EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SAURISH HEGDE

AUTHOR'S BIO :

Born and brought up in Mangalore, 22 year old Saurish Hegde is currently pursuing his MBBs degree from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (Manipal University). His keen eye for research has been rewarded with his articles being published in scientific journals of international repute.
A sports enthusiast and a filmmaker. His short documentary “The unequalled: Girl child and the PNDT act” has been selected by numerous film festivals.
Mixing profession with passion, he hopes to bring about a positive impact through his work.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I’ve been a life long reader since school. Reading by itself has inspired me to write. All the books which I have read mostly thrillers, sci-fi, philosophy genres have added to that inspiration to write.

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

The main challenge for me was the getting the right plot structure and the characterisation. The plot is the fundamental base of the story so it took me time to get it right since I had no training in this. It was trial and error. Characterisation needs detailed observation and assessment.
So yes, getting the plot right was the most difficult.

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

I came across them on the net as I was searching for literary agents list in the country for my first book. And also they were available on most of the top literary agents in the country list. It was easy to take notice of them.

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

The Book Bakers as a literary agency is unique and progressive. Their main focus always has been on the young authors and by doing so they are making a huge impact on the Indian literary scene. This is what I like about them as a company. They help me with the smooth publishing of my books, so that is great.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

It would mean having a body of my work, survive the test of time and push the boundaries of intellect.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Maybe in a year or so.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Push the boundaries of convention, keep experimenting, observe every detail, keep reading and keep writing. It will work out eventually.

BOOK NAME: THE GAME OF SECRETS

PUBLISHER: LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS / BLURB  :

Son to a successful businessman owning a chain of hospitals, Nishanth Shetty is an upcoming

Oncologist from Mangaluru. With a bright future and supportive girlfriend, Navya, all is moving

smoothly till such time that his scientist friend Ramdas, makes him a part of an experiment that

can save the world from the deadliest viruses and bestow one with mind reading powers.

He receives a mysterious phone call from a man warning him of dire consequences if he goes

forth with the experiment. However, what is more terrifying is that the man plans to conduct

the same experiment with Nishanth’s blood!

Who is this man? What are his motives? Is there a larger conspiracy behind this? Read on as

Nishanth races through time to uncover one shocking mystery after another in this thrilling 
THE GAME OF SECRETS.

ORDER THE BOOK FROM : https://www.amazon.in/GAME-SECRETS-SAURISH-HEGDE/dp/8193404734/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540278691&sr=8-1&keywords=the+game+of+secrets+by+saurish

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH PRITHVI RAJ BANERJEE

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Prithvi Raj Banerjee is a Boston-based, IIT & Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) educated technologist, entrepreneur and author. 
He is also a Yoga and mindfulness coach and has trained under masters from celebrated spiritual traditions in the world. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I grew up in Agra – known for Taj Mahal & its hot summers. Needlesss to say, such is the lure of Taj Mahal, that it attracts millions of visitors every year. About half of them, at least as it appeared to me, my relatives. I had the responsibility of escorting these relatives for a visit to the celebrated monument.  

I was forever robbed of experiencing the awe Taj Mahal has in store for its visitors because I had ceased to be a visitor of the famed monument. The marble mausoleum was my second home. By the time I was twelve years old, I could swear that I had spent more time in Taj Mahal than even Shah Jahan had.

And then I found out a way of escaping. I used to hole myself in the study, hidden behind a serious looking Wren & Martin  or a daunting Sixteen tales from Shakespeare were my companions. Rajan Iqbal, Hardy Boys, Famous Five and Nancy Drew rubbed shoulders with Sherlock Holmes and James Bond as I put on a serious expression to excuse myself from my guide duty. These books and their authors created the seeds of inspiration that eventually blossomed my transition from a pompous technologist to a happy writer!                

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

It took a while for me to accept the fact that writing and publishing a Book is a multi-year project. As an IIT & MIT educated technologist & founder of two startups, it was hard for me to accept the fact that one could create and grow a company faster than getting a book in front of readers through traditional publishing!

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

Book Bakers featured in the list of top literary agents in India that I had reached out to. What set them apart was the quick ‘no nonsense’ response that I was used to as an entrepreneur. A few emails and a conversation with Suhail Mathur (who is himself a bestselling author) is all that took to chalk out a plan to try and get Chronicles of Kali published.

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

Suhail has been very supportive through the publishing process. Starting with initial feedback to make the manuscript more appealing, to making the introduction package of the book crisper and finally helping closing the contract with the publishers. He also got the cover of the book designed. Book Bakers have been with me through the journey of tranformation of a manuscript to a published book.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

The Kali Saga precipitated in my mind one spring evening as I sat alone in the discourse hall at Dhammadhara meditation centre, hearing S.N Goenkaji speak about the metaphor of Ma Kali  and the Raktjbeej Asurs.

Sectet Book of Asurs started out as a magic realism based spiritual fiction novel to convey the message about uncontrolled thoughts and the trouble they could create. As I started unravelling the saga of Kali, I felt compelled to summarize the core practices that had guided the seekers of mindfulness across ages – something that led to my first (non-fiction) book, Unbox!  The Power of Mindful Thinking.

