An Interview with JD Woodson

My dear Adams and Eves I think its a long time I published any interviews. Today I’m going to present an interview with novelist JD Woodson. A very generous person, philosophical, intellectual in nature.

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Here are the questions that I asked.

1.Is “A space between worlds Vol.1” your debut novel?

Yes, A Space Between Worlds Vol.1: Conception is my literary debut. Though I did ghostwrite another work, this novel is technically my first.

2.Which character do you like the most from this novel and why?

This is a tough one to answer. I adore each of my characters and try my best to treat them equally since each of them have a pivotal role in the narrative. Let’s see, dismissing Shanti and Reno, the lead protagonists, I’ll have to say between Chandra or Avidia would be my favorite. In this novel, I didn’t have the opportunity to truly develop their character due to the conditions their roles gave them. Both of them are equally mysterious and appeared only as catalysts to Shanti and Reno’s current predicament. I had fun trying to cover up their true intentions which I can say aren’t wholly different from each other. You can say they are symbiotic much like the rest of the characters; everyone seems to be grouped in pairs.

3.Which genre books do you love reading and why?
I don’t have a particular genre I gravitate to. Although, I do read a large sum of Contemporary and Speculative Fiction. It’ll surprise you that I didn’t say Fantasy even though I’m an author of the genre. Speculative Fiction is like a chimera; parts and pieces of ideas and techniques taken from all other genre fiction, stitched together seamlessly to convey stories irregular. Each genre has their strengths depending on both interest and what an author wants to convey but since I’m really mulling it over, I’ll have to say Speculative is what I like reading the most. 

4.Where did you get the inspiration to write this story?

Hmm. The inspiration came from a number of places but the main two were the struggles within myself and the loss of two I hold dear. The themes of the novel explore the idea of introspection, identity, cycles, life, death, regret and reincarnation. Many people didn’t have an opportunity to discover who they are but they mold themselves in what the outside world intended them to be. For myself, I wore a mask that wasn’t my own in order to keep someone who departed memories alive. So the basis of the novel was molded by that along with a promise I made to a dear friend of mine who took her own life. She always loved my writing, even when I felt it was terrible. She made me promise her that I’d never give up writing and on that promise and her loss, A Space Between Worlds was born. If you look at all of themes I listed, it can give you an idea of what I wanted to convey. The characters are fragmented reflections of myself, what I used to feel and think.  
5.As a debut novelist how do you think are the sales rate of your novel?

Really, I’m not so sure yet. A Space Between Worlds Vol.1: Conception doesn’t go on sale until tomorrow. But I’d like to think it’ll sale nicely. Those who read it so far enjoyed the story, others are interested as far as I can tell. Truthfully speaking, as a debut novelist it’s pretty difficult to expect phenomenal sales. Average readers mainly stick to the names they know, very few are adventurous to branch out and read a novel by someone they have never heard of. It truly depends on both the publisher and author to cultivate an audience for a particular work. For myself, I’m going to focus on being consistent and enhance my techniques with every work I put out there. My publisher trusts in me and my work; I trust them.      
6.Name a few of your favorite books.

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami

Kafka On the Shore by Haruki Murakami 

Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow

7.Who or what inspired you to become a writer?

That’s a really good question. Hmm, it was natural for me. I started writing when I was around five-years-old; poetry in fact. I guess I gained it from my family. The Woodson family has a lot of writers in the bloodline, I suppose I inherited the talent and will to write from my blood. Aside from this, writing was the only thing I felt I can ;could be truthful to myself. Whatever I wrote, I felt. 

8.Are you planning to bring out a collection of poetry in the near future?

Wow, this is a consistent question I’m asked. Would you want to read one? I haven’t written standalone poetry in over three years since I stayed focus on writing A Space Between Worlds. Hmm, down the line, I’d like to. Poetry is my first love when it comes to writing. I managed to integrate it with my storytelling, however, it does deserve a concentrated effort again. I’ll talk with my publisher to see how they feel. I still have quite a number of novels to write for them.
9.Would you like to give a piece of advice for other debut writers?

I wish there was a universal phrase that I can use but it’s going to be a vastly different experience from writer to writer. Publishing may seem to be the end all be all, however, there is much more to it than that. Whether traditional, self-published, or not published, a writer needs to be confident in themselves and their work. No matter how long it takes, finish your expression. Be consistent in evolving your technique, maturing your voice. Any sort of creative expression requires dedication and diligence. The result of your work depends on you and only you. It’s going to be hard majority of the time, painful. But the accomplishment you feel, the serenity you gain; it’s enrapturing. If you get rejected by an agent or publisher, dust yourself off, refine your skills, and try again. Keep trying until it’s right for you and especially right for you future readers. Oh! Don’t forget to read. Reading for writers is like sunlight to plants. 
10. What are you working on these days? Can we expect any other surprises during?

