Tête-à-tête
over Scrambled Love
June 30, 2024
Poornima: (warmly) It's so great to see you after such a long time, ma'am.
This place (Mango Masala) used to be a small corner spot, and now it has changed so much – I just noticed the roof. These plants in half-cut plastic bottles are such a creative touch.
Ma’am Elvira: It’s lovely to meet you, Poornima. It has actually been a long time. (Looking up) Oh, yes! This is some sort of hydroponics... soilless agriculture. And the fairy lights on the plants – What a cozy addition! Speaking of cozy, should we order some coffee? It’s pretty cold today.
Poornima: Yes, perfect! And I've got 'Scrambled Love' right here in my hands, and I can't wait to dive in. I just want to get started. Would you mind if I skim through the pages while you place the order?
Ma’am Elvira: (laughs) Not at all! What you’re suggesting is music to my ears. (Signalling to a waiter and placing the order)
[I take a few moments to quickly skim through the pages of 'Scrambled Love' before placing it on the table with a sigh of delight.]
Ma’am Elvira: (curiously) So? What do you think, Poornima? It’s not boring, I hope?
Poornima: Absolutely not, ma'am. I think I’m going to love it. Your writing always takes me places. You are such an exemplary writer. I can almost see your characters from this novel dancing in front of my eyes in lavish ballrooms, dressed like princes and princesses.
[The waiter arrives with two steaming cups of coffee and cookies.]
Poornima: (cradling the cup of coffee) Ma'am, I’m curious. ‘Scrambled Love’ is your fourth romance novel, quite a shift from children's literature, which is where you started. Can we officially label you a romance novelist now? (Laughs)
Ma’am Elvira: (laughs) Now that’s huge! But it would be lovely to identify as a romance novelist. You know how much I love to write for children. I loved penning The Ferns and Blooms Trilogy for everyone who’s a child at heart. I’m sure you had a wonderful time creating all those pretty illustrations of fairies, elves, pixies, cats and birds. Romance is my next favourite genre. It’s interesting to look around and observe people, to see that particular look for someone special, to watch people listen to a song and smile softly. There are so many love stories, fulfilled and even otherwise that touch the heart. (Taking a sip of coffee)
Poornima: Awesome! Speaking of real life, I loved the vintage car rally concept. (Picking up the book and flipping through the pages) The acknowledgements mentions that it comes from a real-life conversation with Retd. Lt. Gen. Surendra Kulkarni. Again I’m curious... Are there any more real-life events that have inspired your stories or characters?
Ma’am Elvira: An author has to be observant, Poornima. Our characters are real life people, they’re people we meet every day, or find interesting and decide to add to our stories in some way or the other. Ram Kaka, the funny milkman from More Magic at Ferns and Blooms is a real person, Kiran Kumari Ji famously known as Old Glattonie from Magic at Ferns and Blooms is a real person. I observed their mannerisms, their style of speaking and tried to etch similar characters who’ll invoke laughter.
[The waiter passes by with a sizzling Chinese sizzler; the aroma makes me feel famished.]
Poornima: Wow! That’s interesting and that sizzler looks and smells amazing! (Both laugh)
Ma’am Elvira: You’re right, it is actually tempting. Shall we order some?
Poornima: I don’t mind being tempted this once. (Laughs)
Ma’am Elvira: Great! (Placing the order)
Poornima: Now, ma'am, I have to ask, what's your favorite line or excerpt from 'Scrambled Love'?
Ma’am Elvira: (frowning in thought) Hmm... Let me see. I think I’ll say the phrase ‘Anam Cara’. I’ll tell you why. The concept of soul friend is so precious. Having someone who understands you, accepts you for who you are today is a rare concept. Therefore, when I was researching for this novel and I came across this term, I was excited to use it because that’s what Ella and Andrew are.
[The sound of the fountains below blends with the soft music playing in the background.]
Poornima: (in admiration) Wow! Okay, now this might be a tough one. From all your novels, which character holds a special place in your heart?
Ma’am Elvira: (laughs) On the contrary, that’s an easy one. It’s definitely Eliana Sharma. Now, there’s something you’ll find really crazy. Many of my readers have asked me if the female protagonist in Gulmohar Love, Eliana Sharma is actually me. (Laughs) To some extent she was, I mean she is, I love earrings, bangles, chiffon sarees and so does she. She’s an educator and so am I. I somehow identify with her. She’s the first character of my first romance novel and she’ll always be special to me.
[The waiter passes by again, this time with an ice cream sundae.]
Poornima: That sounds wonderful! Now, ma'am, I have to say your male characters are quite extraordinary. They always go over and beyond to show their love. Do these ‘dream boys or men’ exist in real life, or are they purely from your vivid imagination?
Ma’am Elvira: (smiles) They can be real. See, my novels talk of what would touch a woman’s heart and soul. And, since men are always at a loss about what makes a woman happy, they’ve only got to imitate Aaditya Bhargava, Dr. Shaurya D’souza, Alex Ashford, and Andrew Anderson. From scaling boundary walls, to buying red roses, to cooking for their women, to shopping for and with them, from teasing their women tenderly, to listening attentively and giving heartfelt advice, my male characters have done it all. They’re observant, respectful, understanding, honest, loyal, playful, strong, tender, and attentive. Above everything else, they’re successful and support their women to do well for themselves.
There’s a fine line where reality and imagination merge. What’s there to stop these fictional men from becoming real ones?
[The fairy lights on the plants start twinkling as the sun sets, casting a soft amber glow.]
Poornima: And finally, for your readers, how would you describe 'Scrambled Love' in just two lines? Why should they grab a copy?
Ma’am Elvira: Hmm... It’s a fairytale romance. And, aren’t we all looking for that tiny glow worm in the darkness of our reality. Let this love story flood your hearts with its warmth.
[The sizzling sizzler finally arrives with a mouthwatering aroma. The ambiance of the cafe becomes even cozier as the evening progresses, and our conversation continues.]
About Ms. Elvira Fernandez (The Author): Elvira Fernandez is an educator, author and poet. Romance, fantasy and children’s literature top her list of favourite reads. She writes in both, English and Hindi. She also encourages budding poets and writers to write every month through the Pen In-sight section of her website (www.fernandezelvira.com). Her YouTube channel presents a plethora of literary delights in different genres. Her stories have won in a number of contests. She was also recently invited once again by Akashvani Jaipur (Prasar Bharti) to air her views on Read and Lead after her first talk on The Power of Empowered Women (in the light of G-20).
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About Ms. Poornima Kapoor (The Interviewer & Illustrator): Poornima Kapoor is a passionate designer and illustrator based in Gurugram. Her illustrative flair adds a captivating visual dimension to Elvira’s books. Outside the realm of creativity, you can find Poornima exploring charming cafes or immersed in a good book.
© 2024 by Elvira Fernandez