EXCHANGING WORDS WITH PRAGYA BHATT

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Pragya Bhatt was born in New Delhi and grew up around the world with her parents who were in the Indian Foreign Service.  After completing her schooling from various international schools, she went on to pursue a B.Tech in Computer Engineering. Upon the completion of her degree Pragya worked as with Infosys Technologies Ltd (as a Software Engineer) and later on with Accenture Pvt. Ltd (as a Team Lead for their Mobilization Team).  She worked for eight years before finally hanging up her business suit.

After receiving her Yoga Instructors’ Certification from SVYASA (Swamy Vivekananda Yoga Anusudhana Samsthana), she continues to deepen her practice under the guidance of noted teachers.  She conducts group and private classes, international trainings and retreats. Her teachings are also available online.  

Pragya is the author of ‘Beyond Asanas: The Myths and Legends Behind Yogic Postures’.  The book is published by Penguin and was released in June 2019.

Pragya Bhatt lives in Bangalore, India.  A quintessential Third Culture Kid, she has a keen interest in art, culture, literature and travel.   

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I've wanted to write ever since I learned how to write!  I grew up all over the world because my father was in the Indian Foreign Service. Against a changing landscape, we lived in places as varied as Yemen, Brazil and the US, books were a constant.  I displayed a natural flair for writing at an early age and knew that this is what I wanted to do in life. I remember when Arundhati Roy won the Booker, I felt like Indian writers had finally come into their own and knew that this was my path.  But Life happened and I ended up getting a B.Tech and was an engineer with Infy and Accenture for a while.  

Meanwhile yoga which had always been in the background (when you're Indian and living abroad, you invariably get asked a lot of questions about yoga, spirituality etc.) came to the forefront as I had put on weight and was struggling to lose it.  Now it's been about 11 years practicing yoga regularly and teaching for 7 and I thought I needed to share my perspective of this art in my own words.

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

Finding the time to write while working full time as a yoga instructor.  I retired from the corporate strata in 2011 and since then teaching is my main bread and butter.  So I had to find balance. Once I worked out a routine of writing-practicing-teaching things were fairly simple.  I had started working on the book 6 years ago but it was only in the last two years that I found a publisher. I think the publishing industry here is still in it's nascent stages and it's hard for first time writers to navigate it.  That's where a good literary agency comes in.

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

I had done several rounds of submissions already and was at a place where i was looking for any and all publishers I still hadn't reached out to.  A blog post listed The Book Bakers and on Jan 1,2017 I emailed them.

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

They drastically simplified the entire submission process for me.  Before their guidance I spent most of my energies on everything besides writing.  With their help I was able to focus on my craft (writing the book) and my job (yoga teaching) and write a book which had some mettle.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I've written a book about asanas from my unique perspective.  When I was delving deeper into this subject I didn't have a book which would help me in understanding the why of the asanas.  I have bridged that gap. I see the success of this book as success for myself – that it enables everyone (even non practitioners) to gain more insight into an art and practice that is very close to me.  Starting a dialogue about this ancient subject, piquing the curiosity of people at large and generating an interest in asanas at a deeper level would be literary success for me. And of course, continuing this topic in another book.

 6. When can we expect your next book?

I've just registered for a Master's program in Yogic Studies.  I'm looking forward to new ideas and learnings during the course of study.  My next book will be out in about two years.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?  

You've just got to stay at it.  Work with a literary agency that belives in you, find your own authentic voice and constantly remind yourself of the message you are trying to send out into the world.

BOOK NAME : BEYOND ASANAS : THE MYTHS AND LEGENDS BEHIND YOGIC POSTURES 

PUBLISHER :  PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Downward Dog, Tree Pose, Marichyasana

Have you ever wondered how these names for yoga poses came about, inspired from animals, nature and even sages?

Using 30 carefully researched asanas, yoga teacher Pragya Bhatt has drawn upon her own yoga practice and research to draw a connection between ancient Indian mythology and modern yoga practice. With variations for every asana, depicted through the lens of ace photographer Joel Koechlin, this book intends to add meaning and value for practitioners and non-practitioners alike, shedding new light on a familiar subject.

ORDER THE BOOK FROM : https://www.amazon.in/Beyond-Asanas-Legends-behind-Postures/dp/0143446878/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=pragya+bhatt&qid=1574219938&sr=8-1

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SUMANA

AUTHOR’S BIO: 

Sumana is a rare combination of creative mind with scientific professional background. She is biochemical engineer from Jadavpur University Kolkata and a Hindustani classical vocalist from kirana gharana. Being 15 years professional in food and beverage industries Sumana has achieved various milestones in her professional life which includes “ Above and Beyond Award” from Indira Nooyi during her stint in R&D at PepsiCo. 

She is currently working in R&D at Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare Ltd. Writing fiction short stories has always been her passion. Sumana enjoys writing short stories on myriad subjects which connect the reader to the foundation of human existence. She has been contributing series of stories in her blogsite sumanaduttachoudhury@wordpress.com

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I have been a strong observer from childhood. I am highly imaginative person. With each interesting observation I associate imagination to fathom and grow. Imagination is a distinguished power which helps us see what is not seen and tell what is untold. I have been through various tough life experiences which I cherish and I feel that those challenges have been a boon to me . Whenever I experience something strange, sad or happy I feel like penning down my thoughts. 

The imagination associated with the thoughts curves the path for a story .I vent out through writing short stories. I feel extremely satisfied when I write fiction short stories.  I am an ardent fan of Late Satyajit Ray and all his films are very close to my heart. I have grown reading his short stories . He is one of the reasons I write. Each story has something to say and something to decipher for the reader. Honestly my life has inspired me to write …...

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

After writing roughly about 20 short stories I decided to get my stories published. Unfortunately I had been rejected by all leading publishing houses . It was a struggle to get a good publisher for a long time till I came to know about Suhail and The Book Bakers.

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

I came to know about  The Book Bakers from the internet and sent them my stories for consideration.