Well, I’m working on the next entry of the A Space Between Worlds series which you should expect to be out around this time next year. I can only say volume two will mark the end of the current arc. It’ll pick up right after the end of Conception. The tone of the novel is going to shift into a darker direction, on Reno’s side at least. As for any other surprises, I can’t say. It’ll differently spoil things. Some characters will be returning, others will be new. What can you expect in the new worlds? Recollection. 

Thank you so much Josh for agreeing with the interview.  I hope you have a bright and successful future ahead.

Interview with Manya V Kasi

Hello everyone today we have Manya V Kasi , the author of India’s most unlikely bride. I am really honored to have her interview. Without fussing much about my blog let me proceed with her answers.

1. Where are you from?

I have been living in San Francisco from the past 12 years, but I am originally from Hyderabad, India.

2. When did you start writing?

I have been writing since I was a little girl.  However, I have publishedmy book on Amazon for the first time only a few months ago.

3. What is your debut novel?

My debut novel is named “India’s Most Unlikely Bride”

4. What inspired you to write the plot?

Topics like verbal abuse within marriage or male child preference in a family are not discussed that openly. We know they exist, we even see them happening around us, sometimes from too close for comfort.  But we often look the other way, since they do not usually leave behind any physical pain or scars on the victim.I wanted to write a story about a woman who has gone through those issues.I had obsessively researched various articles on these topics.  My phone is filled with notes and bookmarks on consequences of verbal abuse and howvictims usually cope. Some of the statistics around the world were unbelievable. It also gave me a new found understanding towards victims who have stayed through years of abusive marriage.Soon I drafted a story to address some of the social issues without being too obtrusive to the core romance storyline.

5. Other than writing what is your profession?
I work in the Information Technology sector.

6. Name your favorite writers and books .

I am an avid reader who has several favorite writers and books in various genres. 🙂 The ones I can name on top of my head are: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell ;Outlander by Diana Gabaldon;The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins;Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead ;Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella

7. Which is your favorite vacation spot?

I don’t have a favorite. I love vacationing atany place that helps me relax wth an enjoyable company. 🙂

8.  What do you think writers should keep in mind before sketching out acharacter?

Characters should drive the story. Writers should know their characters pretty well. They could be based a little bit on someone they know or sometimes they could also be based a little bit on the writers itself. That would help in knowing the characters motivations, what drives them and howthey would react to certain circumstances.It is very important to have empathy towards all the characters in the story.

9. Tell us about your future projects.

I’m currently working on a new adult novel.

10. Any suggestions for newbie authors.

Don’t give up on writing or be discouraged by bad reviews. Continue writing with the same passion. Nothing or no one can stop you from doing what you love to do the best.

Thanks for joining us today in this interview and I also wish Manya a bright future with her writing works.

Interview with Ravi Bedi

Tonight I am honored to introduce the author of Perfect Imperfect to all of you – Mr. Ravi Bedi. I have not known him for long but whatever least time I came into his acquaintance,  a motion of pride filled my mind because he is one of those soldiers who fought for our country when the nation was facing a crisis time.  Even in his answers you’ll find that.

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Jodhpur as a young boy, did my engineering at BHU in 1962 as a young lad, and turned into a ‘man’ during two weeks of excruciating ragging at an Air Force training centre.

2. When did you start writing?

Long after I retired in 1989—when my basement started filling up with a lot of crap (read paintings). But I did have a plot in my mind for many years,which finally took shape in 2014, when Rupa decided to publish my firstbook.

3. Please tell us something about your life as a pilot.

I never flew a plane. I helped in keeping those flying machines fighting fit. If you wish to know more about the lives of fighterpilots, read“Lovers’ Rock”. You won’t regret it.

4. What do you enjoy more painting or writing?

Writing; but I’m tempted to go back to painting. Paintings don’t take as much time as writing. Both are fulfilling—and a lot
better than switching channels on the idiot box!

5. Since you were a pilot I am sure you must have visited places thatcommon folks like us haven’t, so do you ever plan to work on that and writea Book on lives of pilots in IAF?

I worked very closely with fighter pilots, carried my beddings and crockery all over the country from west to east, and south to north. I made a lot of lasting friends, and then some who didn’t last. You’ll have glimpses of pilots’ lives in my book. If I write a book devoted to their exploits, it might be banned! (I can’t afford to forgo my pension!). I enjoyed my tenure at Hasimara (during the 71 war) in the east the most.

