EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SWATI BANSODE

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Swati Bansode is a software engineer residing in Mumbai. She worked in an IT firm for two years but left her corporate job to follow her passion for writing and travelling. She also writes poetry inspired from her personal experiences and she sometimes even gets on a stage to talk her heart out.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I mostly get inspired by my personal experiences and the need to share my thoughts with the world. I started writing poems in my 3rd year of engineering, and after two years I started writing YSM. This book was also inspired by my real-life experiences and feelings I went through once I got out of college and stepped into the real world. The plot used is fictional but whatever the protagonist, Tara, is going through I’ve been through the same emotions, but I just let her narrate it. I feel one’s personal experiences can be their biggest inspiration too! It’s now almost impossible for me to not pen down my thoughts and feelings!  

 

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

The biggest challenge I faced while writing this book was to keep editing it until I felt it was ready. Revising the same story over and over again was extremely difficult but also necessary. I wanted to make the narration of this book simple and engaging.

 

When it comes to publishing my book, the only challenge was navigating this whole process as I was a first-time author. I was from an IT background. I had no clue how the publishing industry works. But in the end, I learned I only needed to be patient with this process and take one step at a time. Everything did fall into place eventually.

 

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

While I was pitching my book to publishers (and getting rejected lol), I tried searching for other ways to publish a book. I came across the ‘literary agent’ term on Google and found The Book Bakers in one of my searches. I immediately pitched my book to the team, and the rest is history.

 

 

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

The Book Bakers have helped me at literally every step from the day I got associated with them until today, even after getting published. From editing the manuscript, pitching my book to publishers to even creating content for marketing the book, they’ve covered every step. YSM may have not been traditionally published if it wasn’t for Mr. Suhail Mathur and TBB who believed in this book and represented it. Every step went smoothly and working with Mr. Suhail was a pleasure! His guidance is truly appreciable. I’d only like to say that TBB are the best out there and your book baby is in the safe hands! 

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

I am extremely impressed with the support I’ve received from Locksley Hall Publishing. The biggest surprise for me was that they did not change or made me change anything about my manuscript. I’ve written YSM in an unconventional style and have used bold and straight forward language used by millennials. This only tells that my publishers are completely supportive of their authors and the story they want to share using their own unfiltered d voice. I wasn’t expecting a traditional publisher to be this open-minded but Locksley Hall Publishing is truly unbeatable! 

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I’ll be successful if I manage to change someone’s life through my writings. I have always focussed on writing relatable content that touches people’s heart and that helps them. I am proud to say that YSM is one such book that is going to relate to thousands of young girls who have big dreams and only need a little push to follow them unapologetically. 

I’d like to share a quote by one of my idols, Lena Dunham, that is also my literary goal:

 

‘I want to write. I wanna write stories that make people feel less alone than I did. I wanna make people laugh about the things in life that are painful.’

 

This is literary success for me.

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

Probably by next year! My second book is a collection of contemporary poetry that I’ve written over a span of 5 years. It covers all the phases, emotions and lessons I’ve learned while growing up. The first draft is ready. So stay tuned!  

 

8. How has your experience been working with Locksley Hall Publishing? 

It's been an absolute pleasure working with Locksley Hall Publishing. The team is extremely professional and prompt in their communication. Being a first-time author, I was quite nervous about every step but the team ensured everything went smoothly. They even allowed last-minute changes to be made in the manuscript. This helped me to put out the best version of my book possible. I am so glad to have worked with Locksley Hall for my first book which is extremely close to my heart.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

The only tip I’d like to give is to stay true to your writing voice and your feelings. Your writing has to come from your heart because only then you will really enjoy the process. It isn’t easy to connect with yourself at such a deep level. It’s a long, arduous process but also extremely rewarding! So just be patient, let your words flow and write whatever you feel like writing!  

BOOK NAME : YOURS SINCERELY, MISFIT 

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

We all feel lost at some point in life. For Tara, it happens right after she steps into the real world. 

