PenThrill Publication House, one of the few independent publishing houses in the North East region run by women, has been promoting literature and emerging writers from Nagaland. As it completes ten years on November 27, noted Naga Writer and Publisher Vishü Rita Krocha, and founder of PenThrill, in an interview with Nagaland Tribune reflects on publishing in Nagaland.
Ten years of PenThrill: The formal opening of PenThrill on 27th November, 2013.
From publishing just a few books in a year during the formative years, to publishing close to 20 book titles today, PenThrill has come a long way in a decade where it has published a total of 81 books including three vernacular books (1 in Sumi and 2 in Tenyidie) and also published books by authors from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
As the proprietor of PenThrill, Rita has been at the forefront of nurturing and promoting literature from the northeastern region of India, particularly Nagaland. Her passion for literature and storytelling mirrors in the way she speaks about her work. She believes that literature has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together, and that by sharing stories from her region, she can contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of its culture and traditions.
“The formative years were a struggle especially considering that I ventured into publishing with zero knowledge and absolutely no background in business not to speak of the lack of resources,” shares Krocha.
It was out of sheer love for books and literature that prompted the amateur woman publisher in 2013 to step into publishing which was relatively a new concept in Nagaland then. To think that publishing is fast catching up today, Krocha mentions, also means that the role PenThrill can play will only keep expanding.
When asked about the challenges in the publishing industry, Rita acknowledges that it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, highlighting about the difficulties of finding and nurturing new talent, the challenges of distribution and marketing, and the constant struggle to find a balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. However, she is quick to emphasize that the rewards of her work far outweigh the challenges.
“The joy of seeing a new author’s work in print, the satisfaction of knowing that I am preserving and promoting the rich literary heritage of my region, and the connections I have made with readers and writers over the years are what keeps me going,” remarks Krocha.
Technology, a blessing and a curse
Rita also shares that technology has been both a blessing and a curse for the publishing industry. “While it has made it easier to reach a wider audience and connect with readers and writers from around the world, it has also introduced new challenges, such as digital piracy and the overwhelming amount of content available online,” highlights Rita. However, she believes that, ultimately, technology is a tool, and how it is used depends on the individuals and organizations employing it. “I have embraced digital publishing as a way to reach new readers and adapt to changing consumer habits while still maintaining the high quality of my publications,” maintains Krocha.
As Penthrill gears up to celebrate its 10th year of publication, Rita is reflective of the journey so far. She expresses deep gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey, from the authors and readers to the printers and distributors who have supported Penthrill along the way. “I am proud of the contribution my publishing house has made to the literary landscape of Nagaland and the northeastern region of India, and I am excited about the future,” says Rita.
When asked about her plans for the future of Penthrill, Rita shares about expanding their reach into new markets, collaborating with writers and artists from different backgrounds, and continuing to nurture and promote diverse voices. “I am also passionate about fostering a love of reading and writing among young people and hopes to develop initiatives to encourage and support aspiring writers in the region,” adds Rita.
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Remarkable growth in Naga literature
Based on her extensive experience working in this field for the past decade, Rita says, “I can assert that there has been remarkable growth in Naga literature. These are truly exhilarating times for writers, especially with the emergence of new voices delving into diverse forms and genres of writing. The era in which Nagaland’s writing was solely synonymous with conflict is now a thing of the past. Today, literature has blossomed into a diverse collection of works spanning various genres and, interestingly, encompassing writers of all age groups,” asserts Rita.
The numerous books that have surfaced over the past decade, according to Krocha, serves as a compelling testament to the inherent gift of storytelling that the Nagas have naturally possessed. Coming from a strong oral literary tradition, Krocha discerns that one of the most valuable gifts we can bestow upon future generations is the preservation of stories that connect them to their cultural heritage, teach them the history of their origins, and impart the rich cultural tapestry of their homeland.
Having dedicated the past decade to this cause, Krocha observes that Naga literature has experienced significant growth. “These are indeed exciting times for writers, as emerging voices explore diverse forms and genres of writing. The era where Naga literature was solely associated with conflict has evolved into a rich collection of works spanning various genres and, notably, encompassing writers of all ages,” points out the Naga Writer.
To emerging writers, Krocha advises, “The only way to get better at something is to keep doing it. So, just keep writing and rewriting and also do so, without fear, doubt or hesitation.”
About Vishü Rita Krocha
Vishü Rita Krocha has achieved notable recognition for her work as a writer and journalist. She received the Kohima Press Club Impact Journalism Award in 2022 and was named a National Foundation for India (NFI) Media Fellow in 2021. As an author, Krocha has penned three collections of poetry: “A Bucket of Rain” (2011), “Yearnings” (2019), and “From the Broken Earth” (2021). Additionally, she is the author of a Naga folktale children’s book called “Shoposho” (2015). Krocha has also collaborated on several books, such as “Echoes of Spring” and “The Chakhesangs, a window to Phek district.” Her short stories, including ‘Cut Off’ and ‘A Grandmother’s Tale’, have been published by Delhi-based Zubaan publications: “The Many That I Am” and “Homeward” respectively. Krocha’s diverse body of work has been featured in esteemed publications like The Hindu, The IndIan Express, The Wire, Scroll.in, and The Quint. Currently, she contributes to The Morung Express as part of her ongoing writing endeavors.
Her latest work titled, “Death Rituals: An insight into the Naga Ancestral Religion” is part of the Routlegde publication, “Death and Dying in Northeast India: Indigeneity and After life” edited By Parjanya Sen and Anup Chakraborty. She has also written a chapter on the culture & textile traditions of Nagaland for UK based Hali Publications Ltd. That is in the process of being published.
