Chichanbeni ( Cham) Humtsoe author of ” My Days and Nights “
Poetry is painting with words. A string of words with all the right shade of every colour capturing the experience of human essence in all its vulnerable glory”- An Exclusive Interview with Chichanbeni (Cham) Humtsoe author of “My Days and Nights” from Wokha, Nagaland.
Welcome to the literary world of Chichanbeni (Cham) Humtsoe, a phenomenal writer from Wokha, Nagaland who make herself intelligible by putting euphony before the reader’s through her captivating usage of language and rhythm in her poems. Her poetry brings out the flexible use of words in building up a poetic meaning from the experiences of everyday life. Her words aim at the lucidity of expression keeping in mind the readers into closer proximity to achieve the intended effect she employed in her writings. The fusion of intense emotions and metaphors used extensively in expressive way gives supremacy to the poem. There are no limits to what a poetic form of expression can do so, let us forget our worries and explore the aesthetic beauty of freedom that gives a new vision of life in an entirely different way.
Before we delve deep into the creative world of Cham Humtsoe let us also celebrate her first anthology of poetry “ My Days and Nights” published by Penthrill Publication, enthralling readers with her unique narratives, contemplative tone, and themes of self introspection that runs throughout the book. The personae in her writings give vivid imagery, a tone that resonates and the narratives have the ultimate power to ignite your emotions. Her poems have the power to transport the readers to another level and you will find yourself under the influence of Taylor Swift and Sylvia path as you read along the lines inviting the readers to share a new insight of her artistic vision.
Dear readers, please join us as we explore the creative journey of Cham Humtsoe’s, get ready to be inspired and moulded by the author intensely felt experiences with a speaking voice through language and rhythm “ I love seeing the world in words and having the language to articulate that into something consumable ” said Cham.
Read her fascinating answers below!
Wondanglo: Can you tell us about yourself and discuss your background and experience as a writer?
Cham: My name is Chichanbeni Humtsoe but I write under the pen name, ‘Cham Humtsoe’ for no particular reason other than the fact that my full name was too long to have it pasted front and center on a cover. I did my Bachelors in Horticulture from Himachal Pradesh. Other than using poetry as a personal form of expressing and venting for as long as I can remember, I have absolutely no experience as a writer! I listen to a lot of Taylor Swift and really appreciate her lyricism as well as her story-telling, her use of metaphors and the vivid imagery that her words evokes and so if you’re a fan of hers as well, you’ll find sprinkles of her touch scattered in and around a lot of my work.
Wondanglo: What inspired you to become a writer? How has your passion for writing evolved over time?
Cham: I initially started writing because of the cathartic relief that washed over me as soon as I’d see a completed piece staring back. It also helped me process a lot of unresolved emotions because I could simply write something intending it to be a letter to a person and pacify myself with the thought that I’d put it out there someday with hopes that they’d come across it. Although in hindsight, I’m pretty sure by the time they come across it, I’d have become indifferent to whichever emotion was currently plaguing me at that moment in time. I’m still riding that passion like a horse; it hasn’t evolved much from its raw birth.
Wondanglo: Can you give some highlights of your publishing process? What was the most rewarding aspect of working with your publisher?
Cham: Ah yes, so I published with Penthrill Publications which was founded by Ma’am Rita Krocha who also happens to be an amazing poet. I was quite apprehensive at the start, unsure of myself but the first phone call with Ma’am quite literally dispelled every single doubt I had in mind. Having a poet you admired and admire tell you she liked your poetry is a different kind of high. All I had to do was submit my manuscript and everything was taken care of. I made several changes to my final submission several times and I’m still grateful that the team at Penthrill was so accommodating and patient.
I think the most rewarding aspect would have to be my book being lined next to amazing poets and authors from the same publisher.
Wondanglo: How do you promote and market your books? What strategies have been most successful for you?
Cham: Usually social media. It’s a powerful tool for pretty much anything in this day and age and that has been the most successful strategy thus far.
Wondanglo: What is the concept behind the book “My Days and Nights”? Can you describe the central themes that explore in your poetry?
Cham: The main concept centers around self-introspection after events that threaten to change you as a person and the complex intertwining of human emotions with notes of inner struggles. Growing up, I think a lot of the events we deem as ‘noteworthy’ are the ones surrounding love and heartbreak. Every single encounter leaves you with a new perspective you wish you had known earlier, perspectives you hope not to forget and so, I love writing those lessons down, as a reminder for the future self. There’s also a certain contemplative tone that runs throughout the book that has more to do with me being a very indecisive person rather than a tool for flair. I’ve been told that it is hopeful as well so maybe that’s another theme that gets its fair share of display. All in all, the poems in the book were written during the most formative years of my late teen to early 20’s life so there’s a whimsical, almost child-like wonder to them, no matter the theme.
Wondanglo: Can you share a memorable experience that had a profound impact on your poetry?
Cham: It’s nothing particular but rather time. How it flies. One moment you’re in your college dorm in your 1st year, the next, you’re back at home one degree richer. I feel hyper aware of its looming presence on some days more than others but it’s always there in the back of my mind constantly threatening to take more than it gives. I have been, of late, been writing about time more than usual.
Wondanglo: Are there any poets or writers who have had a significant influence on your work?
Cham: I’m gonna bring up Taylor Swift again. The way she spins and narrates personal experience into something that’s larger than life is something I’ve always tried to emulate. I also love Sylvia Plath and her realm of darkness, her unapologetic tone for the human experience mostly seen as taboo to voice out loud, especially more so during her time.