She is only 21, hates her job, hates adulting even more and is struggling to figure out what to do with her life. Along the way she makes a lot of mistakes unapologetically and is frantically looking for answers to some bizarre questions.

Will my dreams ever come true? I just want to be happy, am I asking for too much? Can I slow down my life a bit, please? Or did I already miss that one shot to my dream life while I was busy sleeping?!

Tara is going through this little adventure along with Aditi, her first-ever room-mate and Kshitij, a guy next door who is quite keen on helping her out. Together they try to find answers to all her questions over countless cups of chai. But will Tara be able to find what she’s really meant to do and stop feeling like a misfit in her own life?

 

ORDER THE COPY FROM :    https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194660149?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/YOURS-SINCERELY-MISFIT

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RIA MARY MATHEW

 

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Ria Mary Mathew is a textile merchandiser turned pastry chef and author of Ria's Collection, her food blog since 2008. She was trained at Le Cordon Bleu and truly believes that good food and recipes are meant to be shared. Ria currently lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

Being a food blogger for the last 12 years, I knew I wanted to write a cookbook someday. My inspiration has always been my family. My paternal Grandmother was an exceptional cook and my Mother is equally good. So I grew up in a family that cherished eating good food. Therefore, I always try to recreate something that I ate as a child, from a friend's lunch box, during our various family trips and family get togethers etc. It gives me a sense of belonging and makes me realize that I feel the happiest when I am in the kitchen recreating the taste from my past.

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

I always knew I wanted to write but I didn't know how to get started with it. I researched online and found various sources telling me how to write a proposal, how to write a manuscript etc. Nothing appealed to me because I just couldn't work or write in the way it was mentioned in those articles.

So after years of going back and forth with the idea, I just decided to follow my heart and write the way my heart spoke. That's when the magic happened! I truly believe that when I found my own voice, everything fell into place. 

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

 

While I was trying to write a proposal, I went through many publishing house websites and pretty much everyone mentioned that it would be better to go through an agent. So I started researching for book agents in India and that's how I came to know about The Book Bakers.

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

I was so excited when Suhail wrote back to me. I was least expecting it, to say the least. They have been very supportive of what I had in mind and took me through this whole journey without any hiccups. It's been a smooth ride with their support!

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

The team at Locksley Hall Publishing has been very supportive of my work from the start. They laid out their terms and it was an easy one to adhere to. Their team maintained a very friendly relationship which helped me in many ways when I had to put across an idea or a suggestion to them regarding the book.

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I do not come from a family of Authors. I am the first one in my family to write any kind of a book. So I must mention that it was something that I had to achieve all on my own along with the help of my agent and publisher. I had no idea how it was going to be when I first laid out the plan for writing my own cookbook. I just went with what my heart said and today, I am a published author. So this is definitely a very big personal achievement for me. It reinforces the fact that if I set out to do something, it will happen for me. I just have to work hard to have a happy ending.It's a lot of work but it is absolutely rewarding!

7. When can we expect your next book?

I have a framework made for it already so it's not that far away!

8. How has your experience being working with Locksley Hall Publishing ? 

They are an amazing team to work with. It was my honour to have had my very first cookbook published through them. 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

I know what you are going through. Don't let anything stop you. Give it your best shot. Write it, read it, and re-write it as needed. Take a break and come back to it. Read and re-write it again if need be. Sometimes, asking someone else to read out your work for you, can help you write better.

I sincerely hope you find the right agent & publisher who truly believes in you!

BOOK NAME : FIVE WAYS

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Five Ways is a treasure trove of recipes for anyone who likes to cook, eat & entertain. It features 75 recipes across five chapter for Appetizers, Drinks, Salads, Main Dishes & Desserts that can be cooked using five different methods- Baking, Frying, Steaming, Chilling & Stirring. All recipes share tips and make-ahead instructions to help cooks of all skill levels to cook with ease and confirdence. Five Ways also includes 14 stunning photographs of the finished dishes.

