AUTHOR’S BIO:
HAIMANTI DUTTA RAY studied English Literature at St. Xavier’s College and Calcutta University. Her short stories and feature columns appear at regular intervals in dailies like The Stateman, Kolkata, and others. A frequent blogger, an occasional poet, she lives in Kolkata.This is her first book of literary fiction.
1. Who and what inspired you to write?
I had been writing ever since my childhood. It all began with keeping dairies, writing long letters to friends and relatives, contributing to school magazines and later and last, but not the least, writing for newspapers and online blogs. My principal inspiration has always been my mother, who had been a teacher herself, but enjoying her retirement years now. Besides my mother, who will always remain as my prime inspiration, all my teachers at school as well as professors at college and university, had inspired me to write. I would like to mention here the name of one of my professors at Xavier’s, who had taught us that reading books outside one’s syllabus can be rewarding in the long run. Thank you, Professor Rohinton Kapadia.
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
Initial rejection, perhaps, is the pillar upon which every writer’s fortitude is built. Despite that being the case, I never lost heart. Instead of losing hope, I taught and prepared myself for the turn of tides in my favour. That’s when my publishers, Locksley Hall Publishing, thanks to the efforts of my agent, Suhail Mathur, decided to publish my book. My joy knew no bounds and the rest is for all to see and read.
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
I had been desperately searching for a publisher for my short story collection. When I visited Hachette India’s site, they gave the names of a number of literary agencies, operating in India. That’s how I came across the name and the reputation of The Book Bakers literary agency.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?
I had heard that literary agencies, as a concept and an actuality, are very popular in western countries. When I came across the name of The Book Bakers, I, frankly, had been a little apprehensive. But a long collaboration with TBB, which saw the ultimate publication of my short story collection, has successfully removed all my doubts. The team at TBB, are hard working, helpful and downright friendly. I would definitely recommend TBB for all aspiring writers who have a manuscript with them which needs to see the light of day.
5. How do you see literary success for yourself?
This is my first work of literary fiction. All writers aspire for literary success. But I think it’s too premature as well as foolish to dream about literary success just by writing one book alone. I will continue to write. Success, if at all it comes, would be always welcome.
6. When can we expect your next book?
Sometime next year maybe. I am writing a novel, based on a real life incident which occurred about six years back in Kolkata, the place where I live. I have also signed TBB’s contract regarding this novel, which is still in its nascent stages.
7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
I have always believed that the pen is mightier than the sword. An author can bring about a change which a man wielding arms, cannot. So my message for aspiring writers would be – Failures or rejections are a part of life. It is an essential prerequisite for tomorrow’s success. NEVER, EVER lose hope. Cheers!
BOOK NAME: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE & OTHER TALES
PUBLISHER: LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:
The collection of thirteen stories meanders across borders and journeys to distant lands. Life, as we know it, has several dimensions. It can give us joy. It can also give us sorrow. It is within these ups and downs, that we ultimately discover our sense of belonging to this planet. Through the course of pondering over these stories, written over a gap of two years, the readers may feel as if they were looking at life through an optical prism.
Link To Buy The Book :
Very intellectual interview. Very intelligent.
ReplyDeleteExcellent interview. Reflects your determination as well. All the best. Looking forward to read this as well as your upcoming writings.
ReplyDeleteGood read, TBB has been doing great work.
ReplyDeleteInitial rejection, perhaps, is the pillar upon which every writer’s fortitude is built.
ReplyDeleteWell put. :)
Writing a book is perhaps the easier part, the tougher part is to have patience to get it published. Congratulations on your publication Haimanti Dutta Roy!
ReplyDelete