EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SUJATA PARASHAR

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Sujata Parashar is a popular Indian novelist, poet and short -story writer.

She has written eight books so far. Her debut novel, In Pursuit of Infidelity (Rupa, 2009) was a bestseller. She also has a poetry book series called, Poetry Out and Loud (Authors Press, 2014) and a collection of short - stories, titled, That Woman You See (Alchemy, 2015) to her credit. She has won awards for her first poetry collection and her first short - story. Her new novel, ‘The Temple Bar Woman’ slotted as a revenge/socio - political thriller and focusing on the topic of sexual violence and abuse was released earlier this year (Vishwakarma, 2018).

Sujata holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights and has more than a decade of experience in the development sector. In 2016 she was presented the prestigious Karamaveer Chakra Award- instituted by iCongo in association with the UN conferred to individuals who bring about positive social impact in the lives of people and planet and this year again she has been chosen among hundred enterprising women to be awarded the coveted “100 Women Faces 2018” by Womennovator and Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs (COWE) for her inspiring work in the field of literature and social work.

Know more: www.sujataparashar.in

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I’m a writer by chance. An external incident triggered the idea for my first novel. I was working on a social project where I had to interact with married women from poor families. In one of such gatherings I was quite disturbed to hear the plight of these women. Most of them reported being mistreated and abused by their husbands – with some sharing stories of their cheating partners and how helpless they felt despite knowing everything. That same evening the seed idea for my first novel took shape. The story explored the man-woman relationship outside the institution of marriage. Initially, it was meant for self-consumption or to share with close friends but soon I realised it was turning into something bigger and better. That’s when I decided to approach a few publishers based out of Delhi. Rest, as they say, is history.  

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

Fortunately for me, my first book was written and published without even my realising what was happening. I wasn’t writing to be published. I had a strong story idea which I wanted to express or put down on paper. That’s all I did. By the time it all sunk in, my book had already been published and had been declared a best seller. Actually, my real struggle began after my second book came out. I felt uncomfortable being called a writer. I also realised I needed to do a lot more to deserve that title. My journey started nine years ago and I’m still on it.

3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?  

I came to know of The BOOK BAKERS through some of my writer friends. Actually, I knew Suhail well before he started the literary agency. And when I learnt about it, I was excited and happy as it was around the same time when I too was looking for someone to represent my work. There was no one better than Suhail whom I could have given this difficult responsibility to and he did not disappoint me.

4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?

There are a number of things that sets The BOOK BAKERS apart from other literary agencies; the top ones that worked for me are: each member of the team shows that they care for your work and support and guide you through the submission process.  They don’t set false expectations but at the same time are positive and patient and purposeful in their approach. And finally, they show results.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

My focus is on writing happy, heart-warming, positive, powerful and entertaining stories.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Most likely by the end of 2019.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

To be a great writer you must possess three things passion, compassion and imagination rest of the skills can be acquired.

BOOK NAME: The Temple Bar Woman

  PUBLISHER : Vishwakarma Publications

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Rakshit Singh, a young and upcoming politician, encounters a rebellious Rani aka Radha in an upscale brothel, Temple Bar. Intrigued by Rani’s personality, he decides to know her better and spends a night with her.  Radha tells him that she was found by the Brothel owner in an unconscious state and she’s lost her memory. Distressed by her plight, Rakshit decides to offer the position of governess for his motherless daughter, Neer. What Rakshit does not know is that Radha is using him to avenge herself against the man who destroyed her life. What is Radha’s past? Who is the man she’s after? How will she find him? What sacrifices she’ll have to make to reach her goal. Take a journey fraught with danger, deceit and dare with the “Temple Bar Woman” to find the answers.

ORDER THE BOOK FROM : https://www.amazon.in/Temple-Bar-Women-Sujata-Parashar/dp/B079JKGBN9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535544379&sr=8-1&keywords=the+temple+bar+woman