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

The Book Bakers Family has made my dream come true. Suhail Mathur the lead of The Book Bakers has been extremely helpful to me in guiding the way forward for publishing my book. The creative team of people at Book Bakers has great talent to design fantastic cover pages which gels indigenously with the content of the book. My book’s cover page has been designed by them . They are a brilliant team helping budding debutant writers find their places in the literary world.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Literary success to a writer comes from the readers. As many readers I can touch through my books I shall be obliged . Since each story is simply written on human experiences it will connect to the reader. Some have thrills, some have mysteries and some are conscience calls. I am keen to receive feedback on my work and would be delighted to have the improvements I can do in the future endeavors.

 6. When can we expect your next book?

Next year hopefully :)

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

I would like to say to the  aspiring authors that be yourself always and try for yourself. Writing takes you to a seperate world and detaches you from the daily grind of life. Keep writing on subjects you are passionate about and keep trying to reach out to all the aids to get yourself published. 

Reading off course is fundamental to writing . Reading good stuffs invigorates the sparks of story. Keep reading ,keep writing and never give up…...keep trying to see the light of the day.Best of luck to all the aspiring writers.

BOOK NAME : THE THIRD EYE AND OTHER TALES

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

“The Third Eye and other Tales” is a collection of ten short stories that will take you to a separate world. Exploring a range of genres each story curves out unique path which depicts the journey of individual unique characters . From the chivalrous Mayuri and her daunting spree to demystify labour agitation to  a day dreaming Juvenile boy who discovers a whole new world in a wax museum this collection is an exciting journey through various layers of human experiences. Crafted in simple narrative this collection brings you thrill, emotion and victory. Each story has a twist which speaks about the blatant truth of human life and breaks stereotypes.

ORDER THE BOOK FROM : https://www.amazon.in/THIRD-EYE-OTHER-TALES/dp/8193628063/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q51NYTKVIID&keywords=the+third+eye+by+sumana&qid=1573274020&sprefix=THE+THIRD+E%2Caps%2C512&sr=8-1

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH MANOJ YADAV

AUTHOR’S BIO:

MANOJ YADAV is a president’s select member of Leader Excellence at Harvard Square, MA, USA. He has 14+ years of diverse IT experience with Fortune 500 clients. He’s a pioneer in IT Risk Management.

He has audited 150+ projects and interviewed 300+ corporate leaders in various roles with leading MNCs. 

He is PMP, ITIL, ISO 9001:2015 certified with Finance and Marketing certifications from leading international universities. He graduated in Computer Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai. 

He has a multi-talented personality and is good at singing, table tennis, and carrom. A top writer in Quora, he has reach of 1,00,000+ readers across the globe and 13,500+ followers on LinkedIn.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

While working as an auditor for company ATOS SYNTEL. I saw senior managers and project team were finding complexity in running their projects, I felt that there must be an easy way out for this. Not able to find any such book I decided to write a book myself for masses. Through this book I have simplified complexity of business and management topic to intermediate level as running project successfully and meeting its objectives was a challenge.

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

Unlike others I never attended a class on writing process. It was because of sheer guts so there was lot of learning involved. The first challenge was to get a literary agent for myself and publisher. I in fact never knew whether literary agent existed too. After finishing my book, I download from internet on how to pitch a book. That was for the first time I came about the word literary agent. Then I pitched to various publishers and literary agent and pat came the reply from the book bakers about book selection and representation.

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
 
As discussed I never knew that literary agent existed. I read a book and that helped to understand term literary agent and what they do. I googled some of the literary agent from India and THE BOOK BAKERS name was mentioned in website of leading publishers. I also found Suhail Mathur added in my friend list whom I added once as he commented on books of one of my Facebook friend. I then decided to mail my manuscript to him and it was a wonderful journey that still continues.

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

Suhail has been a very helpful man. I remember how terrified I was when finding some publisher for my book. Reading my pitch Suhail replied within 3 days that he is ready to represent me. His words reassured me I waited for him about a month to get back to me. I was happy inside then I researched about him and was happy that my book is in safe hand and he will certainly do something for me and my book. I consider him like an angel who is ready to help new authors there who does not have any strong background and are new to the publishing world.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Literary success for me is able to get reviews from 18+ various proficient leaders including CEOs, literary agent and VP and get their rave comments on my first book. I consider I am lucky as I never went through any formal process and learning of how to write a book or pitch it. It all came naturally as a god gift as I was truthful to myself. I consider this as primary success. Then comes opportunity of secondary success which are my readers in market but as I am confident about the first part. Secondary success doesn’t bother me much. I just pray to god to set things right and that my books become a huge success.

6. When can we expect your next book?

My next books is in stands. This book is on leadership. Suhail & I have pitched this to one of the largest publishing house, Rupa publication and is slated to release in 2020 under their banner.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

These are my principles of life and I would like young generations to follow them in whatever they do including writing: -

Stay committed to your dreams.
Stay true to yourself.
And Stay unique in whatever you do.

BOOK NAME:101 SECRETS OF PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT

PUBLISHER: VITASTA PUBLICATIONS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

101 SECRETS OF PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT is a comprehensive book that presents a practical approach to project management which can be implemented from day one.

Salient features of the book:  

3-in-1 book for effective decision making in aspects of project, operational risk, and quality management. 

101 identified classes of risk or challenges that form 98% causes leading to unaccomplished project objectives. 

500+ proven strategies to mitigate them. 

Enables delivering world-class products or services to customers. 

Considers a holistic view of the project, so useful for non-IT industry too. 

A glossary section at the end for enabling students to understand book easily. 

An innovative book on project management to survive in a VUCA word.- Snehal Fulzele, CEO and Co-founder, Cloud lending Solutions INC, USA

A book to be kept as a reference for why projects are not moving in the right direction. I recommend this book for Engineers, Managers, and Directors. A long-awaited book!

—AJAI MISHRA Ex-Project Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India

Incisive and a well-researched self-help cum business book. Do buy this one to find a solution to all work-related crises and turn into a master manager at your workplace!

