"From a folder of poetry on my laptop to a book in my hands today." - Jasmin Kaur
Jasmin Kaur reading from her book, "When You Ask Where I'm Going."
Interview with Author Jasmin Kaur - Unveiling "When You Ask Where I'm Going"
On November 20, 2019, I had the privilege of engaging in a candid conversation with Jasmin Kaur, a multifaceted individual known for her roles as an author, poet, public educator, and illustrator. The focal point of our discussion was her recently launched book, titled "When You Ask Where I'm Going."
Q: What Sparked the Inspiration for Your Book?
Jasmin Kaur shared that her book is a culmination of the last seven years of her life's experiences. What began as a collection of individual poems evolved into a journey exploring various aspects of her identity and existence, ranging from her perspective as a woman in Canada to her reflections on political matters and her heritage in Punjab. Over time, these pieces coalesced into a manuscript, prompting Jasmin to take it home during a winter break, reorganize, rework, and refine it. The process resulted in the creation of her book.
Q: Did You Encounter Challenges While Writing?
Navigating self-doubt proved to be a significant challenge for Jasmin during her writing process. As a writer working in solitude, the fear of how her work would be received by the world weighed heavily on her mind. The perpetual questioning of the worthiness of her work and the anxiety of readers' reception cast a shadow over her journey. However, she triumphed over these insecurities, witnessing her work resonate with readers and affirming the significance of her voice.
Q: Could You Share the Story Behind the Book Cover?
Jasmin's book is divided into six sections, each delving into different themes. She aimed to create a journey through words, much like a progression through the layers of a human being. The cover of the book elegantly mirrors this concept. Designed as a river composed of layers, the cover symbolizes the depth and complexity of human experience explored within the book's chapters. Moreover, the cover subtly embodies a silhouette of Jasmin, capturing her essence.
Q: What Lessons Did You Learn Throughout the Writing Process?
Jasmin's journey taught her the value of patience and trust in the creative process. As a perfectionist, she recognized her tendency to edit perpetually, but she learned to accept her work as it stood. She also found that her evolving thoughts and perspectives, captured in the book's various poems, reflect her growth as an individual. The process taught her to trust and accept, even when parts of her work didn't entirely align with her current self.
Q: Were There Challenges in Publishing Your Book?
Jasmin shared the fortunate sequence of events that led to her book's publication. Discovered by her literary agent on Instagram, Jasmin's challenges were predominantly focused on building an audience for her work. After a few years of developing her presence on the platform, her agent's belief in her work led to a swift process of securing a publisher, which transpired over the span of a month.
Q: What Outcomes Do You Envision for Your Book?
Jasmin expressed her preference to focus on the intrinsic value of her work rather than specific worldly outcomes. While she refrains from attaching expectations to sales figures or external reception, she finds profound joy in the genuine connections her work forms with readers. Witnessing a young girl related to the book and its imagery, for instance, reaffirms her purpose. Jasmin remains open to whatever the future holds for her creation.
With Jasmin Kaur after the interview.
For those intrigued by Jasmin Kaur's insights and her recently launched book, "When You Ask Where I'm Going," the link to the book can be found here: Amazon Link.