EXCHANGING WORDS WITH LALITHA BALASUBRAMANIAN

AUTHOR’S BIO: 

Lalitha Balasubramanian is a freelance Journalist and has written hundreds of articles on varied topics related to health, travel, education and parenting for several newspapers and magazines including The Times of India and Discover India. She does dabble in blogging once in a while, and her love for writing is mirrored in her books and articles. When she is not writing, she is a voracious reader, compulsive traveller, nature lover, music and fine arts enthusiast and a believer in ‘living life to the full’. 

 ‘On the Krishna Trail’ is her fourth book, inspired by her love and avid interest in Hindu Mythology. She has extensively researched and travelled across destinations in five States for a period of almost two years before chronicling this book. 

 

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I have grown up listening to tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata narrated by first my grandmother and then by my father. This fuelled a passion for reading some original and classic adaptations of these two magnificent epics. I draw my writing inspiration from them. Added to that, I love travel. So travelling to places rendered sacred by virtue of their association with Hindu deities like Sri Krishna, Sri Ram, Mahadev and Goddess Shakti, became an interesting source for my research. I draw my spiritual writing inspiration from the pilgrims who flock these sacred spots. I am immeasurably inspired by the hard work and success stories of ordinary people and curious everyday happenings. These are reflected in my articles and short stories. I love the innocence and curiosity of children and they inspire me to write children’s fiction.

 

 

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

Writing a non-fiction book is a completely different ball game from writing articles or blogs. It involves so much more research and time commitment. While writing this book, I had to travel across five States, which was engrossing, yet it was a real challenge.  

 

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

  

While I was browsing the submission guidelines of a few publishing houses I came across the page of The Book Bakers. It drew my interest because Literary Agencies are far and few in India. So I read further and my attention was drawn to the eminent authors they were representing. That’s when I connected with Suhail Mathur and sent across my book proposal to The Book Bakers.

 

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

I submitted my book proposal to Suhail Mathur and was delighted with his quick response. The journey has been so smooth after that. As a writer, it was wonderful to have his guidance at every step. My book cover was beautifully designed by The Book Bakers' talented design team. Here I would like to mention that some of my writer friends referred to The Book Bakers as being among the best in the business of designing book covers. I happily endorse it. Like many other authors, I had very little idea of how to market my book. All in all, it has been a wonderful collaboration.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

My book is being published by Locksley Hall Publishing, and not only have they been extremely supportive, but their inputs regarding the photographs and design were apt, helpful and enhance the book’s appeal. Their personal interest and involvement, their promptness in replies and their willingness to incorporate changes made it a virtual delight to have my book published by them.  

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I love sharing my thoughts and any information that may be helpful to others. So, for me, if my writing touches a chord with my readers, I am more than happy. That is my success.

      

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

I am already working on my next book and hopefully, I expect to complete the manuscript in a few months. 

 

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

Working with Locksley Hall Publishing has been a hassle-free dream. They were helpful, prompt and very easy to interact with. I really appreciate their personal involvement and value additions.   

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Read more. The more you read, the more refined your writing will become. If you are into non-fiction, historical or mythological fiction, take the trouble to research well. Short cuts do not work. Believe in your writing and go ahead.

BOOK NAME: ON THE KRISHNA TRAIL

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

 BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB: 

“On the Krishna Trail” as the title suggests, is the chronicling of a spiritual journey encompassing the places associated with Sri Krishna during his time on earth. The temple trail begins with Krishna’s birth in a prison cell at Mathura known as Krishna Janmabhoomi and meanders through Gokul and Nandgaon where he spent his childhood. Govardhan becomes sacred because Sri Krishna lifted it to protect his Brajwasis from Indra’s anger. Barsana is Radharani’s home and Vrindavan symbolizes the everlasting love of the divine couple, Radha and Krishna. Ujjain, with its Maharishi Sandipani Ashram, gains significance as the Gurukul of Sri Krishna and Dwarka stands testimony to his reign as a benevolent King. Kurukshetra witnesses the Mahabharat war, where Sri Krishna takes on the role of Parthasarathy and delivers the most important message to humanity through the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Krishna proceeds to his eternal Golokdham from Dehotsarg after a poisoned arrow from a hunter mistakenly strikes his foot at Bhalka Thirth. The book is entirely information driven with the author having personally visited all the places and temples and seeks to serve as a guide for people to plan their visit.

 ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873347?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/ON-THE-KRISNA-TRAIL

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH JAGATSINH PARMAR

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Jagatsinh Parmar is a doctor who has turned into a digital nomad after completing the medicine internship at Sir-T hospital, Bhavnagar, Gujarat. He is currently holding the position of a content writer, designer and social media manager at famous travel companies like SoloYolo & Ridingsolo. He is one of the youngest Indian travellers who has almost travelled to every Indian state as he started travelling solo when he was 19. He loves travelling and substituting his travel experiences by writing. His hitchhiking and backpacking adventurous stories through various parts of India are like echoes of his identity. Being an active member of various travel communities, he’s best known for his self-help and travel writing with a rough touch. If you want to see the world from his eyes, you can follow him on Instagram. And if you want to explore the world, you can travel with him.  

Insta : Instagram.com/the_enigmatic_escapist/ 

 Blog : www.jagatsinh.com 

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

 

 I always been inspired by people and places. The moment I realized that I couldn’t bottle my emotions, I take it to the ink. For me, travelling and exploring the various nooks & corners of this universe tend to inspire on daily basis, and I don’t mind penning down my thoughts. I started loving a lot then.

 

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

There were many such challenges as publishing industry isn’t that much welcoming to budding authors. After rejection from almost every publishing house, I was gone into a storm of thoughts that what I’m even doing. But right things are written to happen at right time. And that’s what happened to me when I found my literary agent. 

 

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

I was in the friend-list of Suhail Mathur, co-founder of The Book Bakers. Seeing him daily getting top-notch deals from popular traditional publishers, I could sense the potential and hard-work he was putting behind. Some of my friends from literature field also suggested me that go with Suhail. 

 

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

They are wonderful team. Starting from boosting my confidence to revert back with positivity and kindness all the time, you know you get comfortable feelings when the journey seems non-exhausting. They have helped me to get a deal with traditional publisher, and I’m thankful for that.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

They're not only supportive but they’re motivating too. Everyday something pop ups from their side about my book, and it makes me happy that you’re not alone who is putting efforts behind the book. 

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 It’s not all about number of books being sold. For me, it’s the message that people get from my writing. If it helps a few of those hearts who want to do something else than what society wants him to do, I’m happy enough. I could say, it’s all that I want, boosting somebody up for having courage. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 Maybe at the end of this year. It will be a non-fiction story from my real travel adventures. I’m so excited about that one too. 

 

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

The experience was good and learning one. I learnt a lot of things from their side too. But they’re very punctual, dedicated and helpful. 

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 Have patience. The strength of your ink is your virtue and never going to get stolen it from you. Believe in yourself and invest time in writing without getting worried. The stories are always there in the end.

 

BOOK NAME : EPIPHANY

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

What if you are called a sinner for being a dreamer? 

 

KAIVAN, a young villager becomes the talk of the territory due to his unbelievable educational achievement. It couldn’t be less than a well-deserved dream for anyone, being a focal point of unending familial expectations. But only until he gets to know that his intelligence is taken for granted in a disguised way. Adapting to the new city life turns out to be traumatic for him. But not as much as a sense of the realisation that his whole life was a well-structured lie. A quarter-life existential crisis hits him hard, when he discovers that his life-long dream was even not pure, but simply influenced. 

This unexpected mental trauma would have taken him for a toll forever if he hadn't meet KIARA, a hippy traveller from the Himalayas. A carefree walk of life with Kiara gives him hope to explore the world and discover himself. But how could he define this not-so- normal dream to a conservative a society whose definition of dreams is different? 

Would Kaivan be able to leave everything behind to live his simple dream? 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

 https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873355/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_D90BVWT9567C5TRT4A8J

https://www.pustakmandi.com/EPIPHANY

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH BISWAJIT BANERJI

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Biswajit is a prolific humorist and author of hundreds of bestsellers – all in his dreams. In reality this is his debut book.

His satirical ramblings, poetry and travel-writing have been published accidentally in several literary journals, periodicals and websites. For a living, Biswajit serves in a senior position in a leading Public Sector steel unit.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

My inspiration comes from the famous Charlie Chaplin quote “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot”. If you look at the way people behave in a given everyday situation from a distance, you are in a better position to catch the comic elements and the absurdity. Since most of the stories in my book are narrated in the first person, the self-distancing element becomes important - stepping back from an experience to examine it as distinct from the self. Catching the fun in the daily happenings from a distance - that’s the idea that permeates through the book.

I also admire and draw inspiration from masters of the humour and satire genre like Jerome K Jerome, P G Wodehouse, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell and Mark Twain. I am also a great fan of Hindi satirists like Harishankar Parsai and Sharad Joshi for their delightful wit and sharp observations on social issues.