ORDER THE COPY FROM :

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873320?ref=myi_title_dp https://www.pustakmandi.com/Five-Ways?search=Five%20Ways

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH BHAVNA MISHRA

 AUTHOR'S BIO :

An alumna of St. Stephen’s College (D.U), Bhavna went on to do MBA with specialization in Human Resource Management from Amity University.

She started her career as an early childhood educator and has mentored schools spanning diverse regions for their academic support. Having honed her skills for over 20 years in all aspects related to the teaching-learning process she now brings in vast experience and expertise in her roles as a teacher trainer.

She believes that as educators we must strive to match children’s pace, energy, and eagerness to explore and strives to pass on these beliefs and understanding of global curricula and practices to aspiring teachers.

This is her first attempt to write a story to inspire, to instill hope, to nurture dreams and to connect with her father through her book.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

This book is a heartfelt tribute to my father whom I lost when I was 12 years old. The inspiration is an autograph my dad gave me a day before his untimely demise. That day was the most difficult day of my life and as a twelve year old I promised to myself that I will never let the memories of my dad fade and this book is the fulfilment of that promise. Through this book I wish to keep him alive not only in my memories but in the hearts of all those parents who touch the lives of their children through their special ways. My dad’s autograph:

This book is a tribute to my dad and to all the parents for whom their children matter the most.

 

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

 

The challenge I faced was not knowing the publishing process so I thought it will be an impossible dream to achieve until one day I shared my aspirations with my mother Indu Mishra who is a teacher in Delhi Public School Noida , she mentioned about her bright and successful student Suhail Mathur who could help me in this journey. Suhail Mathur happens to be my mom’s favourite student. I connected with Suhail and then there was no turning back not only did he inspire me to complete the book but went on to guide me through every process, be it connecting with the right publisher, marketing my work or believing in the lines that dreams do come true.

 

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

 

My mother Indu Mishra was Suhail’s teacher in his growing up years. 

Suhail Mathur always kept in touch with my mother and shared his success stories with her. My mother remembers him as her most special and successful student. She connected me to him and this collaboration with Suhail was a blessing to my mother and me.

 

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

 

The Book Bakers team not only helped, they nurtured my dream work through their love and care. Everyone treated my journey with so much of understanding and made my work feel so special. They showed me ways to enhance my work and reach out to people. Ms. Sumedha Mathur guided me through great marketing initiatives and the support I received was unparalleled.  

A note of special gratitude to the book designing team and the marketing team for their creative inputs and support.

 

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

 

Locksley Hall Publishing gifted me the title of an 'author' by accepting to publish my work. I always dreamt to be one. The moment I signed the contract I was excited to experience the journey of dreams turning into reality.

 

Their team was so supportive and gave respect to my manuscript by ensuring it's well edited and presented before reaching the masses. 

 

I was extremely touched with their involvement in my work. I am inspired to write again and collaborate with them. 

 

To me it reflected someone 'cares' for my work as much as I do. 

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 

I am hopeful people will notice my work and connect with my story. It has emotions, it has an honest expression and it has the blessings of my father who is watching me from above .

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

I have already conceptualised my 2nd book and my target is it to release it in the next 6 months.

 

8. How has your experience being working with Locksley Hall Publishing? 

 

The experience has been a journey of trust and respect for them, with timelines being respected so beautifully and I always got the feeling of being valued by them, my work being considered important and they took that extra step to beautify it beyond my imagination too.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

My message to all aspiring authors is hold that pen and write ,let the magic flow through your expressions, don’t hold back, follow your heart and God will always show a way. You have the power within you to inspire and engage people through your stories don’t let this power diminish. Give your expression priority and there will be no looking back. 

BOOK NAME: Be strong always and in ALL ways!