Chronicles of Kali has a blend of historical fiction, adventure and mysticism with an underlying humorous style and  the book will appeal to readers of all ages who are interested in a good story. The book also attempts to share deep transformative secrets from great spiritual traditions. I will consider the book a literay success if readers can connect to the esoteric wisdom that is weaved into the fabric of the story.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Very Soon! I am already woking on the sequel of the Secret Book of Asurs that takes the timeless plot forward.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Well, I am just getting my first book pubished so I may not qualify for some serios gyan!

But I can surely share the tips that I received from established authors that has helped in my own journey. We conduct a literary festival in the Boston area – which has become one of the  biggest south asian themed fest in USA with autors like Sashi Tharoor, Shobha De and others attending in person. Here are some of the tips that were conveyed in infromal dinner settings and such during the events. I have found these very useful.

Be patient. The process of transforming a manuscript into a published book can take years. I did not belive this when I started on my own journey. Maybe you wont either. But most likely you will also have this advice as the #1 bullet in your tips to aspiring authours once you get published.

Get a thick skin. If you are making the decesion to put your creation in front of the world, accept the fact thar there will be folks who will love what you write and then there will be those who wont. Focus on the former and don’t get  (over) impacted by the later.

Be at at - Write. Write. Write. Sharpen your saw. Write daily with an unwavering intent to become better in your craft.

BOOK NAME: Chronicles of Kali – CHRONICLES OF KALI - THE SECRET BOOK OF ASURS 

PUBLISHER: VISHWAKARMA PUBLISHERS

 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

The world has become the playing field of the ferocious subterranean Asurs who have hatched a diabolical plot to manipulate and enslave humans.
Kali’s teenage life gets swept up in a whirlwind of cosmic adventure. With a quirky ageless comrade, an unsuspecting mother, and an enlightened master to help fulfill her destiny, Kali embraces her supernatural powers. From mysterious revelations in Los Angeles to bizarre events in ancient Varanasi, her trials transcended time.

What is this plot that can plunge the world into darkness?  Read on The Chronicles of Kali – and embark into a journey that blends history, adventure and fantasy weaved into a gripping story that may change your life!

ORDER THE BOOK FROM : https://www.amazon.in/Chronicles-Kali-TheSecret-Book-Asurs/dp/B07HNV8YSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539568555&sr=8-1&keywords=chronicles+of+kali

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH TANUSHREE & AJOY PODDER

AUTHORS’ BIO:

TANUSHREE - After eight years in the corporate sector, Tanushree quit the rat race to wield her pen and found her calling.A well know travel writer and novelist, she is also known for the hundreds of ‘Middles’ that entertained readers of almost all English dailies in the country for over a decade. Tanushree is passionate about travelling and writing. Her yen for adventure has seen her traipsing around the world. She has written six successful novels, a dozen best-selling nonfiction titles and over five hundred travel tales. Her last book was A closetful of skeletons.

AJOY – Ajoy Podder is a retired Army Officer who has travelled all over India and has been posted to offbeat places around the country. A qualified mountaineer, he has undertaken several mountaineering and bicycle, as well as trekking expeditions in the mountains and valleys all across the Himalayas. Reading, writing and photography are his passions.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

TANUSHREE - Right from my childhood, I have enjoyed the process of telling stories. As I grew up, the urge to write them down became more compelling and I began writing. It was my mother, a post graduate in literature, who inspired me to continue writing, and so I continued writing even while working as an HR professional. Later, I quit my job to concentrate on writing.

AJOY –  My writing journey began with a fountain pen and the turquoise blue ink gifted to me on my birthday. It inspired me to start a diary from the age of ten and the journey continued through my life.  As an army officer, I continued to record my thoughts and experiences. Frankly, it was my wife, who inspired me to write the book.

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

TANUSHREE – Writing has never presented any challenge because I love writing. Also, I didn’t have to face any difficulty in getting my books published. Perhaps, it was sheer luck or a case of being at the right place at the right time.

AJOY – Co-authoring a book was a natural progression.  Since Tanushree has several books to her credit, we didn’t face any challenge while getting The Feronia Files published.

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

It was recommended by a friend.

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

Suhail Mathur is a very warm and enterprising young man. Since I am quite a prolific writer, I lack the time to scout around for publishers. The Book Bakers were an immense help in carrying out the job of placing the manuscript with Readomania. We have enjoyed the process of working with him.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

One does not necessarily think of success when one is writing a book. We see ourselves writing many more books, which will delight the readers and that would define our success.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Tanushree -Very soon, I guess. I have three more books lined up for the next year.

Ajoy – At the moment, we are busy with the outline of our next book and hope to start working on it, soon.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Writing is a serious business. There are no shortcuts in writing and one should be prepared to work very hard. Since, it is a very competitive field, there are bound to be disappointments. One has to accept the fact that there will be rejections. It is very important not to allow setbacks to dishearten you.