—SUHAIL MATHUR TEDx Speaker, Author, Literary agent at The Book Bakers


ORDER THE BOOK FROM : https://www.amazon.in/101-Secrets-Project-Risk-Management/dp/9386473658/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=MANOJ+YADAV&qid=1571320770&sr=8-1

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ABHISHEK SRIVASTAVA

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Abhishek Srivastava is a Program Manager at TCS, currently heading IT infrastructure services at Jamshedpur. He is also a sketch artist, always willing to explore new domains. He grew up listening to his Superintendent-Major uncle’s stories of bravery and survival, which helped him write this intense espionage thriller.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

My uncle is a Superintendent Major in the armed forces of India. I grew up listening to his stories of bravery and survival. I sense those stories were the seeds that grew day by day strengthening my emotional connect with our armed forces. The thrill got to its peak when I read the Kautilya’s samsthas and sancaras.

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

Writing for me is a state of mind, it’s the palace I want to be every second. Expressing my thoughts on paper or adapting to a narrative has never been a challenge for me. The challenge starts when I reach out to the veterans in the industry to get published. I had my fair share of rejections as well, which I guess is the process that every author should be ready for. At one point, I became so desperate that I started thinking of getting self-published. I did my research (I am good at it because I have spent a good number of years in the Information technology sector) and connected to people who can represent me.    

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

Research on www.google.com

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

Suhail Mathur (THE BOOK BAKERS), my literary agent, a man with a promise, and a thorough gentleman. Without him, my novel would never have seen the light of the day. The Book Bakers made a promise to a newcomer like me and ensured that I lived my dream.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself? 

If my story and narration can thrill the RAW officials and India’s bravest soldiers – that would mean the real literary success for my novel. 

6. When can we expect your next book?

My 2nd novel is in the draft stage. Stay tuned. 

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Every author needs nourishment in early stages of writing. So surround yourself with people who know the editorial process. They will be able to judge your writing better than anyone. Your book should be intriguing enough to be marketable in the eyes of publishers.

BOOK NAME: THE RED SPY

PUBLISHER: SRISHTI PUBLISHERS AND DISTRIBUTORS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Arya is a young RAW recruit, pumped up about his first assignment as reinforcement to a veteran spymaster – Virat and his team. In a mind-boggling turn of events, Arya finds himself being interrogated by the very terrorist he is after – Mir. Barely has he escaped that he learns an excruciating fact about Virat and team. They have killed undercover agents of the CIA while hunting Mir. Hunted by the ruthless CIA, he can survive only using his wit and courage. On the run, declared rogue, he fights lone battles with enemy intelligence agencies. He creates a vivid deception, not only to throw CIA off the track, but also to get the actual traitor out in the open. He eventually gets his man, but then realizes that a much more devious plan is at work, with the real mastermind attempting to blacklist RAW as revenge for their role during Bangladesh liberation war of 1971.

Arya evolves into the perfect weapon, but will he be in time to save RAW and his country’s repute? Or turn out to be a pawn in the game of master spies and espionage?

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/dp/938702265X/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_2-eIDb4YA001N

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH DR. JAS KOHLI

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Dr Jas Kohli thinks of himself as a ‘Cosmetic surgeon gone astray’. He is a fiction writer, humour poet, birdwatcher, singer and astronomer. As a writer, he is partial to humour. His first fiction book entitled, ‘Anything to Look Hot’ which was based on the life of a plastic surgeon in Bollywood, was published in 2015. His present book entitled, Lights! Scalpel! Romance! is a comedy based on misadventures of surgeons in a surgical unit. It was released on 18th July 2019.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

Although I have been an avid reader since I was a young child, the writing bug bit me when I was in mid-forties. I confess that writing was a solution to my mid-life crisis! Also, after working in many hospitals in different cities, I had acquired plenty of interesting experiences and I thought of making use of them to write a fiction book. As is often the case with debut writers, my first novel entitled, ’Anything to Look Hot’ was semi-autobiographical.

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

That is a long story- I can write a full-length novel based on it! Suffice to say that for my first book, I had collected rejection letters in double figures before Srishti Publishers took up the manuscript. But the process took three odd years and I had to take lot of antacids during that period!

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

 I came to know about The Book Bakers through Facebook posts put up by authors whose manuscripts had been placed by The Book Bakers. Also, I found the mention of Suhail Mathur’s name in the website of Hachette Publishers. In addition, an author recommended his name to me. But there is another way of looking at it- it was destiny! 

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

Even for my second book, my manuscript had been rejected by two publishers before I approached Suhail Mathur. However, he spotted the potential in the book and placed it with Rupa Publications. In fact, he gave me the option of two publishers! Lights! Scalpel! Romance! has been released on 18th July this year to a good response from the readers as well as the critics.

The Book Bakers have lots of firsts to their credit. There is good communication with the author who is updated about the progress. Also, there is the WhatsApp group of authors who have been represented by the Book Bakers or are in the process of doing so. This is helping many authors forge life-long bonds and also making them learn from each other. Suhail Mathur guides and mentors the authors in so many ways and is always happy to help. 

5.How do you see literary success for yourself?

I will judge my success not just by the sales figures of my books but also by how they resonate with the readers. I don’t have any illusions of causing a revolution with my writing! But if I can inspire my readers and change their thinking for the better, that would be the icing on the cake.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Presently I am writing a satirical fiction book on the ‘show off’ culture of Punjabis. I am likely to complete it in another six to nine months. When will it come out?- It is not in my hands! Once Suhail Mathur roots for me, it won’t take too long!

7.Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Every author is an aspiring author at one stage and so was I. I would advise authors to write scripts on subjects that they are familiar with so that they can come out with unique books and avoid chasing the theme which is hot. Also, they should have the patience of a wine maker! One should start working on the next book while the first manuscript is being evaluated. It is better to approach a literary agent because that saves a lot of time and effort. 

BOOK NAME: LIGHTS! SCALPEL ! ROMANCE !

