AUTHOR’S BIO :
Sandhya is a dreamer, a writer and a globetrotter. She enjoys pottering around her home and garden in Bangalore with her human and feline adopted babies. She has published an illustrated children’s book, “Mia finds a home,” under the pen name, Sandy. She currently heads a Technical Communications team in an MNC and is an inclusion and diversity champion. Her fiction novel is awaiting publication and she has started working on a mystery book. Her site is varnika.co.
1. Who and what inspired you to write?
When I was a child, my father was in the Army and had to go on inspections. He would travel by train and always return with one comic book for me picked up from the book carts in the train stations. I would wait for that comic. Before I could read properly, my mother would patiently read out stories endlessly to me. She was also fascinated by the world of Dumbo and Chip n Dale et al.
I then graduated to Enid Blyton books and devoured all the children’s books in Army Club libraries wherever we were posted. I lived in the world of comics and books, and when I wasn’t reading, I was dreaming of characters and stories. There was never any thought in my mind other than that of being a writer. So I guess my inspirations are my parents for getting and reading comics to me, and taking me to libraries. Also, to Harvey Comics, Looney Tunes and all the wonderful comics published in the ‘70s that seem to have disappeared now.
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
I have a full-time job and I’m a single Mom, so this combination has successfully derailed my writing multiple times over the years. I can write only in fits and starts and keep losing continuity of thought and inspiration. I have to snatch time to write late nights and weekends, but I keep persisting. I was actually completing my fiction novel, when my father wrote his first draft of his autobiography, Burma to Bangalore. I then got drawn into that project when my father fell ill, editing, structuring, adding more stories and eventually rewriting it to make it more interesting to read across generations and families. I collaborated with my sister, Priya, on the stories and she took care of the photos.
Publishing went smoothly. I was already in touch with the enterprising Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers literary agency and he took it upon himself to get a publisher to publish the book in time for my father’s 88th birthday. He soon got a contract from Locksley Hall Publishing and we could release it on his birthday. So grateful and thankful to both agencies.
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
I researched online about top literary agencies in India and The Book Bakers was listed amongst them. When I reached out to Suhail Mathur from The Book Bakers, I got a very prompt response and signed up with them right away.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them ?
The Book Bakers literary agency is synonymous with Suhail Mathur and the words that come to mind are swift, responsive, connected and savvy about the publishing world, resourceful, empathetic, personal touch, coaching, encouraging, dynamic… you get the picture.
In addition to rapidly getting me a publisher, they designed a terrific cover that is evocative and checks all the boxes. I love how it’s turned out and it has been universally admired.
The Book Bakers have a prolific track record getting hundreds of contracts, and growing steadily through the pandemic when most publishing had ground to a halt. They were the first to conduct a huge online Lit Fest featuring hundreds of authors and bolstering them in their career. Speaking at this fest did give me the impetus to go ahead and complete writing.
5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?
Locksley Hall Publishing have been highly supportive of Burma to Bangalore. Despite having a heavy publishing line-up, they worked out the schedule to accommodate release on my father’s birthday. They did an author interview of my father and me and supported me in marketing and promotions.
6. How do you see literary success for yourself?
I want to write and write and write. I want what I write to be published. I want what I published to be read. And I hope people like what they read and come back to read more of my writing. As simple as that. I’ve started a little late so I need to hurry up and catch up with my writing backlog.
7. When can we expect your next book?
My fiction novel is ready. I’m making the final editing comments and hope The Book Bakers can find a publisher for it soon.
8. How has your experience being working with Locksley Hall Publishing ?
Prompt, interactive, great print quality. The black and white photos look terrific.
9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
Keep writing. Keep improving. And sign up with The Book Bakers literary agency.
BOOK NAME : BURMA TO BANGALORE
PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : Ranga was an irrepressible boy growing up in Burma, happy in his family circle, when the Japanese bombed Rangoon and their lives changed in the flash of a second. The family had to flee and start afresh in an India caught in the throes of the freedom struggle.
He found his path in life serving as an Army Officer in the Territorial Army and fighting in three wars. His personal life was nomadic with family, friends and colleagues crossing and crisscrossing his path. Like the mighty Indian Railways taking him to various military postings and roaring through scenic and stark terrains, in sunny and stormy weather; his life, and the lives of those around him, go through its ups and downs.
Burma to Bangalore is an engaging account of a boy, an officer, and a veteran, as his memories go marching past.
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