Interview: Ms. Ritu Rahul Rathod, Founder of Moonlight Musings, an ambitious English and creative writing mentor

An exclusive interview with Ms. Ritu Rahul Rathod, Founder of Moonlight Musings, an ambitious English and creative writing mentor

Ritu Rahul Rathod teaches creative writing and communications skills to college students, job aspirants and housewives, among others.

She coaches students in different nuances of the language and literature, such as interview preparations and debates to name a few.

She specializes in teaching college students to write essays and prepare for competitive exams like SAT. She also hones students’ conversation, debating and elocution skills and prepares students for pre-tests (for ages 5-99).

She also moderates a book club for women and children. Ritu has been mentoring students in the English language for the past 35 years in Mumbai, New York and across the world and has earned all-round respect and credit.

Till date, she has coached nearly 10,000+ students who are now proud and successful citizens of the world.

ENJOYING JOURNEY WITH ENGLISH

Ritu Rahul Rathod and her students enjoy their journey with English to promote a lifelong interest in the language and literature—both poetry and prose—while preparing for the university and the real world.

She helps young adults develop global awareness and creativity and helps children develop communication skills.

Moonlight, her pseudonym, aids in developing vocabulary and language skills for school-going children.

She encourages an independent inquiry and helps them understand the context of any text. With her, children learn to appreciate formal stylistic and aesthetic qualities of text.

BRIDGING THE LEARNING-JOY GAP

Ritu’s enterprising venture stemmed from her attempt to fill the gap she recognized between learning and joy.

Scientific observation suggests a ‘critical learning’ or ‘limited time window’ to make sure the foundation of learning is perfect and enjoyable.

Infusion of joy with learning assists students feel less stressed and benefits them with a positive learning experience, making them eager and motivated for more.

When teachers are motivated to teach and students are geared to learn, the classroom becomes an extremely pleasant environment.

PRONUNCIATION AND ENUNCIATION

Ritu Rahul Rathod has been helping young professionals with their proficiency in English speaking (pronunciation and enunciation), content writing, interview skills and confidence in public speaking, especially to larger crowds.

She has also been working with women and men who shy away from social settings because of low self-esteem and inability to confidently communicate in English.

INFLUENCING MOTHERS & AUTHORS

Ritu, with Moonlight Musings, has raised the bar for herself, influencing mothers, authors and successful students in the real world.

Her mission is to continue sharing her professional and personal experiences and inspire the future generation to make this world a better place to live in, where learning will be natural, exultant and lucrative.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Ritu’s latest teaching assignment was with the prestigious Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai.

Prior to that, she was with St Ignatius Loyola, New York, for 12 years as Creative Writing Mentor. Ritu holds a Diploma in Commercial Art and a Masters in Commerce.

SHE ALSO HAS A LIFE BEYOND TEACHING

Every day, like most women, Ritu plays the role of a mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law and so on, along with being an organizer, a patient of acidity and varicose veins, a book club facilitator and a friend, among others.

She is also a zealous health enthusiast, an artist, a music lover, a cook, a woman, a lady and a girl! She is an avid reader and also loves to travel.

Tell us a little about yourself

Ritu Rahul Rathod: I’ve been a teacher for the past 35 years. My last teaching assignment was with the prestigious Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai. Before that, I was with St Ignatius Loyola, New York, for 12 years as Creative Writing mentor. I have done a Diploma in Commercial Art and my Masters in Commerce.

I teach Creative Writing and Communication Skills to college students, job aspirants and housewives, among others. I also coach students in different nuances of the language and literature, such as interview preparations and debates to name a few. I specialize in teaching college students to write essays and prepare for competitive exams, such as SAT. I also hone students’ conversation, debating and elocution skills and prepare students for pre-tests (for ages 5-99). I moderate a Book Club for Women and Children, too.

Please tell us a little about your entrepreneurial journey…

Ritu Rahul Rathod: I’m the founder of Moonlight Musings, an ambitious English and Creative Writing mentoring platform. I have been mentoring students in the English language for the past 35 years in Mumbai, New York and across the world and have earned all-round respect and credit. Till date, I’ve coached nearly 10,000 students who are now proud and successful world citizens. I encourage independent enquiry and nurture open minds to help children develop a lifelong interest in English language and literature and learn to appreciate formal stylistic and aesthetic qualities of text.

At present, I work with school and university students, young professionals and housewives and train them in Social and Communication Skills, besides holding pan-India workshops. My enterprising venture stemmed from an attempt to fill the gap that I recognized between learning and joy.

Scientific observation suggests a ‘critical learning’ or ‘limited time window’ to make sure the foundation of learning is perfect and enjoyable. Infusion of joy with learning assists students feel less stressed and benefits them with a positive learning experience, making them eager and motivated for more. When teachers are motivated to coach and students are geared to learn, the classroom becomes an extremely pleasant environment.

Please brief us about Moonlight Musings and its specialization…

Ritu Rahul Rathod:. With Moonlight Musings, I’ve raised the bar for myself, influencing mothers, authors and successful students in the real world. My mission is to continue to share my professional and personal experiences and inspire the future generation to make this world a better place to live in where learning will be natural, exultant and lucrative.

What inspired you to pursue a career in creative writing? How did you get started?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: I started at age 16… The journey to specialising in Creative Writing was long, interesting and organic. After a few years, one gets focused on one aspect of the whole.

Can you talk about a particularly challenging project you’ve worked on in your career and how you overcame the obstacle/s?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: Working with children with disabilities when you are not certified to do so—yet experienced and knowledgeable—is interesting. More than challenging, I would call it learning. Having said that, every child is special and able; everyone can learn with the right intent of a mentor and guide. Empathy is a crucial factor.

How do you approach the creative writing process? What do you advise aspiring writers who may be struggling to find inspiration?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: There is a time for everything. The mind is the most creative in the morning… I found that. So, I like to write in the mornings. Inspiration is ubiquitous. Look around!

Tell us about the importance of diversity and representation in literature. How do you ensure that your work reflects a range of perspectives and experiences?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: Perspectives and experiences, obviously, come from experience and age. Reading a variety of literature is another underrated idea.

Could you speak about a time when you received criticism or a negative feedback on your writing? How did you respond to it?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: I tackle criticism with diligence! Meeting expectations from many people is an everyday hurdle. I also remember constantly that I am just a drop in the ocean.

What was the inspiration behind your turning into an entrepreneur?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: Staying relevant!

How do you balance the demands of creative work with other aspects of your life, such as family, work and personal commitments?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: I follow a dedicated and rigorous routine and timetable.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting out in their careers in Creative Writing?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: Read extensively and write regularly.

What are your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Ritu Rahul Rathod: Time management and reading every single day is absolutely a prime necessity.

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