BOOK NAME: THE FERONIA FILES

PUBLISHER: READOMANIA

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Can nature be controlled?

Man has been trying to control the weather since the day we swapped our spears for shotguns. From worshipping the rain gods to making the clouds do our bidding, we have come a long way although the transition has not been an easy one. Extensive research on geo-engineering and weather modification experiments undertaken by many countries are a proof of man's obsession with 'control'. He, who controls weather, controls the world. It is the Ultimate Frontier.

In the recent decade, weather modification, aka weather modding, has generated immense interest amongst the scientific community. Scientists, intelligence agencies and defense authorities, world over, are trying to master the technique.

Scientists and researchers agree that weather modification is the ultimate weapon that has the ability to destroy the world. Owning weather could empower a country beyond imagination. Climatic manipulations could enable derailing of economies and destabilisation of countries. There is evidence to suggest that both Russia and USA are involved in a covert race to exploit the power of cyclones and seismic activity. In 1993, USA set up a High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP), a research facility near Gakona, Alaska, with the objective of gaining supremacy in the field of weather modification.

HAARP was believed to have caused earthquakes, droughts, storms, floods and diseases in various parts of the world. Some nations blamed HAARP for conducting covert experiments in weather modification, which was harming their countries. After worldwide outrage against the project and the mounting costs, US finally ordered its closure in 2013.

Our story begins with the closure of HAARP.

CIA, during their investigation to trace some missing HAARP scientists, learns that two ex HAARP scientists have travelled to India under false passports in 2014. They share the information with R&AW. A highly suspicious picture emerges when the dots are connected.  

An army expedition is sent on a secret mission. Their objective is to retrieve the gadget planted by the HAARP scientists on Mount Nun in the Himalayan Mountains.

Investigations reveal that a group of ex-HAARP scientists have formed a syndicate known as the Thor Syndicate. The syndicate functioning under the aegis of Feronia Foundation has been conducting trials and experiments on weather modification in several countries including India.

The race for controlling the weather has begun in earnest.

The Feronia Files is a thriller that takes the readers on a roller coaster ride through Moscow, Islamabad, Australia, New York and India. The gripping plot gallops at a breakneck pace, taking the readers through a series of heart stopping action, deceit, death and intrigue.  

A seamless synthesis of fact and fiction, The Feronia Files is a path breaker on all counts.

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BOOK REVIEW : MURDER IN PAHARGANJ

BOOK NAME: MURDER IN PAHARGANJ

AUTHOR: KULPREET YADAV

LITERARY AGENCY: THE BOOK BAKERS

PUBLISHER:  BLOOMSBURY INDIA

BLURB :

On a cold December morning, a white woman is found murdered in a cheap hotel in Paharganj, New Delhi.
Vicks Menon, an out-of-work journalist, is tipped off by the hotel’s receptionist and is the first to arrive at the crime scene, where he discovers a lead. It’s the bus ticket used by the dead woman two days earlier. But Vicks is battling personal trouble. He has no money, an alcohol problem, and a nearly broken relationship with Tonya, his estranged live-in partner, a clinical psychologist who specializes in profiling hardened criminals.
Moving in and out of the shadows, Vicks pushes his investigation harder as it takes him from Udaipur to Bangkok. On his side, for resources, he has a nameless intelligence operative, and to read minds, a lover who is beginning to trust him again. But above all, his instinct to stay inches ahead of death will be the key to his survival.
If Vicks lives, this is one story that will change his life forever.

MY REVIEW :

“Murder in Paharganj” by Kulpreet Yadav sent a chill down my spine. The title is self descriptive and the blurb of the book is enough to give one goose bumps while the amazingly designed cover is the cherry on the cake. I must admit that after reading this book, I have become a fan of the author.

The book is a perfect murder mystery. A woman has been murdered in a hotel in Paharganj. Vicks Menon, a man who has lost his job recently, reaches the crime scene before the police and starts his own investigation.

The author has portrayed each character extremely well, kept the overall plot highly intriguing and managed to maintain the suspense right till the end. This is a book that falls into the category of a ‘page-turner’ perfectly. The author’s thoughtful detailing, characterisations and narrative is simply excellent, without being boring or repetitive. The language is lucid, which makes the book an easy read, and I can assure you  that once you start reading the book, you will only put it down once you have read the last page.

The book is perfect material for a film and I hope it is made into one soon.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR : 

Kulpreet Yadav is a bestselling author, motivational speaker, startup mentor and the founder-editor of Open Road Review, South Asia's leading online literature and culture magazine. Kulpreet’s latest novel,The Girl Who Loved a Pirate, is India’s first thriller based on marine piracy and hijacking. Passionate about creative writing, Kulpreet also mentors aspiring writers at schools and colleges and has spoken at many literary festivals in India and abroad. An ex-armed forces officer, he lives in New Delhi, India.

RATING : 5/5

ORDER THE BOOK FROM : https://www.amazon.in/Murder-Paharganj-Kulpreet-Yadav/dp/9386826615/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538829352&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=murder+in+paharganj

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