PUBLISHER : RUPA PUBLICATIONS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Most surgeons are freakish. But, the ones in Nirog Hospital take the cake. Dr Nipun, the weird looking prankster and Dr. Nishtha, the swollen-headed beauty, join the   M. S. (surgery) course under Dr Ujjwal, a surgeon cum alfa male and Dr Anuroop alias Candy, a smooth operator. When all of them work together, it is a given that hitherto unseen situations and spicy conversations will be aplenty. Edgy patients and their relatives also keep them on tenterhooks. Nipun listens to the call of his young mind and looks for love but his advances fall flat. 

Will Nipun be able to complete the course and attain a double degree, M. S. in surgery and Ph.D. in Romance? Lights! Scalpel! Romance! introduces the readers to the lighter side of the surgeons’ lives but alongside it provides insight into their joys as well as dilemmas.

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/LIGHTS-SCALPEL-ROMANCE-Jas-Kohli/dp/935333490X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=jas+kohli&qid=1568175095&s=gateway&sr=8-1

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH KANCHANA BANERJEE

AUTHOR'S BIO :

Kanchana has been writing for almost 20 years. She began her writing career with The Statesman (Kolkata) & then worked with TOI (Hyderabad). After that she chose to be a freelance writer and wrote for numerous reputed publications in the country. Her articles have been published in all the leading newspapers & magazines in the country. She also worked with various MNCs & PR firms as a corporate writer.

In 2011 she founded an online company called Writeword and conducted online writing courses to help women learn the art of freelance writing. 

Kanchana published her first novel – A Forgotten Affair – with Harper Collins in September 2016. She won the book deal at Bangalore Literature festival, 2014 in a contest called Lit Mart.

A Forgotten Affair was awarded the prize of Best 1st Published book by Lit-O- Fest 2017 held in Mumbai.

Her second book – Nobody’s Child – is a dark and twisted tale of relationships, deception and power games people play to win at all cost. Harper Collins is the publisher & the book will be out in stores from August 25, 2019.

Kanchana lives in Gurgaon with her husband, son & 2 dogs.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I have always wanted to write; in fact I’ve never wanted to do anything else other than to write. I’ve been a professional writer for almost 2 decades now. I used to write for companies & publications and started writing fiction only in 2014.

Nobody’s Child is my second book; first was A Forgotten Affair (2016) also by Harper Collins.

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

This is the first time I wrote a thriller so it wasn’t easy. I read a lot of thrillers, it is a genre I enjoy writing. So I spent a lot of time planning the story, the twists & turns.

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

From my author friends – Kulpreet Yadav and Manjiri Prabhu.

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

I think Suhail Mathur is very helpful and well connected with the publishers. He is a wonderful guy to work with. He was able to get a publishing contract from two other reputed publishing houses other than HC, but I chose to go with Harper Collins.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I just want people to buy & read my book. I hope they enjoy reading the book as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

6. When can we expect your next book?

I take time with writing. For writing isn’t a race. I like to grow evolve as a writer so the next book isn’t coming very soon.

7.Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Read a lot. A lot. Before starting to write.

BOOK NAME : NOBODY'S CHILD
PUBLISHER : HARPER COLLINS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

‘I’m Asavri Bhattacharya. I won the Indian Koel 3 years ago.’

A young woman, dazed, covered in wounds, mind addled by drugs tells a TV journalist on the streets of Mumbai. Soon she breaks into a song, leaving everyone mesmerized by her melodious voice.
How can she be Asavri? Asavri died in a car accident 3 years ago, soon after her win. Her body was cremated; her death mourned by the whole nation. Is the woman an imposter or is she telling the truth?

News spreads like wildfire, the press and public begin clamouring for answers. If this is indeed the real Asavri, then who was cremated three years ago? And who is responsible for these macabre circumstances? Is it Tanya, the first runner-up who wore the victor’s crown after Asavri was declared dead, or Rudra – Asavri’s ex-husband? Or is it Kamini Devi – the glamorous MP with a sinister plan? Or Avniel – the film journalist – who shot to fame by writing Asavri’s biography soon after her death?
And why does Asavri keep muttering the name Monty. Who is he? Her tormentor or saviour.
Kanchana Banerjee's latest is an exhilarating and chilling story about the dark side of fame.

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://amzn.to/2MLXEVC

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ANANDAJIT GOSWAMI

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Anandajit Goswami is a writer and an economist by training with his post graduation in International Trade and Development from Jawaharlal Nehru University and PhD in Energy Economics and Policy from TERI School of Advanced Studies.  He has authored the first children  science fiction book on sustainability in India titled - "Lucy and The Train: Tryst with Sustainability" and coauthored a sequel titled - "Lucy Meets Artificial Intelligence". Both books have been getting rave reviews in Amazon and Goodreads and have been critically acclaimed by Indian Book Review Journal as a novel work in the space of Children Science Fiction literature in India and across the world. He has coauthored, coedited books titled - "Sustainability Science for Social, Economic and Environmental Development", "Economic Modelling, Analysis and Policy for Sustainability" released by Idea Global International, Pennsylvania. Other than this, he has contributed popular articles in newspapers and blogs for Economist, Reuters Foundation.  He writes regularly for his blogspace - geekonomistdiary.blogspot.com.  He has been a musician from the age of six and has initiated a movement called " Music and Sustainability", "Art from the Heart". His music tracks like - "Shukno Thote" , "Ajnabee"  are widely liked in Youtube and some other popular tracks on sustainability are available at Soundcloud.  In his earlier professional assignment with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, he had established South South Collaboration programmes between India and Africa with the support of Ministry of External Affairs.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

There is no particular individual or any particular event or discourse that inspired me as such. I read every novel, fiction, poetry, paper, magazine or for that matter any manuscript (be it a paper, book, fiction,  opinion piece, article, etc ) and try to imagine about the author’s, creators mind and his/her world in which the creator is traversing. These creations also include any form of visual art, motion picture or music and dance and theatre. While doing that for quite sometime I have been rediscovering several things towards the end of it. Once I finish the reading (all the forms which I mentioned above) there is a lot which I am not able to say and not able to communicate. So there is always a gap between what I have imagined and what I have been saying or what I have said or what I want to say in future. This gap in me like an empty earthern pot can only be met when I say something and I can assure you that no writer writes anything neither do I at the end of this exercise. In a similar way,  a gap in that earthen pot of mine was created on the discourse of gender, sexuality and gender neutrality issues across the world. I had to try to fill that gap within my own earthen pot. This book is a kind of a pebble which I got when I gave a dip in that empty earthen pot of mine.

