelong curiosity about human behavior and my frustration with conventional explanations led me to explore deeper philosophical questions. Inspired by Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael, I began to document my thoughts and insights, which eventually culminated in my two books: Living While Human and The Compass. The former explores our species’ impact on the planet, while the latter delves into the complexities of individual existence.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Living While Human?

The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. This fundamental truth is often overlooked in our modern, consumer-driven world. Every living being, from the smallest insect to the largest mammal, plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet. Yet, human activity has disrupted this balance, leading to widespread environmental degradation.

To ensure the survival of future generations, we must adopt a more sustainable approach to life. This means reducing our consumption, minimizing our ecological footprint, and working to restore the natural world. We must also acknowledge the limits of our planet and embrace sustainable family planning. By making conscious choices about family size, we can help alleviate the strain on our planet’s resources.

Ultimately, our future depends on our ability to live in harmony with nature. By understanding and respecting the Earth’s delicate ecosystem, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world for all.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Living While Human?

Recalling specific details from my past travels proved to be the most challenging aspect of writing my book. Without a diary or journal to reference, I often found myself struggling to tap into distant memories. As I worked on the manuscript, fragments of forgotten experiences would resurface, forcing me to revisit and revise my writing. Even now, I occasionally recall events that would have enriched the narrative. While this made the writing process longer and more arduous, it also added depth and authenticity to the final product.

How did you plan the structure of Living While Human?

I began writing the book after my family immigrated to Canada in 1962. Melanie suggested including our reasons for immigrating, which led me to delve deeper into my parents’ experiences and the challenges we faced as early South Asian immigrants in Canada.

My two-year journey around the globe during my youth was a formative experience that shaped my worldview. The lessons I learned from those travels, such as the distinction between rights and privileges, are central to my book.

Recognizing the influence of my mentors, particularly Daniel Quinn and his profound work Ishmael, was crucial. Quinn’s insights into human behavior and our relationship with the planet inspired me to explore these themes in my writing.

The book delves into two fundamental questions: How can we live as a species on this planet without causing harm to ourselves or the environment? And how can we navigate our individual lives with a moral compass, fostering harmonious relationships with others? These questions form the core of the book, combining personal reflections with philosophical inquiry.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Living While Human need?

I owe a significant debt of gratitude to my Tellwell editor, Melanie C. Her patience and unwavering support were instrumental in bringing this book to life. As I revised and edited the manuscript, I became increasingly self-critical, losing sight of the original vision. Melanie’s insightful feedback and constructive criticism helped me regain my perspective and stay focused on the task at hand. She encouraged me to trust my instincts while offering valuable suggestions to improve the clarity and impact of my writing. I am truly grateful for her guidance and expertise.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

It’s essential to be cautious when seeking reviews, especially paid ones. A single negative review can be disheartening, but it’s crucial to trust your own judgment and intuition. Positive feedback from awards and genuine readers is often a more reliable indicator of a book’s quality.

My writing journey has been unconventional. While I didn’t keep a journal, I drew on my life experiences and deep-seated beliefs to create a meaningful work. My passion for sharing my truth and contributing to positive change has been the driving force behind my writing.

I encourage aspiring writers to document their experiences and thoughts, as it can be invaluable when crafting a book. By staying true to oneself and writing with authenticity, one can create work that resonates with readers and makes a lasting impact.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

While I haven’t planned any future writing projects, I wouldn’t rule anything out. After all, my previous book came about unexpectedly.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

https://arwinderkaurauthor.com/

https://podcast.wellevatr.com/interconnected-existence-embracing-global-responsibility-and-sustainability-with-arwinder-kaur

Apple Books: https://apple.co/4fyFCR8

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4fAvjMo

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3OGdQGN

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3CCvcBr

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