ILLUMINATION Writers

Interview with Mallika Vasak

Featuring creative writers of ILLUMINATION

Purpose of the Story

In this story, I want to share with you an interview that I conducted with Mallika Vasak. I am impressed by the stories of this young writer.

Mallika is a new writer on ILLUMINATION, and I have started reading her exciting stories. Mallika is well-traveled and studies Life Science. Culture and English. She writes about diverse topics, including short stories, which inspire us. What I liked the most in her stories is simplifying science and making it digestible for readers.

Mallika has gained proper recognition from our readers and writers in such a short time as she is engaging with our writers and supporting their content.

Let’s explore the background of this fresh, creative, and interesting writer of ILLUMINATION!

Tell us a bit about your background, Mallika.

I was reading other interviews to help me tackle this question and I realized my life has barely started. I’m 20 years old and am completing my undergraduate degree majoring in Life Sciences and minoring in English and Cultural Studies. I also have a morkie named Olive and I love her. I’m at such a transitional period in my life where I’m “adulting” but have very little clue as to what I want to do and who I want to be. I do know I want to do a Master’s in something that combines my science and English backgrounds but still have yet to identify a discipline that both intrigues me and helps me build a life for myself.

My time is mostly taken up by my studies, but when I’m not doing schoolwork I’m writing, and when I’m not writing I’m reading. Literature has always composed a huge part of my identity; I was always reading as a kid and I try to make as much time as I can to read now. It’s my voracious reading habits I attribute my awful eyesight to. The arts are something I’ve always placed great value on. I love going to art galleries and painted a bit myself when I was younger. I’ve always integrated the arts into my life in some shape or form.

I love traveling and I had the opportunity of going to Europe for the past three summers with my mom and sister. We went to London and Paris in 2017, Barcelona and Mallorca in 2018, and Brac and Split (Croatia) in 2019. Barcelona is by far the most eclectic place I’ve ever visited; so lively and artistic, and I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to immerse myself in its atmosphere. I think I’d be so fun to do a Master’s in Europe but we will see what the future and my bank account holds.

Why do you write on Medium?

I fell in love with writing when I was seven years old and never recovered. It’s something I’ve tried for so long to integrate into my life and future career but, knowing writing is not very secure in paying bills or a mortgage, my love for it is something I’ve always tried to dismiss. I strayed away from it for a while until I took my first University English course, in which I fell madly in love with it all over again.

As awful as it is, COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise for me, as I finally had the time to start writing for myself. Medium started out as a platform for me to curate a portfolio, and it still is. I never thought people other than my family and friends would read my stories. It’s always such a shock to me when strangers take the time to read my stories, let alone respond to them and extend my thoughts. That, I think, is the most rewarding part.

Writing on Medium has allowed me to form a zealous relationship with writing and other writers. It’s definitely helped me build my confidence in my writing and find what works for me. I simply do it because it makes me happy, and feel a part of an arena I’ve so desperately wanted to belong to my entire life.

What are your values as a writer?

This is an interesting one. I’ve taken a few science communication courses in my undergrad in which we’re always told writing should be accurate and accessible. Which is so important. Being untruthful in writing perpetuates fraudulent work and discredits all writers. And I strongly advocate for the equal accessibility of literature.

When I first read this question though, I thought of a response to my article “What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting” from Dr John Rose. He said my story was a “mind opener” and gave him “new thoughts, new ways to think, and most importantly refresh[ed his] mind”. And I realized that’s exactly what I wanted my stories to inspire. His comment has become a framework for my writing. I write to spool new thoughts in the minds of others.

What are the top three books affected your life?

It’s so incredibly hard for me to narrow all the books I’ve read down to a favourite top three. Every book I read I fall madly in love with, so much so, that when I get to the final chapter it takes me around two weeks to bring myself to finish it. Presently, my top three would have to be The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I just finished Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Tender is the Night by Fitzgerald and loved them as well. I also love Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I wish I could put more than three.

The first book I read by Hosseini was A Thousand Splendid Suns in my junior year of high school, and was enthralled by his eloquent prose. I remember telling my mom I want to write just like him. His ability to meticulously capture feelings of guilt and regret in The Kite Runner allures me, and I adore the book in its entirety for all that it is.