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

It has been difficult and not difficult too. I faced many rejections, humiliations (all taken in a positive way- which is the crux of everything) as well as I found lot of support too in the journey and I am happy with both as they will always coexist no matter how much the situation changes. I dont think I actually wrote anything to get published. I always allowed my heart to allow towards finding out a gap in my empty earthen pot and once it was done, I started to think of publication which was a journey of self doubt to anxiety to finally a meaningful communication which is always imperfect. I have always believed that I will tell my story in my own way and there will always be people who will like, love, hate, criticise my work and me. I don’t need to worry about that at all. It is just that in my communication the heart should not allow any pretence in a single word and line of the creation (or for that matter in any form of creation) and should not think of market. Sometimes it works out and in certain cases it doesnot work out. But my process of creation and writing in anything I do is very simple. It is always to talk to an empty earthen pot and mirror inside me. However, in today’s publishing world along with writing, marketing is also very important: however, I also think in today’s world there is no one absolute marketing strategy – Therefore one has to constantly experiment with all forms of creative, marketing expressions and channels whichever the creative instincts suggest and I will always follow that.

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

An owner of an author’s club in Jaipur who promoted my two science fiction books - “Lucy and The Train: Tryst with Sustainability” and “Lucy Meets Artificial Intelligence” told me about THE BOOK BAKERS and introduced me to THE BOOK BAKERS.

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

   I owe a lot to Shri Suhail Bhai and THE BOOK BAKERS who liked the entire experimentation that I have done with story telling in this upcoming book. THE BOOK BAKERS is doing a wonderful work in selecting new, innovative manuscripts across a wide range of topics and really opening up the creative space of publication in this country. 

5.How do you see literary success for yourself?

I will be  happy if people like my work but frankly speaking I never think or worry about any literary success as it disturbs by creative process and framing, visualisation where I don’t compromise. The success will definitely take me to a new station which started from self-doubt to anxiety to a flower blooming to the final expansion of the fragnance of the flower. But my creative process is never dependent on any success. I write and create just like a neuro-biological, psychological need of my mind to survive as we eat food to survive. So I am not focussed at all on the success element as long as I am honestly able to create something for atleast few who can smile, laugh, cry, shout and be like a human being in the process. And if many in the process does it, it is like a windfall for me which I never expected.

6. When can we expect your next book?

I am already co-authoring the third book in the series of Lucy (after “Lucy and The Train: Tryst with Sustainability” and “Lucy Meets Artificial Intelligence”) since more than last one year. The third book I am co-authoring with Dr. Debashis Chakraborty with whom I co-authored “Lucy Meets Artificial Intelligence”. And there is another manuscript in which I am working. Right now I am creating an outline and visualisation of this manuscript. However, for Lucy 3, the first very preliminary draft of all chapters are done. I will now polish it further with the guidance and mentorship of my co-author Dr. Debashis Chakraborty. Lucy 3 is a science fiction with a lot of concussion and questioning of the overlapping areas of speculative science fiction, cli - fi, drama, mystery, international politics and a magical, fantasy world trapped in the cognitive dissonance of a utopic and dystopic future of the universe itself. 

7.Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

I am not a writer or author to give tips or message. But if you want to have a catharsis - write, search the earthen pot of your mind, express your heart in every line and communication and spread colours in them no matter what they are or whoever likes them. Be fearless to express yourself.

BOOK NAME : PINK GENDER :THE STORY OF A MAN,A WOMAN AND A DREAM
PUBLISHER : BIG FOOT PUBLICATIONS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

One day a man, a woman and a transgender gets a call for police Investigation at the police station regarding an unintended, serendipious accident. Police investigates the matter and calls the three people at the police station. The three - a man, a woman and a transgender waits in the counselling centre without even knowing how their lives are interconnected with an event of watching the film "PINK " in the same theatre on the same day in the same show.

Their stories and mysteries unfold  in the counselling room of the police station and a connecting link between their stories is established.  The mystery is associated with the film they watched and the time during which they watched it.

What finally happens ?; - "The three gets trapped more or move on  with their lives or do they collude to come out of this and create a new move against the  police to come out and chart out their own journey by being friends" . This story is all about these magical mysteries of life which are unexplained in their own ways and how they get more revealed when three lives with different sexual and gender orientations criss cross each other in a police investigation in the police counselling room.

PRE-ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://bigfootpublications.com/preorder-book-details.php?book=44

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH PRADEEP GOVIND

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Pradeep Govind is an NRI media marketing professional currently working in the Sultanate of Oman. He was the Project Director of the prestigious Times of Oman Literary Contest, a first of its kind literary project in the Middle East initiated and blueprinted by him with a view to offer emerging creative writers a platform to express themselves and benchmark their creative writing talent with the best in the region. His first book titled The ‘Capillary’ Effect & Other Short Stories was published on Amazon in 2013. One of the stories in the book titled ‘Unto Thy Neighbour’ was awarded an Honourable Mention for Literary Excellence in the Top 25 out of 1114 entries in the International Short Story Contest conducted by noted writer Lorian Hemmingway, the granddaughter of the legendary Ernest Hemmingway. Pradeep is also an enthusiastic lyricist and musician and has released his own English music album on the HMV label in 1995 where he not only penned the lyrics, but composed the songs and performed the vocals as well. He also scripted the music video for one of the songs in it titled ‘It Could’ve Been Me’. He also does guest columns and articles for the Times of Oman - Oman’s leading English newspaper publication.  

