1. Tell us about yourself ?
I am a software engineer by profession, dancer by hobby, writer by passion, and part time Master-chef when I am in mood. I did my graduation from MNNIT Allahabad and started writing blogs almost 5 years back. I work as a Software Engineer in the serene town of Chelmsford in Massachuesetts.
I belong to the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, hence the customary tehzeeb is part and parcel of me.
2. Who inspired you to write ?
My wife and my dad. Strictly in that order. My dad unknowingly gave me the idea of my first book, and then my wife pushed me cross the barrier of social stigma. They are my harsh critics as well.
3. What made you choose this title of the book ?
Nice question. So, I already had at the back of my mind this idea of exploring the seven stages of love. And then I thought about repeating the seven stages across various ages and seasons. So, I was convinced I had to keep the title somehow related to one of the seven stages. Then, firstly UNNS was the most catchy, and then, one of the characters deeply believes the love of the main protagonists was nothing more than UNNS. So, I decided to keep UNNS as the title. Also, this was inspired by SRK’s Dil Se.
4. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published ?
While writing its mostly the writer’s block that I faced as a challenge. Otherwise the story of UNNS I had finalized long back in my mind all it was needed was to type it down. That and the snow season of Nashua, where I stay, helped me get done with it quickly.
Getting published is a tough task if you want to be published via a traditional publishing house. Thankfully, The Book Bakers stepped into picture and they helped me crack a deal with the Inspire India publishers.
5. How did you come to know about the literary agent "THE BOOK BAKERS? "
I came to learn about them when a few authors in my friends list praised them in their FB posts. I had got in touch with them during my first book, but then, I was really short on funds and couldn’t engage with them. This time, I decided to approach them directly and they helped me shape up the book better. Then they started pitching the book until we landed a deal.
6. How did "THE BOOK BAKERS" help you ?
In both the phases of pre-and post publish. Before we landed up the deal, they helped in shaping the book better and making the plot more crisp. They were the major factor behind me cracking this deal with Inspire India publishers. Now they are helping me majorly with the promoting and marketing of the book and it reaching out to the readers in the best way possible.
7. The characters seems so realistic. Is this inspired from real life or completely fiction ?
So, none of my characters are purely fictional. Not in UNNS. Not in Finders, Keepers. My characters are mostly inspire by people I have met, seen around me.. Even the names, at times are directly lifted from people I know. Maybe that’s why they seem so realistic.
UNNS is the sum total of all the love stories that I have ever seen in my life. My friends, my colleagues, my seniors, my school life. It takes inspiration from all.
8. The book doesn't hold only romance but it has elements of thriller too. How did you come up with this plot ?
I came up with the plot when I was stuck in a traffic jam. On a more serious note, I was convinced I could never write a romance novel on my own. Romance is completely out of my comfort zone. Then I am not the biggest fan of the romantic books coming up in the market recently. I decided I wont add one more novel to the “One more romantic novel” list. So, I added the spice of thriller, and its very pleasing to see the strategy worked.
9. Why readers should pick up your book ?
Out of 100 odd reviews that the book has received, almost 80-85 have called it “different”. Some have gone as far as to day this is one of the most creative plot of the year. There goes my two biggest USP. Then, as you said, the characters are realistic. Many people have pinged me and told they cried after the book ended and could relate big time to the book.
10. Any message for new authors ?
My advice to new authors? Keep trying and perseverance is the key. Listen to feedback and improve as much as you can rather than rushing into it.
ORDER "UNNS-THE CAPTIVATION" FROM : http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/9385783874/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490518068&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=unns
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