I read The Alchemist the summer after my first year of University and upon my finishing of it, it became the first book I recommend to anyone asking for recommendations. It brought me so much peace at a chaotic period in my life and dramatically shifted my spiritual beliefs. It’s only about 150 pages so if you haven’t read it it should only take you a day or two to finish (if you’re a fast reader like I used to be).

My high school never introduced me to classic literature, so I took the liberty of introducing myself with The Great Gatsby. This one is especially significant for me as I adore classic literature, and am now rapaciously trying to read all the classic novels I can get my hands on. Fitzgerald is one of those writers I envy for their capacity to write so fluidly. I often get angry reading his work as he strings together sentences in a way I wish I had come up first. His work is also that of which I admire, and I hope to mimic his prose in my future works, if I ever could.

In a few months’ time, I’ll have more books to add to my favourites, but these will have to suffice for now.

What are your hobbies?

When I have free time I’m enticed to write. I love writing informative articles, but recently I’ve found I love writing short stories too. So I try to do both as often as I can. I voraciously read in long periods of time, but these long periods are hard to come by. It takes me so much longer to finish books than it used to. But writing and reading are at the top of my list when it comes to passing my free time.

I’ve been skiing since I was four which makes for a great winter activity. I snowboard too, although I only took it up a few years ago, so I’m not quite as good at it. I painted a lot in high school but it’s a hobby that necessitates many hours, and so I don’t get around to it very much anymore. But it’s definitely something that lures me back in every now and then.

How do you connect with your readers?

I engage with other writers and readers by reading, clapping, and responding to their responses. By reading, clapping, and responding to their stories too. I enjoy reading, and responding with claps and comments.

Why did you join ILLUMINATION and how do you find it so far?

I started writing on Medium with the intention of cultivating works that communicated science. But I very quickly began writing stories that were more philosophical and abstract. I wanted to find a publication that would publish these kinds of stories. So that led me to ILLUMINATION.

I love ILLUMINATION’s heralding tenet of amplifying the voices of writers. The publication is very much a community in which writers can share their works, rather than a form of propagation. I really do love being a part of it.

Who are the top ten writers you follow on ILLUMINATION?

I follow many writers on ILLUMINATION. Here are my top 10 inspiring writers:

Maïa Belart: She’s enormously talented for someone of her age.

Fatima Sultan: Her stories are so creative and her voice is very strong.

Vincent Van Patten: I love how all his stories find beauty in something.

Lanu Pitan: I’m consistently enlightened by her nutrition advice and her philosophical spirit.

Ryan Frawley: I find peace in his stories.

Dr Joel Yong, PhD: I appreciate his ability to make science so digestible.

Desiree Driesenaar: She has such an eclectic range.

Marianna Saver: Her stories inspire me regularly.

Sana Rose: She writes so, so beautifully.

Alamiin S.I: His stories are informative and inspiring.

What are your top five stories that you want to share with your audience and why?

I’ve always been intrigued by Shakespeare, but never got the proper opportunity to study his works in high-school. So I took an entire course on him in third year. This piece further perpetuates my appreciation for art and its power to heal. I tried to make it relevant by tying it to the pandemic we’re currently facing. I knew that when my friends who loathe Shakespeare said they liked it I had won. They also always say this is the most quintessential Mallika piece, so start here.

Human nature has always intrigued me; it intrigues all of us. This article was really a means for me to further explore our existence. I’d love to write more like it.

This is my most popular one and I have no idea why. It’s funny how writing does that sometimes. I researched and wrote it in about 3 hours and The Startup left me a note that night saying they wanted it in their publication. I had no idea what that meant as I never submitted to a publication before. But I published it with them and got the most reads and followers from it than any other article before (and after). It was also the first article I made money off of. Fifteen cents in the first month to be exact. So this one was a really cool experience for me.

I have a science background, so I think this one showcases my ability to translate more complex scientific research into lay terms. It’s really reflective of the science communication work I’ve done in school. The research I’ve compiled was so enthralling and promising to me, and I hope it is for you too. Making science accessible to those who aren’t a part of the community is so critical, and that’s what I used this piece to try and do.

I spent a lot of time contemplating which short story I wanted to include. I love all of them equally (I say this like they’re my children, wait…they kind of are?), so I’m going to include all three that I have so far. I know this is against the rules but I really can’t choose. When I write short fiction I never have a framework, which is probably a terrible strategy. But I start writing and as I do the story starts to write itself. There are pieces of me in all my stories, which I didn’t realize until I was told that there is. All these stories are so reflective of my 20th year; I see myself in them so clearly now. I’ve made a Medium publication for my short stories called Swimming Lessons, so you should definitely check it out to give me feedback.