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I had a flair for expressing myself effectively in words from a very young age. But I never realized that it had the potential to help me beyond essay writing in school and so I never took it up seriously. Of course I used to dabble with song writing and marketing taglines occasionally.  One day, I was coming out of a temple when I saw a beggar outside. He seemed to be reasonably healthy and I wondered why he couldn’t work instead of begging outside temples. Then in a flash, a thought struck me that what he did outside the temple was exactly what I did inside the temple – “beg”. The only difference was that I was begging to the Gods I saw in those stones while he begged to the God he saw in me. That’s when I realized for the first time the folly in being judgemental. This inspired me to write my first short story titled “The Better Beggar”. Once I started to write, somehow the ideas kept coming and I ended up writing a book of short stories titled “The Capillary Effect & Other Short Stories” which I subsequently got published on Amazon kindle. The central theme of all the stories in the book was to not rush into conclusions, overlooking the fact that there could always be a truth hidden beyond the curtains of your mind. That was pretty much the same thinking that inspired my second book “I, Duryodhana...” that’s now out in the market. It is a narration of the incidents of Mahabharata narrated from Duryodhana’s angle.

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

Every author will tell you that at some time or the other, he’s encountered the writer’s block. This happened to me as well. The first three chapters of my new book I, Duryodhana...were  written in 2003. And then I encountered a huge block. I just didn’t know how to proceed for the next 14 years although the thoughts and ideas were percolating in my mind. I used this time to do more research on the subject. And finally when I resumed writing in 2016, the next 57 chapters were written in just 40 days. As for the getting it published, I had learnt from my experience with my first book that it’s not easy to grab a publisher’s interest unless you are either someone well known or well connected...especially when you are living outside the country. 

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

Luckily for me, a good friend of mine M.S. Neelakantan referred me to Suhail and The Book Bakers as a literary agency.

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

I have a great working relationship with Suhail, although I've never met him personally. He had a lot of faith in my book and assured me that he was confident of getting me a good publishing deal. He kept his word and as a matter of fact was able to get offers from multiple publishers. I told him that  I would completely leave the choice of the publisher to his discreation as I'm clueless about the industry. We finally signed up with Om Books International. Over the last couple of years, I think The Book Bakers have been doing a fantastic job in unearthing creative writing talent in India. The agency is a fantastic initiative and I wish it continues in this great work and make a significant contribution to the literary world in India. 

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I don’t see myself as a professional writer. I am more of an inspired writer and for me to bring out something, I need a thought, an idea or an incident to trigger me. As a writer, if I am able to express myself and convey my thoughts through my words effectively and make an impact on the reader, that is literary success to me. This would not have been my answer a few years back. But over the years, I’ve realized that success is all about doing what you like and feeling good about it.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Its a creative thing...and like I said, I am an inspired writer and one never knows when inspiration could strike. Could be tomorrow, next year or perhaps never.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

In all modesty, I haven’t become that big enough to offer advise. However, I could share a few things that worked for me:Keeping an open, empathetic and receptive mind.

Observation skills. Always asking “Why?” and “Why not?”

Clarity in knowing what you want to convey through your writing.

A pinch of sense of humour.

BOOK NAME:  I, DURYODHANA...

PUBLISHER : OM BOOKS INTERNATIONAL

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Awaiting emancipation through the embrace of death, Duryodhana, the fallen Kaurava prince reminisces about the past as he narrates his version of the incidents that unfolded in his life, starting from his birth as a lump of flesh. Truth is fragile and often vulnerable to distortion as history tends to favour the victors. This saga of pride, loyalty and heroism interlaced with deceit, hypocrisy, and betrayal, leaves the reader with that one vital question, ‘who is to blame?’.  

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/I-Duryodhana-Pradeep-Govind/dp/9352766199/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JRTIRP9AJI9C&keywords=i+duryodhana&qid=1559002661&s=gateway&sprefix=i+durdyo%2Caps%2C863&sr=8-1

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ANIRBAN BHATTACHARYYA

AUTHOR' BIO :

Anirban Bhattacharyya is the co-creator and Producer of one of the most popular crime shows on Indian television – ‘Savdhaan India’ which he has been producing since 2012. He is also a standup comic, and actor having debuted in the Yashraj hit ‘Sui Dhaaga.’ He grew up in Kalimpong and Calcutta. He did his Masters in Mass communication from MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He has been the Content Head of Channel [v] India and the Head of Non-fiction content at The Walt Disney Company (India). When he is not deep diving into crime stories, he is on stage regaling audiences with his solo standup show ‘Don’t Mess With the Bong.’

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

My grandmother was fourteen when she got married in 1935. So, she could not complete her education. Over the years, however, she taught herself to read and write at a time when woman were just supposed to play the roles of a dutiful wife and caring mother. She, therby, ensured that all her children and grandchildren fell in love with reading and stories. She didn't want them to feel as helpless as she had once felt. I owe this to my Thammu, the late Kamala Devi Bhattacharyya, who taught me the beauty of words and stories. And I owe this to my grandfather, Sachindra Kumar Bhattacharyya, my first best friend in the whole wide world. And having been absorbed 24x7 in producing and writing a crime show – the criminal mind fascinated me. What made an ordinary man or woman suddenly snap and take someone else’s lives… and when it comes to serial killers – they did not hesitate to take multiple lives.

Many of us think serial killers belong in the west – this book is definitely an eye-opener – where we see our country having been tormented by serial killers – homegrown desi serial killers.

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

Research was difficult. And also to control the urge to throw up. These ghastly murders shook me! Often I have spent sleepless nights as my mind was screwed up reading and researching about these killers.

Also the fact that I work in the TV industry means that I am on call 24x7 – so the only ‘me time’ I got for myself to write the book was from 11:30pm to 4 am – and that is how I wrote the book – it took me 9 months to complete it – with the lack of sleep.

TBB really helped and the process was smooth. Suhail asked me to write the pitch and the first story and Penguin was on board within a month of me submitting the dockets.

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

I met Suhail professionally and he told me about The Book Bakers. 

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

The Book Bakers is an incredible company that has touched and altered the lives of hundreds of people who once dreamt about becoming writers.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I want to keep writing. It’s an addiction. Success will follow. An author cannot be one-book wonder. An author has to publish a minimum of 3 books which sell well to consider themselves as succesful.