 

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

While writing, the most challenging part for me was to pick-up the humorous elements from situations we are much too familiar with and hence likely to miss. The stories in the book revolve around day-to-day happenings and we are an invariable part of such settings ourselves. So it becomes really difficult to look objectively at things and then identify and extract the fun, the incongruities and the absurdities in the situations.

Getting published is a different ball game altogether. Most of the publication houses are too slow to react to your manuscript and appear as sheer black-holes that simply gobble things up. I am fortunate to have stumbled upon The Book Bakers literary agency and things began moving after that.  

 

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

While searching for literary agencies on the internet.

 

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

The number one USP of THE BOOK BAKERS is the speed with which they respond and take your manuscript forward, so that the author does not feel forsaken by the world. The agency keeps the author posted at every step and lands you the best possible publishing deal. They also offer a much needed helping hand for services like attractive cover designs and book marketing too. With their relentless efforts they have earned genuine trust of the writer community. It’s because of THE BOOK BAKERS that my book has seen the light of the day and I would advice aspiring authors to get in touch with them.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Locksley Hall Publishing (LHP) has been quite supportive for debut authors like me. Book marketing has always been a real pain-point for the authors. LHP is making real efforts to market their publications through various on-line and off-line modes including facilitating their authors to participate and represent in various literary festivals.   

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

It’s easy and convenient to equate literary success with bumper book sales. For me, it also means striking a chord with discerning readers, even if they are moderate in number, and elicit meaningful responses. Words of appreciation please me but constructive criticism inspires me to improve my writing.

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

I can’t give a time-line as yet except that my next one will be in the nature of more HAPPIMESS.

 

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

It has been a really smooth experience working with LHP without any hiccups. They are real professionals and that reflects in their smooth approach right from the time of manuscript submission to the final book printing. I would like to especially mention about the paper and print quality of their books which is top class and a delight to hold in the hands.   

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

If you want to write non-fiction, write what you know and if it is fiction, write what you don’t know. Don’t give up on an idea easily that has struck you. Don’t feel disheartened either if you have to wipe the slate clean and begin afresh. Try reaching a point where the ideas and the language flow naturally and more freely – it may be some pages of hard labour before that actually happens. Patience with your craft is a must and like slow cooking, it will give you the best taste and results.

BOOK NAME :  HAPPIMESS

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

HAPPIMESS is a collection of naughty stories that make us laugh while constantly poking fun at social peculiarities. Narrated mostly in the first person, the stories center around everyday situations that get oddly tangled up. 

Once frantic efforts are made to wriggle out, things only get more messy. Flippant and irreverent, the net of satire is cast wide, spanning conspiring home-appliances, outlandish diseases, nosy insurance agents, diehard hagglers, a botched farewell speech and the like. 

It is the constant undercurrent of funny disorderliness that serves to spice-up and unite the stories.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194382041/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_fabc_BhJ3FbJ3457VE

https://www.pustakmandi.com/HAPPIMESS

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NINAD TRIVEDI

AUTHOR’S BIO: 

 

Ninad is working with an MNC as an SAP Consultant. He has completed his MBA in Finance from Nirma University, Ahmedabad. He has worked with companies like Tech Mahindra, Vedanta Resources, Infosys and Tieto. Ninad also went to co-found a waste management start-up – Juncash. His writings can be found in journals, magazines and travel blogs. He likes adventure activities, trekking and exploring offbeat places. Ninad believes in teachings of Bhagvad Gita.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

I have been always passionate about writing. I still remember my first poem which I wrote in Gujarati. I started writing travel blogs and articles on current issues. Short stories always fascinated me, and my friends started liking it. This gave me motivation to write something bigger. 

I was in search for the storyline. One day, while going through the news, I came up with a disturbing news of MH370 flight from Malaysia being lost without any traces. This was the base of the idea that I had for the book.

 

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

 

After my MBA, I was recruited in Infosys as a consultant. This was when writing was at the peak and all of a sudden, due to heavy workload, I was unable to write. To clear the writer’s block, I resigned form Infosys and went to Himalayas. Almost month went writing book, trekking and reading Bhagvad Gita. For us, Indians, leaving 9-5 job is a taboo. That too, for the passion of writing. It was against everyone’s opinion but my mom. 

For any book, writing is only 50% part. The remaining 50% is much harder. At least for a debut author. That was when I met Mr Suhail from The Book Bakers literary agency. The team believed in me and the journey of the publishing began.

