AUTHOR’S BIO:
Shantanu Sharma, a Physiotherapist at Adani Group in Ahmedabad took to writing as a form of expression during his schooling at DPS in Delhi. During his College years, he continued writing for his college paper and even started his own blog. Passionate about writing, he tries to write something new every day.
1. Who and what inspired you to write?
I began writing 12 years back when I was in College. Right from childhood, I was very imaginative and used to churn a lot of stories and tell my mother about them. She would listen patiently and encourage me to keep imagining. After her death in 2003, I took to writing down my stories and articles. I had no aspiration of getting published or having anyone read what I had written till a relative aunt of mine read my work and said that I should think of publishing. So if I look back for inspiration, I guess I love telling stories and my mother inspired me.
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
One of the major challenges while writing for me was to find time to write. I am a Physiotherapist and the studies were consuming all of my time. I used to have an alarm at 9:30 in the night when I would write for an hour or so. Another challenge was to make a coherent storyline. Writing one chapter was simple but to blend each chapter in the next was sometimes difficult.
Getting published was a rather engrossing affair for me. There were so many rejections and I would get a lot of feedback that was not positive. Finding the right publishers was also a task.Searching for a good publisher who would give their time and energy was a big challenge.
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
After sending my book directly to at least 20 or so publishers, I was advised by a friend to look for literary agencies. I had no idea how and where to look and just googled it. I found The Book Bakers there and after some time of exchanging emails, we were a team.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?
I think The Book Bakers are a very dedicated team because they keep communicating with you. As an author, it is difficult because after you’re done writing, you are waiting forever. And during this waiting period, they were a great help because they kept me in the loop on every thing that was happening- I knew where my book was sent, what was the response, what were the chances etc. And when we finalised on Locksley Hall Publications, The Book Bakers also helped out in deciding the actual publishing method and suggested what would be a good fit for me. Even the publishers, Locksley Hall have been a big help in promoting the book and have constantly supported the journey. As a first time author, I feel indebted to them for these vital insights.
5. What would you like you say about your publisher Locksley Hall Publishing ?
I feel fortunate to be associated with a publisher as professional as LHP. Right from our first interaction, they have been very supportive and been a great help for my work. I can't thank them enough for trusting my work and backing it.
6. How do you see literary success for yourself?
It is very difficult to define literary success because it can mean different things to the same person at different times. But if I close my eyes and visualise how I would see myself as a success- I believe that if I am recognised by people when I’m travelling on a flight or a train, then I would feel I have achieved. It sounds really small, but it’s a simple way of judging success in my mind.
Of course, I hope to have bestsellers and earn loads of royalty and one day hope to have a film made out of my novels- but the simple check for success according to me if I am recognised as an Author.
7. When can we expect your next book?
I have completed a book and it is currently under publication with Vishwakarma Publications. Hopefully, it should be out by the end of the year. It is a non fiction work.
8. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
Patience, perseverance and research are super important. Keep writing every day, even if you write a little. And keep reading everything that comes your way.
Please don’t write what people would like- Write what you like and enjoy writing!
BOOK NAME: No Matter Where You Are
PUBLISHER: Locksley Hall Publishing
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:
Ashish meets Kriti in a College in Delhi and falls in love with her. They are instantly drawn towards each other and form a very close bond. Ashish hesitates in accepting his feelings for Kriti first but realizes soon that he cannot live without her. As Kriti waits for him to say the magic words, he proposes to her one day and they promise each other that they would always be together. One day, Ashish vanishes…and Kriti is left heartbroken. She goes on with her life, keeping the wound inside her, until one day she meets him, five years later. She is now an officer with the Special Team, which is in Delhi to investigate a case of serial bomb blasts in the city. She meets him at a press conference where he is one of the reporters. As they meet again, their feelings for each other grow stronger again, inspite of the rage that Kriti feels. Even though Ashish is engaged to fellow reporter, Nupur, his feelings for Kriti are too strong and they keep getting pulled to each other.
As the love triangle between Kriti, Ashish and Nupur unfolds, a deadly gang of terrorists, headed by the devilish Asthana is threatening Delhi and planning another series of blasts in the city. The Special Team sets out to find out the criminals and Asthana and his gang play a game of hide and seek with the Special Team, threatening the very structure of the National Capital.
Cool. Very insightful detailed answers. Enjoyable read.
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