6. When can we expect your next book?

There are three books in the pipeline – depending on how TBB pitches them and in what order – there is a book of Horror stories – based on real-life haunted locations, urban myths and legends; then there is a children’s book which I actually wrote when I was 11 years old – and I want to get that published; and there is a book of short stories and novellas – which is a memoir, a slice-of-life, coming of age stories about me growing up in a boarding school in Kalimpong and at home in Calcutta.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors? 

Keep at it. Keep writing everyday. Even if it is a paragraph or nothing. A friend and mentor of mine – the actor Jayant Kripalani gave me the same advice. He said at the designated time just turn up and sit at the desk – even if you have nothing to write and you keep staring at the screen! Writing is a habit.

BOOK NAME: THE DEADLY DOZEN: INDIA’S MOST NOTORIOUS SERIAL KILLERS

PUBLISHER : PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

What is it that attracts us all to the stories and the heinous crimes committed by a Serial Killer? What is it that draws us to read about the exploits of these depraved human beings?
Is it because of the vicarious pleasures we derive from the macabre methods of the killings?
Or are the sheer numbers that gob-smack us into fearing them in awe?
Perhaps, it is the audacity of the killers who believe that the law will never catch up with them?
Or maybe, it is their unique modus operandi?
Or are we inquisitive to find out what happens inside their sick, twisted heads?
Or maybe something that appeals to our basic, primate instincts?
Maybe we all have a latent serial killer in all of us…waiting for the right stimulus to push us over into the dark side.
We have heard of the famous Serial Killers that have tormented the Western World – Jack The Ripper, Ted Bundy, a.k.a ‘The Crazy Necrophile’, Charles Edmund Cullen a.k.a ‘The Angel of Death’, Pedro Alonzo Lopez a.k.a. ‘The Monster of the Andes’ and more. Many of us have looked at the phenomenon of Serial Killers to be part of the Western world and culture. But we couldn’t be more wrong! Because, crime and depravity are not contained by borders; nor are they endemic to a particular culture.
They can flourish anywhere and everywhere…
If you thought serial-killers were only seen in the Western World… think again!
India has seen some crazy, cold-blooded and dastardly murderers who have gone on a killing spree. And they have been both women & men!
What you are about to read will shock you, abhor you, make you disbelief and even scare you.
The world is not a nice place, after all… look after your children, guard your family, and look after yourselves. Because you never know when and where and who is watching you…

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/Deadly-Dozen-Indias-Notorious-Killers/dp/0143445723/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=THE+DEADLY+DOZEN&qid=1559002388&s=gateway&sr=8-1

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH MURTUZA GADIWALA ( PERDITUS)

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Perditus is a young observer, poet and storyteller. Born on the Indian subcontinent, he was always
surrounded by several cultures and took immense inspiration from them. He is a strong believer of
giving back to the universe and this book is a compilation of everything he has come across in 18
years of his life. With his love towards nature and its forces, he presents this book to you.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

The euphoria of knowing that people relate to and like the words that I write has been the key
source of motivation for me. It’s always been about giving back to the universe after all it has
given to me and my poetry is my act of giving back. Hopefully my art will live longer than
kingdoms and inspire the generations to come.

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

The only challenges I faced were during the publishing stage of my book because I’m just a
teenager with a dream and few words but when I found Suhail, he mentored me through the
act. No matter how repetitive my questions got, he was always there for me which helped me
get through the process.

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

I found out about The Book Bakers through the internet. When I came across them, the
genuine responses and the history of successful pitches by them played an important role for
me in deciding to work with them.

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

The entire team is really motivating and responsive whenever you need them. To any authors
looking for an agency, they’re the torchbearers you need by your side.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

As long as I have loyal readers who read and like my work, I’ll consider my work to be a
success. At the end of the day, love and respect is the greatest achievement for an artist.

6. When can we expect your next book?

I am almost done with it and it’ll be a follow up to this book. I can’t wait to share it, stay
tuned.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Stay true to your roots and write what you think reflects a part of you. Authenticity is what
goes a long way in this world. If you have someone to be your torchbearer like The Book
Bakers, the journey becomes easier but if you don’t, hang in there because in the end, it’ll be
worth it.

BOOK NAME:  SUGARCOATED SOUL
PUBLISHER: BIG FOOT PUBLICATIONS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

They ask us who we are, what we love and where our hearts belong while they are lost themselves.
To those lost souls searching for an answer – we are all Sugarcoated Souls of the stars that lie below
our skin. Let’s find ourselves, heal ourselves and love ourselves in this poetic journey, together.

PRE-ORDER THE COPY FROM : http://www.bit.ly/SugarcoatedSoul

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RAHUL SHARMA

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Rahul Sharma is by education a qualified Chartered Management Accountant, Associate Member of the esteemed Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, London, U.K.
He holds a post Graduate Management diploma and is a commerce graduate from Kurukshetra University. Rahul has worked in various MNCs in the capacity of accountant for around 10 years in Delhi/NCR and the USA.

The authoritative, boring and rudimentary style of corporate operating didn’t match Rahul’s artistic temperament and he decided to call it a day being an accountant. Presently, Rahul and his wife Pooja run their own business. Rahul spend his morning teaching Hatha Yoga to his handful pupils of all age and background, day at their business and evening reading his subject of interests and writing – which is his highest calling and fulfills his creative instincts.

The author is 35 years of age, married and has a daughter. Currently, he lives in his hometown Panipat, Haryana with his family. His subjects of interest are; Occult sciences, spirituality, and religion.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

Only two things have appealed to me most in my life – Food and Books, in that order. As far as I could remember, I was always creating one story or the other in my mentation and I had listeners too. I can visualise vividly how during my school days when as part of the punishment, a handful of my classmates along with me were asked to stand outside the classroom and I would bake stories on the spot and how they all loved it and laughed innocently at my way of narrating them. I had a love for comic books too and loved many Indian characters and I invented one character of my own called “Chutku Lal” and many of my verbal stories were around this hilarious character famous then in my circle of friends. I did not use a pen and notebook to create those stories for I liked them to happen in serendipity, I could cook them on the spot and that gave me a true high which I still miss. So, I moved from comics to novels to spiritual texts, philosophy, yoga and god knows anything which satiated my words voracity. When getting all those educational certificates and paraphernalia along with decent jobs didn’t satisfy me and I didn’t feel motivated and happy in what I was doing, I began to ponder and observe myself and it took me several years but I found out that I want to do two thing in my life at any cost, one was to learn and practise Hatha Yoga and the other was to write and get published.