6. Do you think the Indian readers are more inclined towards romance genre  books?

It would annoy a lot of people if I give an honest opinion. You’ll find your answer in the sales figures on amazon or elsewhere. (Crap sells in good numbers!).

7. Could you please site the name of websites where your books are available?

Amazon, Flipkart, Rupa Publications, Authorink Publications.

8. What are your favourite books?

Lots of them, but mainly crime/romantic thrillers.

9. Do you write every day or randomly?

I used to write every day, but now only randomly. Currently I’m editing my forthcoming books…perhaps for the nth time, and still leaving a few holes.

10. What do you think makes a good plot?

Plot is the main thing, the very soul of a tale, often neglected by accomplished writers of repute. It has to be original, unique, and believable with a good measure of interesting twists and turns. It should not only surprise, but entertain. The rest depends on how it is presented.You can ruin a good plot by shabby writing. However, poorly crafted plots do sell in large numbers, especially if the book cover has a famous name.
Thank you for your time-Ravi Bedi.

We thank you as well sir.

An Interview With Lisa Shiroff

Good morning dear bloggers today I am honored to present an interview from  Mrs Lisa Shiroff. To begin with I must say that before putting up the questions infront of her I was pretty scared mostly because she ‘s one of the popular American author . I wasn’t sure about the questions I should ask her.  Yet once I began doing that the questions started popping out sequentially. So ladies and gentleman here I present infront of you An interview with Lisa Shiroff the author of Show up dead,  Revenge cafe and many other best-selling comedic fictions.

1. When did you write your first book?

I wrote my first book when I was 9-years-old. It was about a squirrel named Charlie who lived in a nest in a sewer. I knew very little about squirrels and even less about sewers but I had a vivid imagination. In my book,Charlie worked as a newspaper reporter who typed up his news articles inhis nest that was equipped with pink-flowered wall-paper and a radio. Idon’t think I ever showed the book to anyone beyond a few close friends and eventually it disappeared with other childhood relics. But I never forgot it. And I haven’t stopped writing ever since.My first published book,though, in case that’s what you’re really interested in, was written in 2009. I don’t consider it one of “my” books because it wasn’t my idea towrite it. I had worked for many years as a free-lance writer writing anything someone would pay me to write. Eventually, in 2009, a small publishing house asked me if I’d write a recipe book for cats. I wrote it(even though I prefer dogs) and it’s still out there for sale. My first novel came out in 2013.

2. Had you always been a writer or did you follow some other profession before turning to be a full time author?

Even though I’ve pretty much always written, I originally went to college to be a psychologist. I was one of those kids who had been encouraged to grow up and get a “real” profession — one with reliable paychecks and that sort of thing. I enjoyed my studies, but, when teaching “Lifestyles and Values” classes to women in prison, I realized I wasn’t cut out to do that kind of work. I’m not patient enough to be serious for long periods of time and they don’t appreciate humor in prisons. So I went back to college,achieved an English degree and set up shop as a freelance writer.

3. Do you also write romantic comedies?

I write comedies that always have a little romance in them. I love puzzles and mysteries so I feel I’m more naturally a mystery and suspense writer than a romance writer. However, each book has a love interest who may ormay not be Mr. Perfect for the main character.  My lead characters are all females (so far) and, while the books are comedic mysteries and suspense on the surface, the underlying story in each one is about the lead character growing and overcoming some kind of psychological obstacle in order to find peace and be a happy person.

4. Could you please share with us any inside story related to one of your books or how you got the inspiration to write that?

This might sound strange, but my books tend to write themselves. Often, either when I’m in a meditative state or when I’m barely sleeping, a scene or a character will come to me. If I let that happen and gently write it down more will come.
Eventually, I’ll get enough of those snippets and scenes that I’ll sit down at my computer and type it up as best I can. I’ll print it out and ignore it for a few days so that when I read do it, I can read it with fresh eyes. It’s then that I can look at it and realize what it needs in order to make the plot work, to make the characters more real,etc. As I revise and re-write, the humor naturally pops into my stories.It’s weird, but if I try too hard, I just can’t donit. I do know all the technical stuff that goes into a “good” story so as I revise and revise and revise some more, I make sure I cover all those bases (like to make sure the narrative arc is strong, the voice is consistent, etc.).Sometimes, when the book is close to done, I’ll recognize scenes I saw in real life or I’ll see character traits in characters I created and I cantell they resemble someone I met once. I don’t do it on purpose; I guess it’s an unconscious thing. At other times, I’ll have a question that I create an answer for with my books. For example, I was standing in line to pay for some groceries oneday. There was a man dressed like a woman in line in front of me. He was buying flowers. When it was his turn to pay, he said to the clerk: “It’s such a shame that I can never find flowers in the perfect shade of red.”The whole thing was bizarre to me – I kept asking myself what the perfect shade of red would be and why would such a man care? Eventually, those questions were answered in my book “Show Up Dead.”