What are the success factors for you as a writer on Medium?

The biggest success for me is when anybody takes the time to read the stories I write. It’s so fulfilling knowing that your words have the ability to reach others, and the capacity to make a difference. I never cared about how many people view my articles, as Medium stats so informatively show us. I only check how many people have read them.

I’ve also gotten the kindest responses from people I’ve never met. And the people I have. And they make my heart so full. The fact that some people have not only read my words, but identify with them, or simply just like them enough to comment, makes me elated.

I also receive the nicest support from my friends and family. A lot of them got Medium accounts just to clap my articles, which is something I never asked for, but am so appreciative of. I think the biggest success factor for me as a writer is the kindness and support I receive from others.

Money is 100% a really nice bonus. In my first month writing on Medium I made fifteen cents. But it was the best fifteen cents I’ve made. I remember texting my best friend and we were both so happy about it. Earning money for my words, even though it’s still very little now, is really cool, and definitely helped motivate me to write more.

What do you recommend to the new writers on ILLUMINATION?

Certainly to write what you love, because you are good at the things you love. I never really knew this until I started writing. The quote by van Gogh, “What is done with love is done well” is something I am constantly reminding myself of, and is very important to remember when deciding what you want to do, I think.

I would really recommend not just being a writer, but being a prolific writer. Consistently publishing is a crucial strategy for gaining more exposure. And so you’ll find your readership will start to exponentially grow when you give your readers content that intrigues them.

You should also read, clap, and respond to the works of others. This helps you create a circle of support. Which is really, really fulfilling.

What are your future plans as a writer?

I hope I continue writing all my life. I’d love to integrate it into a career but if I can’t I’d love to continue doing it on the side. Lately, I’ve been thinking of compiling the short stories I write between the ages of 20 and 25 and self-publishing them in a short storybook. I think this would make my seven-year-old self, who so eagerly wanted to call herself a writer, very proud.

When I was little I could so clearly envision myself writing a novel, but now I think it’d be so hard to find the time. I would still love to do it, but I would need a great deal of time and a great idea. But if I had both, and I hope I do, writing a novel would be a very circular experience for me.

Harry Potter was the series that got me fixated on reading and writing, and the ending of The Goblet of Fire is one of my favourite quotes, which also happens to apply to my future in writing:

“As Hagrid had said, what would come would come and he would have to meet it when it did.”

Thank you for your valuable time Mallika Vasak. I enjoy reading your interesting stories on ILLUMINATION. Your academic background and writing capabilities are impressive and inspirational to us. I appreciate your wonderful support of our publication, writers, and readers.

If you are a writer on ILLUMINATION and would like to be interviewed, please send a request via this link with the title of “Interview Request”.

Other Interviews

You may also check other interviews I conducted with inspiring writers of ILLUMINATION recently. These stories can provide a great opportunity to know more about our creative writers and connect with them.

Timothy Key

Desiree Driesenaar

Holly Jahangiri

Dr John Rose

Ming Qian

P.G. Barnett

Jill Ebstein

Bill Abbate

Terry Mansfield

Ann K Frailey

Woei T

Charles Roast

Julia E Hubbel

Aric D Mayer

Chris Hedges

Paroma Sen

Jeff Hanlon

Besom & Bletherskite

Sherry McGuinn

Sylvia Love Johnson

Maïa Belart

Henery X (long)

Chowa Sekai

conny manero

Sumera Rizwan

Karen Madej 💛

Anita Lesko

Marianna Saver

Suntonu Bhadra

John Cousins

Annelise Lords

Tree Langdon ♾️

Aisha

Aurora Eliam, CMP

Martine Weber

Sharon Hurley Hall

MaryJo Wagner, PhD

Phil Truman

Kevin Buddaeus

Invitation to writers to join ILLUMINATION

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You might check more interviews in the attached collection.

You can find inspiring profiles of ILLUMINATION writers from this story.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

About the Author

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In addition to self-improvement, leadership, technology, and health, I also enjoy writing about essential molecules such as lithium orotate, alpha-lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, digestive enzymes, magnesium, creatine, choline, hydrolyzed collagen, nootropics, CoQ10, NADH, TMG, pure nicotine, activated charcoal, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, and other nutrients for health and fitness.