I have been able to complete both the items on my bucket list and adding more to the list!

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

Writing was fun and didn’t present any particular pain to me but getting published was really a tough job and required a lot of patience and hope. There was always an element of doubt and fear was but natural. The internet is full of information of all kind and like the world itself, the internet is also full of deleterious inputs from depressed, spiteful and actually duped and hurt people, so it was very easy to feel at once down and depressed. There were information about publishing scams and the long tiresome process in getting published and the resultant nothingness extracted out from the book. All this was enough for a budding writer to call this quest of getting a publisher and reaching out to the target readers off. But, I decided after the initial perturbation of my will that I shall pursue this dream of mine and should only look at the shinier, brighter side of things. And slowly from there I begin to see light.

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

I was looking for literary agents on internet and found many results. One fine day, I found out all about The Book Bakers and Mr. Suhail Mathur and how he had been leading writers towards their destinies.

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

My manuscript was rejected by four literary agents and three publication houses before getting accepted by The Book Bakers for representation. Mr. Suhail Mathur explained to me the whole process nicely and eloquently in the beginning itself and guided me through the initial editing and the submission process. It was he who first of all showed confidence in the book and told me that it would certainly get published.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

For a writer, the success is the love of his readers. I don’t equate commercial success of a book with the love, understanding and respect an author may get through dissemination of his words. The commercial success as I understand is all a psychological process, same as first advertising tacitly to smoke through movies and other mediums and then warning about its ill effects, thus making a large sum of money just by playing with the minds of susceptible people. Same is with book markets, better known people, so called celebrities etc. gets to sell their pieces quickly through psychological pitching also called PR.

6. When can we expect your next book?

I am in the middle of my second work and hope to finish it by March 2019.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Don’t follow anyone and just be yourself. I have observed that when one idea gets accepted, many new authors try to replicate it and try to make something similar. Like, when Harry Potter was a huge success, many writers started writing books about magic school and wizards. We can certainly see a phenomenon with Indian writers currently that there is huge input of mythology fiction in the market due to previous success of this theme and many writers are writing just to make the book more marketable and presentable and I suppose not many are fulfilling their inner calling and are merely churning out words mechanically.

I believe an author doesn’t write keeping in mind the trends of the market but an author writes to fulfil his heart’s longing for concealed, unintelligible emotions being materialised in to words and that work may then become a trend!

BOOK NAME: IMPROVISED CAGES

PUBLISHER: BIG FOOT PUBLICATIONS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Reuben was caught ‘sinning’ by his mother and was taken to the father of the local church. Reuben, in turn went to meet a pimp in London to find the ‘truth’. Did he find the answers to his questions? His questions are everyone’s questions no one bothers to ask. Reuben takes a daring step and what shall be the repercussions?

Kamal, a timid but talented boy is overlooked by his parents and rejected by his peers, he has imaginary friends. There are secrets pertaining to his childhood and his violent personality nobody knows except his imaginary friends. What becomes of such a deluded mind even if it tries to be normal & what is normal after all?

Appalling, disturbing and mind boggling tale of two boys who existed 100 years apart!

ORDER THE COPY FROM :

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8193963946/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1551768032&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=improvised+cages+rahul+sharma&dpPl=1&dpID=516HCOr%2BEJL&ref=plSrch

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH AJAY RAM

AUTHOR'S BIO :

Ajay is a Civil Engineer by education and a Writer/Filmmaker by passion.  

He has assisted Director Deepak Shivdasani on Badlapur Boys (pre-production) and Julie 2. He has been the Associate Director on Faheem Chaudhry’s Hindi film Gilli Danda based on Munshi Premchand’s short story of the same name.

He spends most of his time reading, writing, watching films and gymming. He hopes to make films soon.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

A voice within urged me to tell my stories to the world. The inspiration to write Rendezvous with God was a Los Angeles based producer who told me the script would be exorbitant to produce and I may have to write a novel first to create an in-built audience for it to have a realistic chance to be considered for a film adaptation. Writing this novel was daunting at first, but inspiring words by Ayn Rand and Stephen King kept me going. When I look back, I must say I quite enjoyed the writing process.

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

The only challenge while writing was to constantly remind myself that no matter how silly it seemed to slog at the computer for years at end, it’ll probably be worth the effort one day. I realised the day I finished writing the novel that a bigger challenge lay ahead in getting it published for the world of publishing seemed intimidating. Google came to my rescue as it brought me to the doors of THE BOOK BAKERS Literary Agency.

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

Research told me that I needed to hire a lit-agent to represent my work since established publishers do not accept unsolicited submissions. I subsequently sent out enquiries to the top literary agencies of India and got a prompt response from Suhail Mathur.  

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

It goes without saying that if it weren’t for the efforts and reach of THE BOOK BAKERS I wouldn’t have found my publishers. Suhail Mathur has been very patient with me all through this exhilarating and at times stressful journey of finding a publisher, two in my case. I really do hope first-time writers find their way to THE BOOK BAKERS and to eventual bliss of seeing their novels on the shelves of bookstores.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Imminent and inevitable. Kidding… I’m kidding. What I want is for my novel to reach the widest reader base possible.  

6. When can we expect your next book?

2019

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Keep writing no matter what, for stories to exist, a writer must dream.

BOOK NAME: RENDEZVOUS WITH GOD

PUBLISHER : BIG FOOT PUBLISHER

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

When an alien falls for a nurse, the US president uses her to manipulate the alien in an effort to fulfill his lifelong dream of colonising planet Mars even as a dangerous alien race approaches Earth.

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/RENDEZVOUS-GOD-AJAY-RAM/dp/819396392X/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=rendezvous+by+ajay&qid=1556155931&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

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