5. Had there been any point in your life when you wished you weren’t a writer?

No, not really. There are times when it’s a little uncomfortable or even annoying — like when I’m trying to enjoy myself at a cocktail party and someone tells me why he (it’s almost always a “he”) has this great idea for a blockbuster bestseller but he doesn’t have time to write it because he has an “important” job, which is always a passive-aggressive way of telling me he thinks I’m wasting my time writing.

6. Where can we find your works?  Could you site the name of the websites for our readers.

I am on http://www.Amazon.in(even that cat recipe book I mentioned earlier is there). Right now, that’s the only place I’m online in ebook form (it’s a deal I’m doing with Amazon). But I think in six months I’ll be back on all the other ebook platforms. Here is the direct link to my page
:http://www.amazon.in/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lisa+shiroff

7. How much time does it take for you to complete a manuscript?

Once I have those snippets put together and typed into one document, it usually takes me three to four months to finish if I have daily focused time.
When I write during the summer — when my children do not have school– it takes much longer.

8. How do you manage both your family life and professional life?

It’s tough, honestly. It’s very easy for me to say, “Oh, I can finish this tomorrow while I take care of ___(fill in the blank)____ for myhusband/son/daughter/mother-in-law/whoever today.” I still struggle feeling guilty sometimes — even though I don’t believe in guilt! It’s just that every book is a risk of some kind. I often ask myself: “What if it never sells and I spent all this time on it when I could have been doing something for a family member instead?” I think most women think that way about anything they enjoy doing. Many of us are taught to put the needs of others before our own and I truly feel writing is a need for me. It feedsmy soul the way nothing else can or does. Whenever those negative,guilt-ridden thoughts come to me, though,I can usually make them go away by reminding myself that the people who truly love me support me just I as support them in whatever dreams they want to pursue.

9. Name any 5 of your favorite authors.

James Joyce, Salmon Rushdie, Alexander McCall Smith, Janet Evanovitch, and Lisa Lutz.

10. Which is your favorite vacation spot?

Any place in the Caribbean! I love the sun and the ocean! I haven’t been to many places, though. I dream of travelling the world.

Thank you so much Lisa for giving us some of your time. We wish you best of luck from Seeking Romance.

Interview with the author of Emancipation

Hello readers of Seeking Romance. How are you guys doing?  I think you are doing great because with our books and blogs lying next to us we can never feel depressed.
Anyways today I would like to present the author of Emancipation -A town tale ,Mr.  Suddhabrata Deb Roy.  My heart warming thanks to Mr.Deb Roy to have granted us this interview.

The session begins here: –

1.When did you first start writing?

Ans- I wrote my first story in KG, so i guess, I started writing a longtime ago.

2. Who was your inspiration a family member, or friend or someone else?
You would want to give the credit?

Ans- Books… Yes, the basic inspirations were books and the stories inside me. I used to read a lot of books when I was a kid(even now, I read a lot,its like the only thing which has not changed in all these years) .The thirst for seeing a book with my name printed on it drives me.

3. We heard that you wrote your first novel after passing your senior Secondary exams.  So what was it about?

Ans- It was a novella, not a novel. It was about the corrupt practices which go on unabated in the sports authorities in the small towns.

4. How many novels have you written till date?

Ans- 4 to be exact, three in print, including the latest and one e-book available in Kindle format.

5. Which is your favorite genre in writing?

Ans- Urban fiction. I would love to work on comic books though someday in the future.

6. I read your last book it was a young adult romance called Emancipation.How do you think is it different from other books of the Same genre?

Ans- It is not a romance, it is an urban fiction. It is about  a young guy from a small town who gets trapped in all the ‘wary’ things that happensthere. The main USP of the book is the Raw and Life like description of what goes in and around in those small little ‘nudgy’ towns of India. Those are towns, where, the fruits of capitalism , may it be in terms of the westernization of mentality ( which is at times good and at times bad) , or in terms of technical development, have not yet made their foray into the lives of common people, and the book is all about those people living inthose towns only.

7. What is your favorite hobby (except writing)?

Ans- Reading…

8. You are student of engineering now.  So how much of your time canYou impart for your writing purpose?

Ans- It’s quite irregular. Sometimes, I write on for days, while at othertimes, I don’t write a single word for days.

9. Give us an insight of your favorite character from any of your novels.

Ans- Tanmay from EMANCIPATION-A TOWN TALE, he is passionate, fiery and knows what he wants to do. The fact that he could throw away the luxuries and chase his dreams was the best part of the novel.