Wondanglo: What sparked your interest to pursue poetry as a form of expression? Do you think poetry gives the power of freedom in writing?
Cham: Simply because I wasn’t good and still isn’t at any other art of expression haha. I love seeing the world in words and having the language to articulate that into something consumable.
Personally, I feel as though we do not need to adhere to stringent rules in order to explore freedom in poetry. It’s art and like many other forms of art, there’s no hard and fast rule unless of course, stated otherwise.
Wondanglo: What genre exclusively attracts you when crafting your writing? In the future do you plan to write in more than one genre?
Cham: Free verse for sure. I love the liberation of it all. Although the flow and pattern is something I keep in mind.
I actually don’t know. I’ve tried experimenting with haikus, turns out I need a hard point to put out that needs paragraphs and verses so that doesn’t work. I’ve tried the rhyming quatrain method and would love to explore that world more in the future.
Wondanglo: What emotions do you wish to evoke in readers through your writing? What do you think makes good writing?
Cham: Simply to somehow relate my experience to theirs and find comfort in the knowledge that the human experience is universal no matter how much it feels as though we are the only ones going through it. That someone at some point has gone through what they’re going through and came out all the stronger. Basically the emotions I feel when I search for poetry to read when I’m going through something indescribable.
I think being true to you and your experience makes good writing. Not letting fear cloud our creativity and simply letting loose like the mad people we all are.
Wondanglo: What do you think are the most fundamental elements of writing?
Cham: A voice that resonates with the reader, vivid imagery and a unique personal perspective on the matter or subject.
Wondanglo: Are there any Naga writers that have influenced you? If so, how?
Cham: I grew up reading Easterine Kire’s novels so I have to mention her. I remember staying up way past my bedtime with a torch under the blanket devouring each word as though the world was ending the next minute. I still find her writing the easiest to digest in terms of narration, not because it’s simple but because of the way she threads words into this tableau that is so magically vivid. It’s very easy to get lost in her world.
Wondanglo: As a writer have you ever received feedback from readers about how your writing impacted them emotionally?
Cham: Ah my favourite type of messages to receive. A lot of them say it left them heartbroken so I don’t know haha I didn’t know the last decade of my life was that depressing to read. But then again, most of them will pick a particular poem and elaborate on it so I’m guessing it resonated with their personal experience and having to read it like someone wrote it for you feels oddly comforting yet sad because they know what it’s like to go through what I’ve written and perhaps, they empathize that I, too, had to go live through it once upon a time.
Wondanglo: What do you fancy most about being a published author and why?
Cham: Seeing my name on the cover of a book, something so validating about seeing my name in print, and the knowledge that somewhere out there, my book finds a home on someone else’s shelf or coffee table.
Wondanglo: What challenges have you faced as a writer? How do you handle challenges or setbacks in your journey? How has it influenced your growth as a writer?
Cham: I think personally, it would have to be my fear of rejection from the literary community. Whenever you’re putting something out for the world to see, whether that’s a picture on your social media or a presentation in class, you’re opening yourself up for criticism and that can be a pretty daunting thought. I think for me, the most important thing I had to come to terms with was the fact that not everything has to be for everyone just as not everything is for me. This was achieved over hour long calls with friends who kept assuring me before the book came out that it was gonna be alright so yeah, I handled it with unceremonious uncertainty initially but slowly got around to it. Once I had the confidence that regardless of the feedback, we are simply a speck in the grander scheme of the universe, it made me bolder in traversing new topics I was previously scared to dip my toes into.
Wondanglo: How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your writing? How do you use feedback to improve your writing?
Cham: I take it in stride just as I do with the compliments. Everything is highly subjective, I’m doing something fundamentally horrendous to the soul of it all, I appreciate the feedback, try to improve on it and move on.
Wondanglo: What were the key lessons you learned along your writing journey and what do you think are the essential qualities or skills required to be a successful writer?
Cham: Like I’ve mentioned before, nothing beats being true to yourself and your experience when you’re writing poetry. There’s something so magical about condensing certain events into a single narrative and I think, finding your voice and what works for you is the most essential skill you can master. Most of the prolific poets in history can be recognized from a single poem of theirs regardless of whether names are, mentioned or not because of their unique voice and touch.
Wondanglo: What advice would you give to budding authors who are just starting their creative journey? If so, what are they?
Cham: I’m not sure if I’m qualified enough to be dishing out advice but I think to be truly free from the shackles of confinement, you have to let go of someone else’s opinion on your unique perspective. Write as much as you can for as long as you can. Write with thought that you’re writing for your eyes only because if you write with the intent of sharing, there’s this added pressure for perfection which doesn’t exist. Trust your creative process and be true to your experience because you’re the one who went through them and only you can describe it to the bone.
Wondanglo: What are your long-term goals and aspirations as a writer and how do you plan to achieve them?
Cham: In all honesty, I currently do not have a set goal although I think it’d be nice to have another book under my belt! I’ll continue writing and one fine day, if it happens, it happens. Although I have this wild fantasy that if I do get the pleasure to publish again, it’d be a novel about our people. It sometimes pains me to imagine all of the fantastical, heartbreaking stories of our land that has been lost to time simply because there was no one to immortalize it on paper, so I think that’d be a rewarding world to thread into. If you’re thinking of the same goal, give me a call! Haha
Thank You Cham Humtsoe, may your words touch the lives of many. Wishing you incredible success on your writing path!
You can now grab of “My Days and Nights” both online and offline on Crossword, the Common room and Gift Shop.