Dulee Paranavitana, who also writes under the name D.R. Carmel, is the author of a poetry book, ‘My Musings’ and a novel ‘Jungle Jaunts’. Her books can be read and enjoyed by adults and children alike. Her next novel, titled ‘Midwood Magic’, will be coming out soon. Currently, she is working on her next book of poems ‘Ripples and Echoes’. She also writes on Wattpad as a hobby.

Describe yourself in five words:

Hardworking, dedicated, passionate, creative, and innovative

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

I’m into marketing

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

I step out of my comfort zone

What scares you the most?

Butterflies

What makes you happiest?

My mother

Why do you write?

Because I enjoy writing

What motivates you to write?

I want to write a bestseller!

What writing are you most proud of?

My book Midwood Magic

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

Obtaining a degree

What books did you love growing up?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

She did the best and worked hard!

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

I live in Negombo, Sri Lanka! I still live there!

How did you develop your writing?

I watched online courses and I kept on writing!

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?

Marketing!

What marketing works for you?

Social media marketing

What else do you do, other than write?

I work as a digital marketing executive

What other jobs have you had in your life?

Musician

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?

English

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

England

Tell us about your family?

My parents are doctors and my brother is a med student

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

Laptop

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

8 hours

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

People liking my book

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?

Yes! I don’t have one as of now!

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?

Midwood Magic, It’s a fantasy book!

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

J.K. Rowling

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

Listen to music

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

Feel entertained and inspired!