10. In future would you like to take writing as your career permanently?
Ans- I will be glad to…

Again we would like to thank you Suddhabrata for spending some of your precious time with us.  Finally best of luck for your future.

Interview with the Inspirer

Its been more than a month that I took his interview and as always he has given me the inspiration of patience. This person he has taught me along with many other bloggers,  a lot of things regarding blogging to our daily lives,  unaware though. I am honored to present his interview today,  he’s none other than our Success Inspiring blogging friend Mr.Ngobesing Romanus. Let’s see what he has to say.

My questions for him: –

1.When did you decide to become a writer?

ANSWER:Let me first of all thank you for this interview. I feel honored tobe interviewed by a vibrant blogger like you. I like your assertiveness. Toanswer your question, I started writing when I was a little boy in college.I loved the language courses and literature in school.That enabled me todo well in them. When I read great novels by great writers I thought Icould also write something that could be read and liked by others. Then Istarted writing. When I got encouragement from my teachers and classmates I continued.

2. I heard you were related to the mass media earlier. Can you pleaseshare with us the experience.

ANSWER: I have worked with the Mass Media for many years. I started off my working life as a school teacher and later on I moved to broadcasting.This came after University in 1981. I started broadcasting with theofficial state Radio which later became Radio-Television. I have notstopped broadcasting ever since. I have enjoyed doing it all through. WhatI have done best has been to educate, motivate and inspire people through my radio programs to become the best persons that they can become; to bringout the best in themselves and achieve their dreams.

4. What are you working on at the minute?

ANSWER: I am working on my blog. I have lots of things I want to share with the world. I have unpublished works. Publishing in my country is so difficult. I am very optimistic that my works will get to a wider audience in future even this blog will grow.

5.Where did you grow up? Did the place have any influence on your writing?

ANSWER: I started in my village where I was born. Later, I moved to mynation’s capital where I did university studies; got into journalism school and later started working.  These places shaped me in many ways. Of course,you know that family and friends, and teachers all have an influence ineveryone’s life. I am no exception. In my nation’s capital I strengthened my knowledge of French and I am happy about that. My university friends encouraged me to take up broadcasting which has made me what I am.

6.What books have influenced most of your life?

ANSWER: Self-help books have influenced me the most; books which have helped me to bring out the best in me; books that motivate and inspire me.The very first was “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman VincentPeale. It’s a master piece. It continues to help millions of people the world over. After that I read many other books like”Think and Grow Rich”by Napoleon Hill. This is a man who has transformed many lives. The motivational books I have read are countless. They have made me what I am.

7.Which was your debut novel?

ANSWER: My debut novel it titled “A Loving Woman in Tears”. It is the storyof a woman who ran into so many problems in her marriage because of an irresponsible husband. I hate when men are not responsible and make theirwives suffer in their marital homes. I believe that the home should be aplace of love, peace and comfort not a place of violence. I am very muchagainst domestic violence. For more than a quarter of a century with my spouse, holding hands has never crossed our minds.

8.How much research do you do before writing?

ANSWER: There are some subjects that need more research than others. I have accumulated a lot of ideas over the years. I write on many topics fairly easily because I have worked on them over the years. But each time I am notsure of a topic I must do research. I believe in good preparation if you want to do a good job and research is part of preparation for the writer. A writer who does not do enough research before writing will be shallow. I always tell my friends that a mind that feeds only on itself will soon wither or dry off. We must know what others have thought and said aboutwhat we want to talk about. Knowledge is best built on knowledge.

9. Name any 4 of your favorite authors.

ANSWER: I already mentioned Norman Vincent Peale, Napoleon hill, Jack Canfield, and Catherine Ponder.  In the area of novel,drama and poetry I have different names. But you asked only four otherwise in motivational writing I could mention Someone like Robert Schuller, Og Mandino, A.C.Williams.

.10. What are your plans this year?

ANSWER: My plans are to take my blog to a higher level. I want to reach one hundred thousand page views and at least three hundred visitors a day. I am looking forward to the day my blog will go viral.

11. When did you start blogging?

ANSWER: I started blogging on Blogger in October 2012. I did not find iteasy so I decided to try Word Press  in 2014. When I saw I was making ahead-way, I imported my Blogger content but my stats did not come with the posts. Actually I consider this blog to be in its second year. In a few months it shall be fully two years.

Thank you again very much for having me as your guest. I enjoy working withyoung people. You are so full of talent and vibrancy. You are also doing agreat job; and your
writings are good. Keep on. Let only the universe beyour limit.

