Smita Mishra is the Editorial Director, Women AutHer Awards and Editor of Times of India Lifestyle, Times Food, and Times Travel with over 16 years of experience as a Lifestyle journalist. She is known for crafting in-depth and compelling features that blend storytelling with analysis. Her passion lies in exploring culinary arts, travel, style, relationships, health, and literature through her writing. She leads TOI Books and oversees the editorial aspects of Times of India’s literary initiatives, such as Times Literature Festivals and the AutHer Awards. Smita brings a wealth of expertise in the digital realm, stemming from her previous roles at Zee News, Dainik Jagran, and India Today. Her contributions have been pivotal in launching numerous online properties and making meaningful editorial enhancements.
In an exclusive interview with Nitish Raj, Editor-in-chief, Today Magazine, the seasoned editor discusses the various aspects of literary awards and other innovations in the literary landscape.
Q.1 How has been your journey from a Sr. Correspondent in Zee News to being the Editorial Director of the AutHer Awards?
SM: The journey has been one of hard work, continuous learning, and steady growth. What has always made it easier for me is my unwavering belief in the power of honesty when it comes to work and the inherent faith that the best is yet to come.
Q.2 Even after being patronaged by a few media houses and corporates why still the literary awards in our country are in a miserable state?
SM: Are they? I truly believe this is a fantastic time for authors, with a wide range of platforms now available to showcase their talent. The digital age has opened up countless avenues for writers to share their work and connect with a broader audience. However, there's still a need for more awards and recognition to celebrate and uplift our authors. I sincerely hope that as these platforms continue to grow, even more opportunities will emerge to support and highlight creative talent across genres.
Q.3 AutHer Awards being a very unique and welcoming concept has definitely empowered the female authors in the country. How can more female authors be made a part of the mainstream literature?
SM: The AutHer Awards have indeed been a transformative initiative, offering much-needed visibility and recognition to female authors in India. To bring more female authors into the mainstream, it's essential to create supportive networks and mentorship opportunities that encourage women to pursue writing. Publishers can also play a key role by actively seeking out diverse voices and promoting stories that reflect women's experiences. Additionally, increasing access to writing platforms, grants, and fellowships specifically for women can help foster talent and provide the resources necessary to navigate the literary world. Finally, amplifying the voices of female authors through media coverage, book clubs, and literary festivals can further integrate them into the larger literary landscape.
Q.4 Print newspapers being traditionally the first choice for the authors to have their work published; how is digital space able to satiate their craving?
SM: Digital platforms offer authors a broader reach, instant publication, and the ability to connect directly with readers. Unlike traditional print, the digital space allows for more creative freedom, quicker feedback, and the opportunity to share work across diverse formats, making it a powerful alternative to print.
Q.5 You have also led TOI Books. What challenges do you face in bringing quality books to your readers?
SM: Leading TOI Books has been a rewarding experience, but it comes with its challenges. Ensuring a balance between popular appeal and maintaining high literary standards is key. We face the challenge of sifting through a large volume of submissions to find unique voices and compelling stories.
Q.6 The Write India Campaign has given some immensely talented unheard voices to the country's literary landscape. As the Write India Campaign is centered around short stories, can we expect something on a similar line for poetry?
SM: Absolutely! Given the success of the Write India Campaign in showcasing talented, unheard voices, there's certainly potential for a similar initiative focused on poetry. A campaign dedicated to poetry could encourage diverse expressions and bring forth new perspectives in the literary landscape. By inviting submissions from aspiring poets, we can foster creativity and appreciation for the art form while expanding the audience for poetry in India. Such an initiative would not only celebrate existing talent but also inspire a new generation of poets to share their voices.
Q.7 You have also been an integral part of Times LitFest. As the prominent literature festivals of the world have global editions, when are we going to witness an International Edition of the Times LitFest?
SM: The idea of an International Edition is definitely exciting. Given the festival's reputation, expanding to a global platform would allow us to showcase diverse voices and foster cross-cultural literary dialogues.
Q.8 As an Editorial Director of the AutHer Awards, what innovation are you going to bring in the upcoming editions of the AutHer Awards?
SM: The one thing that distinguishes AutHer Awards is that we are committed to introducing innovations that enhance the experience for both participants and audiences. One key focus will be to integrate more interactive elements, such as virtual events and workshops, allowing authors to engage with each other and share insights. We also aim to expand our categories to recognize a broader spectrum of talent, including emerging genres and diverse voices.
The one thing that distinguishes the AutHer Awards is its dedication to celebrating and empowering female authors, not only through recognition but also by creating a supportive community that fosters collaboration and mentorship. This commitment to inclusivity will remain at the heart of our future editions.
