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.
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