Seeking Romance is thankful to as well Sir for having given us some of your precious time. We wish you lots of success ahead.

©Paramita

A rising star -Prachy

I know its been long since I published any interviews,actually I had been a little busy with my field trip studying the Karbi tribes. I’ll tell you people about them some other day .
Today we have Prachi Percy Sharma along with us. She gave me her interview two weeks ago but due to critical circumstances I couldn’t make it up to you.

Here are the few questions that I asked her..

1. When did you first start writing and were your parents co-operative with it?

I first started scribbling in a notebook when I was in the eighth grade. My parents didn’t understand at first. They came on board much later. 

2.How long does it take for you to write a book?

It depends on my situation and priorities. It takes me a minimum of a month and a maximum of four months to finish a first draft. 

3.What was your debut novel?

My debut novel is a crime thriller titled A Predator in Paradise. It’s a serialized e-novel published by Cosyreading. 

4.Do you have any suggestions for newbie authors to become a better author?

I’m a debut author myself so I hardly think I’m qualified to advice others. But I would say this: Do not jump into publication without honing your writing and storytelling skills. 

5.How do you publish your books -self or traditional?

Traditional publishing.

6.How long did it take for your books to be published?

One was accepted within a week. Another took eight months. One took just three weeks to be accepted. 

7.Books of which genre hold your interest?

I read across genres, but since I’m a crime writer mainly, I would say crime novels by Sir Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, James Patterson, Michael Conelly, John Grisham, Erle Stanley Gardner, Thomas Harris and Steig Larsson have influenced my writing. Literary fiction by authors like Naipaul, Steinbeck, Toni Morrison, Nadine Gordimer and Gabriel Marquez has helped me with prose and style.

8.Name any 6 books which are your favorite.

The Hannibal trilogy by Thomas Harris, Millenium Series by Steig Larsson, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Marquez and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 

9.What are your plannings this year?

This year, apart from releasing two books, I’m planning to finish an erotic suspense trilogy, one crime novel set in Mumbai and another set in Boston. 

10.What genre are your books?.

I mostly write in the crime/mystery genre

11.How do you develop your plots and characters?

I have no fixed process. I just write a rough outline of the idea in my brain and then I go with it. The characters develop with the plot. 

12.Give us an insight into one of your favorite character from any one of your novel.

My favorite character is Mia Santos, from one of my upcoming novels. She’s a feminist, an author and editor of a feminist magazine. She’s tough, independent, smart, intelligent and determined. She doesn’t back down from a challenge and when challenged, gives it as good as she gets. 

Thanks for having me here.

We thank you too Miss Prachi for sparing some of your moments for us. Wishing you luck. May God bless you.

©Paramita

An evening with Anirban

Hello everyone tonight we have Anirban Nanda. Thanks Mr. Nanda giving us some of your precious time.

1. Where did u grow up?

I grew up in Haldia, a small town near Kolkata.

2. When did you decide to become a writer?

From childhood, I always got drawn to comics (Tintin, Nonte-Fonte, Hada Voda, Batul the great are my favorites), fairy tales (Thakumar Jhuli),short-stories, novels etc. But I was a typical engineer (was among thetoppers of my class), doing engineering projects and everything. And in my leisure, I used to write poems, mostly in Bengali. Last year I got a chance to publish a short-story and it was liked by many. From then on, I have written more stories, read 42, explored more and I don’t know when I secretly started loving this whole thing. And this is how I decided to become a writer.

3. What was the first story written by you?

It was about a person and his extreme love for his smartphone titled ‘Im-mobile’. I wrote that when I was in 2nd year of my engineering course.It was partly inspired from ‘Ajantric’ (not mechanical) by Subodh Ghosh.

4. Do you have a specific time to write or how is your day structured?

I follow the most unplanned routine. Perks of student-life :D. I read whatever I feel like reading. I work on multiple stories at the same time and so I write whenever I get the feel for writing.

5.Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?

No, I have not had the fortune yet to write anovel or contribute in anovel. But I have contributed few short stories in few best-selling anthologies.

6. Is there a message in your novel or storythat you hope readers will grasp?

Always. That’s the whole point of writing stories. You convey a message indirectly via stories. The messages are quite known to everyone (tell the truth, follow honesty, help women, be just, be sympathetic etc) but it’s the way of telling what attracts me.

7.  Which books have most influenced your life?

‘Chander Pahar’ by Bolaichand Mukhopadhyay was the first novel I read and this book was the reason of my sudden falling in love with stories. Then the next book would be ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ by James Joyce which has changed my view of writing. I am more affected by short stories than novels. Few stories I recommend everyone to read: Franz Kafka’s stories (The Metamorphosis, In the Penal Colony, The Hunger Artist, Blumfeld: an Elderly Bachelor, The Great wall of China, Report to an Academy), Ryunoshuke Akutagawa’s stories (Rashomon, Green Onions, HorseLegs, The Story of a Head That Fell Off), Rabindranath Tagore’s stories and James Joyce’s Dubliners (all of them).