PUBLISHER: LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

A lockdown survivor watched from above by her Dad.

A story every child must have lived, a lesson that every parent would want to pass on to their children and a memory no one would like to lose . Bitti invites you to take a peek into her diary as she relives her journey in a lockdown imposed due to a pandemic the world is grappling with. Bitti has to stay strong for her family and the essentials she has in her possession are her father’s memories and the life skills he instilled in her at a very young age. Now was the time for her to practice those skills and emerge a winner, she needs her daily dose of positivity and hope and she finds it hidden in her very own journey, carefully secured in her closest companion: Her diary. She wants to make her father proud but her only regret was he was no longer alive ,she wanted to show her son how much she cared but the only hurdle was he lived in another house, her daughter was her only support who was watching her closely like a role model.

The Book is dedicated to my father Late Major Ravi Prakash Mishra, last served 228 Medium Regiment, Artillery Division.

 

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/BE-STRONG-ALWAYS-ALL-WAYS/dp/819466019X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=P7NJ06JYO92T&dchild=1&keywords=bhavna+mishra&qid=1610525446&sprefix=BHAVNA+MI%2Caps%2C294&sr=8-1

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NITIN KUSHALAPPA

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Nitin Kushalappa M. P. was born in Coorg and brought up in Bangalore. He writes to the newspapers and has authored seven books. An engineering graduate, he is currently employed as a software engineer in an MNC where he works on iPhone apps. He has a Masters in Archaeology and holds a PMP (PMI) certification as well. Nitin also sketches during his spare time.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I would credit my mother for teaching me, quite early in life, to read and to write on my own.

She writes in vernacular languages (Kannada and Kodava) and has taught me both these

languages. I chose to write in English, with which I am more comfortable, having learnt it

under my teachers in school. I began writing a few lines to the children’s columns in the

Deccan Herald. I now write larger articles on history and culture to the same newspaper. I

used to write to the Times of India’s children’s pages as well. A number of books, especially

the Indian epics, and movies have inspired my writing in general.

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

Being able to gain the reader’s attention has been a real challenge. Firstly, one has to gauge

the audience’s interests. I love writing for myself and this doesn’t interest the general

audience. To be able to get published requires one to please the readers, which was what I wasn’t used to. Hence, finding publishers also became difficult. This is where The Book

Bakers helped me.

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

I googled online and came across Suhail Mathur’s profile and the name of his book agency The Book Bakers. Since I love mythology, I found the books that he authored (The Vishnu Chronicles: The Hunt for Rama’s Bow and The Bhairav Putras) interesting. That is when I mailed him and asked him to represent my book. He then promptly called me up.

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

Finding publishers on my own was difficult. This is where The Book Bakers, as a literary agency, filled in the gap and bridged the requirement, bringing me in touch with the market requirement and publishers. It was through The Book Bakers that I got to meet my current publisher Deepak Yadav and his firm Bigfoot Publications.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

To me literary success is to have a large number of readers. I am striving to achieve the same. The more people read a book, the more successful it is.

6. When can we expect your next book?

I had already finished working on my next book, which belongs to a completely different

genre. The Book Bakers is helping me get a publisher at the moment.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Be positive and stick to your work. Keep improving yourself and your writing. Don’t give up easily.

BOOK NAME : THE HOUSE OF AWADH

PUBLISHER :  BIG FOOT PUBLISHERS 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Shashvat is the son and heir of a successful business tycoon. He is married to Maithili. One fine day Shashvat is distanced from his inheritance. All of a sudden, he loses his wealth and becomes an ordinary man. As if this is not enough, he unwittingly antagonises a powerful man called Thaskara. In vengeance, Thaskara takes away Maithili and humiliates Shashvat. How Shashvat lives his days, fights Thaskara and regains his partner and position forms the rest of the story. Join this scion on his road of hardships and challenges.

ORDER THE COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194302447/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mhQ9Fb5R3EZVZ

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