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SQ Reflections: Author Insights with Vilma Seusankar – Preserving Folklore and Memories Through Storytelling
At Scribbles and Quills, we take pride in celebrating local authors who bring the rich culture and history of Trinidad to life through their writing. Today, we are excited to feature Vilma Seusankar, author of Breaking Biche and Other Folklore Stories. Her collection of short stories draws deeply from her Trinidadian roots, capturing vivid memories of her childhood and the stories passed down by the elders in her village. Vilma’s storytelling not only reflects a time gone by but also highlights the importance of preserving culture and traditions through narrative. Join us as we dive into Vilma’s creative process, inspirations, and her journey as an author.
1. Can you tell us about your book and its main themes?
My book, Breaking Biche and Other Folklore Stories, contains five short stories, with the main one being Breaking Biche. This story is a reflection of my childhood, growing up in a poor family and attending primary school. The other stories are ones we heard as children from a roving village fellow whom we affectionately called Uncle. These stories are inspired by the folklore and memories that stayed with me throughout the years.
2. What inspired you to write this particular story?
These stories have been in my mind for many years. Much like the songs in Indian movies that never leave your memory, these stories have stayed with me. One day, my daughter approached me and told me that she knew a publisher who could publish my book if I ever decided to write one. She kept encouraging me to do it, and that’s how it all came about.
3. How does your Trinidadian background influence your writing?
Growing up in a neighbourhood that had more bushes than houses, I spent much of my childhood playing outside with friends rather than doing schoolwork. Those memories, especially the ones tied to nature, village life, and our folklore, form the foundation of my writing. The memories of those simpler times and the stories from our village are at the heart of Breaking Biche and the Socouyant story.
4. What was your writing process like for this book?
I typed out the stories, then worked on refining them—changing words where necessary to make them more fitting. Once I was satisfied with the draft, I sent them to the publisher. There were some back-and-forths during the editing process before the book was finally ready for print.
5. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?
In the Breaking Biche story, I wanted to remind adults that children will always be children, no matter how much we try to shape them for society. The other stories are intended to spark the reader’s imagination in a more surprising and sometimes shocking way. I want them to think deeply about the meaning behind the stories.
6. Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your writing journey?
There isn’t one specific moment that stands out, but I do cherish the fact that I was able to bring these stories to life. However, my journey has been somewhat hindered, as I was unable to promote the book as planned due to the pandemic. I had even planned a promotion event at NALIS in Port of Spain, but that never came to fruition.
7. How do you approach character development in your stories?
From a young age, I’ve loved reading. I read anything I could get my hands on—newspapers, magazines, comic books, and more. Through this, I became familiar with different characters’ thought processes and behaviours. I applied this knowledge to the characters in my stories, using both the experiences I had as a child and what I observed from the adults around me.
8. What has been the most rewarding part of being a published author?
I can’t say there’s been a truly rewarding moment yet. Sadly, I haven’t had the chance to properly promote my book because of the pandemic. But I do look forward to the day when I can truly share my stories with a wider audience.
9. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or books you’re working on?
I am working on another book, but I’m currently in search of a new publisher. I want to find someone who can handle both the illustrations and the introductory page for the book. At the moment, I am somewhat stuck without the right support.
10. How do you promote your work and connect with your readers?
Unfortunately, I don’t have the expertise or resources to promote my work effectively just yet. I’m still learning about how to connect with readers through the right channels.
11. How do you see the future of Trinidadian literature evolving?
I believe there are many inspired writers in Trinidad, but the younger generation seems more interested in scrolling through their smartphones and Googling things than reading physical books. It’s quite sad because the magic of reading and literature is something that gets lost when technology takes over. I hope that more young people will rediscover the joy of reading.
12. What role do you think storytelling plays in preserving culture?
Storytelling is vital to preserving culture. Through stories and stage plays, we can keep the memories of the past alive and share them with future generations. However, today’s youth must have the desire to engage with these stories. Unfortunately, they have many other distractions, and it can be hard to draw them back into the oral traditions of storytelling.
13. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your work or writing journey?
I’m happy that I wrote these stories because I know they will give my grandchildren and their descendants an insight into the past—into a time when we didn’t have the internet, but still managed to have fun. We played together, socialized, and created memories that I’m now able to share with the world. It’s my hope that these stories will be cherished for years to come.
About Vilma Seusankar
Vilma Seusankar is a Trinidadian author with a deep connection to her country’s folklore and the memories of her childhood. In her debut collection, Breaking Biche and Other Folklore Stories, she weaves together personal recollections with traditional tales shared by elders in her village. Through her storytelling, Vilma seeks to preserve the culture and experiences of a simpler time, inviting readers to reflect on the past while sparking their imagination.
Connect with Vilma:
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion:
It has been an honour to explore with Vilma Seusankar and learn more about her writing journey. Through Breaking Biche and Other Folklore Stories, Vilma not only shares the richness of Trinidadian folklore but also captures the essence of childhood memories and the simple joys of growing up. We look forward to seeing more of Vilma’s work in the future and hope that her stories continue to inspire readers, young and old, to reconnect with the tradition of storytelling.
Stay tuned for Vilma’s future projects, and we wish her all the best as she continues her literary journey!
As always, you can find Vilma’s book on our shelves.
This interview forms part of our Author Insights series here on our blog. You can look out for new interviews with our authors every Wednesday.
Happy reading!