8.Which is the most difficult part of writing a book /story?

I believe it is making the readers feel for the characters and get them involved with the story. When a writer becomes a master in those two areas,nothing can stop his/her book from becoming a bestseller.

9.Why did you particularly choose Lagaan as your story?

Readomania came up with an interesting theme for writing stories i.e. what would happen if you write the story after the end of your favorite movie? Lagaan is one of my favorite movies. It gave me everything a writer needs to build a story: intriguing context, unexplored characters, and an incomplete end. (Link to the story is here )

10.How difficult was it to keep the characters intact and yet go with the flow?
Yes, it was tricky. Firstly, in the movie, the characters were alreadydeveloped and so I couldn’t change them. Also, I had to link the previous story (which was about winning a cricket match) with the new one. So yes,it was tricky, I’d say.

11. What are your plans this year?

This year, I plan to read 100 books and write all the story ideas (19 to20) that I couldn’t write last year. Also, as I am a plotter, I’ll plot and develop all the characters for my first novel.

12.Name any 5 of your favorite authors.
1. Franz Kafka
2. James Joyce
3. Ryunoshuke Akutagawa
4. Gabriel Garcia Marquez
5. J.M. Coetzee

13.Any 4 favorite books.

1. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
2. To the Lighthouse.
3. Midnight’s Children
4. One Hundred Years of Solitude

14. Tell me about your stories published in‘Defiant Dreams’ and
‘When TheySpoke’.

Defiant Dreams is an amazon rank #5 anthology by Incredible Women of India in collaboration with Readomania on everyday women, their struggles, their extraordinary stories of their ordinary lives. My story ‘Amlanation’ in it is about acid attack and its effect onboth the convict and the victim.When they spoke  is an amazon rank #1 anthology themed on personification.
In this book, you’ll find 29 stories told by 29 inanimate objects. My story in it is about child abuse told through a veryignorable item.You can find stories/reviews by me here.

©Paramita

A poet within us -Martian

Friends I feel honored to interview one of my blogger friend who is known as the Martian Poet. Besides being a blogger he is also a poet. As a Sunday treat he has agreed to spend few precious moments with us.

When did you decide to become a writer?
I became interested writing a short story and directed my siblings to act on that, and this happened when I was a 10 years old. Then I started writing poems, and  got prizes in school and I remember I wrote a poem on science which  got me the  first price in school.
2.I know that you are a blogger as well so what do you like blogging about?
I like to blog about anything that comes to my mind, I don’t have anything in specific or any constraint to write about. But I care or I’m interested in writing more on Peace, God,Nature, Women,Poverty,Life,Love,Romance

3.Do you write part time or full time?
I do write  part time or whenever I feel like  writing, and I don’t write  full time since I got  a full time job already 🙂 I will take writing as.my  full time job after few years.

4.What are you working on currently?
I am planning to publish another ebook of poems and have a plan to finish a sci-fi fantasy novel,and  hopefully will finish it by the end of the  year .The poetry book might be published in few months.Also I am in conversation with publishers to have a hard copy printed.

5.What genre are your books and what draws you to it?
Mostly I write Poems, sometimes Fantasy short stories ( not much on blog), and Essays.

6.How do you develop your plots and characters?
I choose from the real life, all of my poems or anything that I pen down are  a result of an emotional outcome from the surrounding, that makes me cry, makes  me sad or  angry.
If I write a poem on beauty of a girl it does mean there is someone behind it. If I write a poem on God it means something has happened at that moment.

7.We all need a hero! Tell us about your protagonist character ?
Was there a real life inspiration behind him or her?
Hmm, well this is an  interesting question. I had many, not one. Though being  an avid Engineering student I did liked Einstein , I liked Keats as well , I liked tamil poets who live 2000 years ago, and we call the period they lived as “Sangam Literature”.Among them Thiruvalluvar who wrote”Thirukkural “( a collection of couplet poems on ethics), Kambar ( who wrote Ramayana in Tamil language). I have never seen any such book in any country’s  literature ( I am not a literature student though, every word you wonder). If you can read Ramayana in Tamil, that’s enough to become a poet and you will be amazed the handling of the metaphor.And in real life there are close friends who inspire everyday, many fellow bloggers are the real ones who made me  write for past  4 years on my blog
.
8.Which was your debut novel?
I don’t have any debut novel but I have a collection of poems called ” Sonnet of a Saint”. This is available in Kindle store but I am planning to shove off soon, because I am planning to  publish it  as hard copy.

