Beyond the Pages: An Interview with Author Srivalli Gottumukkala
- Team Salis Mania
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Srivalli is an artist, poet, and storyteller who finds beauty in the quiet, unseen corners of life. She writes from a place of deep introspection, exploring themes of self-discovery, healing, and the human spirit. Her words are simple yet profound, carrying the weight of experience while offering hope and light.
Through her debut book, Breaking the Darkness, Srivalli invites readers to journey with her through shadows and emerge stronger, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, creativity and courage can illuminate the path forward.
🏆 WINNER
Salis Mania Choice Awards 2025
Best New Book – Editor’s Choice
🏆 WINNER
Salis Mania Choice Awards 2025
Best New Poetry Book – Editor’s Choice
What experiences or influences inspired you to pursue a career in writing?
Writing for me was never just about words—it was about survival, healing, and expression. From a young age, I found comfort in journaling, sketching my emotions into poetry and stories when I couldn’t say them aloud. My travels, the people I met, and my own struggles with solitude and self-discovery became the soil where my writing grew. Breaking the Darkness was born out of a need to turn pain into purpose and silence into voice.
Could you walk us through your writing process? Do you follow any specific routines or rituals that help you stay focused and motivated?
My writing mostly happens in solitude, often at midnight when the world feels quiet and the weight of the day has settled. I never created an atmosphere for it—I simply write when words call me. Sometimes it begins with a single thought, sometimes with silence that turns into sentences. I don’t force it into routine; instead, I let writing come to me like an unexpected guest. Those hours of stillness, when everyone else is asleep, are when my words feel most alive.
What challenges did you face while writing your book(s), and how did you overcome them?
The hardest part was facing my own vulnerability. Writing Breaking the Darkness meant revisiting painful memories, and there were moments when I wanted to shut it all away. But I reminded myself that growth comes from honesty. Another challenge was discipline—I had to balance my startup work, art, and writing. I overcame it by dedicating small, consistent pockets of time instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment.
Which authors or books have had the greatest impact on your writing style, and what do you admire most about their work?
J. Krishnamurti’s At the Feet of the Master has grounded me with its simplicity and spiritual depth. Rumi showed me how a few words can hold eternity. Rupi Kaur’s raw and unfiltered poetry taught me that vulnerability itself can be a form of power. Emily Dickinson, who lived in solitude and embraced death and silence, speaks to the same corners of my soul where many of my poems are born. Receiving an award in her name felt like a quiet affirmation from the universe, as if her spirit had brushed past mine. On a different spectrum, Ana Huang’s Twisted Series showed me how emotions—love, longing, even pain—can be written with such intensity that readers feel them in their bones. All of these voices, though different in time and tone, remind me that writing is not only expression but a bridge between solitude and connection, silence and revelation.
What essential skills do you believe are crucial for an author to succeed in their writing career?
I think authenticity is number one. Readers connect when your words come from a place of truth. Beyond that, patience, observation, and resilience are essential. Writing isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about persistence, editing, and believing in your voice even when doubts are loud. And lastly, the ability to listen—to life, to people, and to yourself—is crucial.
What does a typical morning look like for you?
I’ve never been a morning person. My creativity rarely wakes with the sun—it comes alive at night. While mornings for me are quiet and slow, often spent simply catching up with the world, my true rhythm begins after dusk. Midnight is when I write, when solitude feels deepest, and when my words flow most honestly. My days begin late, but my nights are where I truly live.
How do you like to unwind after a long day of work?
Unwinding for me often means spending time with my dog, listening to soulful music, or painting. Sometimes I just sit outside and watch the night sky. On days when I feel particularly drained, writing poetry itself becomes my way of letting go.
How do you prioritize self-care in your daily life?
I don’t think I ever consciously “prioritize” self-care. I simply enjoy being myself. I do what I love, I write when words come, I travel when my heart pulls me, and I don’t waste energy worrying about what people think or say about me. For me, that’s the truest form of care—living freely without apology.
Are there any habits or rituals that have greatly contributed to your productivity?
I don’t really follow habits or rituals. I just do what my heart tells me to do in the moment. Some days that means writing until sunrise, other days it means painting, reading, or simply being still. Productivity, for me, isn’t about structure—it’s about flow, and trusting my instincts to guide me where I need to be.
In your opinion, what is the purpose of life?
For me, the purpose of life is simple—to live at your own pace, in your own way, without hurting or bothering anyone or anything around you. It’s about moving freely, carrying your own rhythm, and letting others carry theirs. Life doesn’t need to be rushed or compared; it just needs to be lived honestly and peacefully.
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your journey so far?
That everything is temporary—pain, joy, success, failure. But what stays is how you grow from each season. I’ve learned that strength often looks like gentleness, and that vulnerability can be the strongest form of courage.
How do you handle setbacks or failures, and what have they taught you?
I don’t see failures—I see lessons. Setbacks just push me to rise stronger and move forward.
Breaking the Darkness
Book by Srivalli Gottumukkala
Published by Bookleaf Publishing
Breaking the Darkness is a journey through shadows and light, a collection of poetry that explores the delicate balance between pain, resilience, and self-discovery. Each poem is a fragment of the soul—raw, honest, and unafraid to confront the darkness within. Yet, through every struggle, there is a glimmer of hope, a quiet strength that whispers of healing and transformation.
This book is for anyone who has felt lost, who has wrestled with inner storms, and who seeks the courage to face themselves. Breaking the Darkness is more than poetry—it is a companion, a mirror, and a gentle reminder that even in the deepest night, light can break through.