9. Do you go for self publishing or the traditional wayof publishing?
I like to publish myself but I still feel people are not much interested in ebooks. It’s quite difficult to sell off book ourselves, it’s very hard to market the book, I  still feel the traditional publishing is the best way to reach out your audience, and without spending anything you can’t get  anything. So self publishing might look interesting but from my experience I think  tradtional publising is the best way to start and then you can come to self publishing.when you are a proved writer, you can go and publish yourself, this is what I feel but still I believe in self publishing if friends can do some part of marketing for our words.

10. Were the sales upto your expectations?
Not at all , not  even 1% of my expectations were fulfilled . I am happy though.Maybe ,I could not reach out the people, but I can’t stop writing :).

11.Is there a message in your novel that you hope your readers will grasp?
I have not written any novel so far, but every poem I compose,  I try to put a feeling on it.

12.How much research do you do before writing?
I like this question so much, because I do some research before writing anything. One of my poem in my blog about Lion took me a week, to know about them and when I read about them and watched videos, I knew  why they are called as King of Forest/ animals, and  they truly deserve it.This inspired me to write more on them. I wanted to write a poem hence I read about them.It depends on the feeling and the message I want to convey in each poem.

13.Name any 4 of your favorite books.
Ok, here they are: -Einstein: His Life and Universe By Walter Isaacson How to Win Friends and Influence People By  Dale CarnegieThe Chronicles of Narnia By C. S. LewisTheAlchemist By  Paulo CoelhoAnd I have read most of the books of these authors and I have many more. I don’t read the most popular authors, instead  I  like to explore the unknown authors.

14 .What do you think makes a good story?

I feel the few things very  important for have a good story are , few characters, few plots and narrative style of writing rather keeping as mystery.

Thank you for the questions and have a happy blogging.All the best for your future works.

My thanks are towards Martian for this interview.
If you want to visit his blog you can do it from here.

©Paramita

Few facts about Sukhmani Gandhi

Sukhmani

So, today we have Sukhmani Gandhi along with us, the author of The Shadow Of the Dark Soul.
I am very thankful to her for sparing her precious time for this interview.
Let’s see what she shares with us.
1.Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Kanpur which is a city in Uttar Pradesh.

2.When did you first started writing and were your parents co
-operative with it?

Well, when I started writing they were happy seeing me indulging towards something different however they weren’t very happy with the idea of me working on the Nirbhaya case because they were worried about the socio-political responses. However, today when they see my work being appreciated I guess they are at peace.

3.How long does it take you to write a book?

It took my around 6 months to finish my manuscript.

4. What is your choice career or besides being an author what else is
your profession?

Well, I still haven’t made that decision. I like taking life the way it comes to me and explore all my possibilities. For, now I am focusing on my graduation and my masters.

5.Is ‘The shadow of the dark soul ‘ your debut work as an author?

Though I have a blog and few of my articles have been published but this is my first novel.

6. In ‘The shadow of the dark soul ‘ you mentioned changes,  how long
do you suppose we can change the mindset of people who get their girls
locked up out of fear while the convict roams free?

I think the need to be reminded of the story when a man feared that the moment he would step out of his house he would die and the painting falls on his head and he dies in his own house.
We live in a patriarchal society but now the times are changing and people need to change. Today, if just one family understand that women and men are not to be treated superior or inferior rather both work parallel to each other. I guess then change would come soon.

7. How long did it take for your novella to get published?

It took my approximately 3 months.

8. Till now what is the response you received from the readers
regarding your novella?  Did it meet your satisfaction?

Well, Being a debut writer one faces a lot of challenges amongst those famous leads or names it’s difficult to find people would read your novel.
However, when I wrote my book it was not about the fact that I wanted to be the best seller. I just wanted to give a positive and naïve way to look at things.
I guess I have been lucky enough to receive a very positive response from all my readers and I once again would like to thank them for showing trust in my work and promise the same in future.
A writer is complete only because of its readers and I guess I have reached that level of satisfaction.

9. How long did it take for your manuscript to be accepted by the publishers?

I was happy with the response I received from Cypher Publishers and  Miss Devika Menon they responded to my manuscript in about a month.

10. Name any five of your favorite authors.

Nicholas Sparks, Rabindranath Tagore,Paulo Coelho. Daniel Steel.

11.What do you think makes a good story?

Well, there is no recipe to a good story. I believe a story in which a person can connect to the fictional characters and seem a glimpse of him in them that’s the time a story automatically becomes good.

©Paramita