 

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

Literary agency in India is a new concept to many. When I got rejections from couple of publishers, I searched for some reputed literary agencies of India. That was when 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? 

Mr. Suhail Mathur and entire team of THE BOOK BAKERS helped me realized my biggest dream to be an author. Moreover, helping me publish my first book traditionally. From the inception of the contract, to closing the deal with Locksley Hall Publishing, THE BOOK BAKERS team had been very helpful. Very big thanks to entire team.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Despite of all the hardships we have went through into this pandemic; Locksley Hall Publishing team has adhered to the schedule of launching the book. They were very responsive throughout the process of publishing.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I have left that to my readers. Though, till now, I have received very good reviews of the book, it is not the time to be self-complacent. All I want to do is to tell the story I have. Success or failure is not in our hands. We all are here to do our Karma with all our hearts. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

Not in a short while. I am still looking for an inspiration for the next project. However, it will be something based on travel fiction. 

 

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

It was a very nice experience. Despite of being a debut author, Locksley Hall Publishing provided me the platform to tell my story. For which I am very grateful to the team.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

Don’t Quit! Just keep doing your Karma! This is I guess the only message I want to give. People will hate you; people will love you. However, you have to keep going. 

 BOOK NAME : LOST IN AIR

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

 

On a chilling winter night, Bikram Singh, a former General of Indian Army, finds a vacillating message from his son, Rishi, who went to Malaysia for his convocation. After unsuccessful attempts of calling on his cell phone, Bikram suspected of something inauspicious events shaping.

Rishi, his mother Kavita and many such passengers, travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with flight MH238 of Malaysian Airlines, were reported lost by Air Traffic Control of Vietnam. After all the failed attempts to search for the missing flight, which went in vain, Malaysian Government and Airlines thought to apprise people about MH238, which lost into the air. However, Bikram followed his guts and kept looking for the missing plane.

Amid various conspiracy theories, ranging from plane being deviated from the path and losing somewhere, to plane being crashed somewhere into Indian Ocean, an unknown island came into existence. Was it the same island where aircraft crashed? What happened to the aircraft? Was Bikram wrong in his optimism? What if passengers were alive?

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873371?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/LOST-IN-AIR

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SRIDHAR GANESH

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Sridhar Ganesh is a Xaverian from Calcutta and a graduate of the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. 

He started his career in Industrial Relations in two large engineering companies of repute, GKW and Metal Box. At a young age he became the Head of HR with Berger Paints. Thereafter, was the HR Director with Cadbury India and later the Learning and Development Director for the EMEA region of Cadbury Schweppes (now Mondelez) based in the UK.On return to India in 2007, was the HR Director of the Murugappa Group (USD 5 Bn+) a business conglomerate. He is currently, the Managing Director of Adrenalin eSystems Limited. 

An avid reader and an impactful communicator Sridhar Ganesh is an accredited Coach. He has published a book of essays on Leadership, Mindsets and Personal change, in Kindle titled, Reflections. He is on the Board of Equitas Small Finance Bank and serves as an advisor to several social organisations.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

Having received much from being a practitioner in HR for a little over four decades, I thought I will share some of my significant learning and thoughts through a book. My inspiration was the enormous potential and influence of the HR function in a business and how best to put the potential into action.

 

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

Well, many! First, I am not a full time writer! Balancing work commitments and also writing was a huge challenge. The other was the ability to collect your thoughts and being able to express them cogently in writing.

 

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

 

Through a friend in Delhi.

 

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

Suhail is a nice person. Always wanting to help and support. I am most grateful to him for the help.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Very supportive. Despite the many wrongs on my part – like the final draft having many mistakes which I am most ashamed of, they helped to publish the book.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Don’t know, is the truth! 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

A couple of thoughts on the possible themes, are swirling in my mind! I presume I need more time to respond with a time line!

 

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

 

Very good. They have been very supportive.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

Believe in yourself!

BOOK NAME : THE HR SUPERSTAR

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

When you want to be a Superstar in HR and seek answers to: Why is HR attractive as a practice to pursue? What are the ingredients for success in HR? What should be the capabilities to advance in HR? What does it take to get a seat at the Management Table? The HR Superstar offers real life practical answers to building one’s career in HR based on four decades of experience of a successful practitioner! Just actions that can be mastered! The promise of the book is simple. If you apply the principles and follow the steps outlined, you can rapidly, profoundly and sustainably reach your care. 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/819487338X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_bIqaGbJ756Q97

https://www.pustakmandi.com/THE-HR-SUPERSTAR

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SHANKAR ANANTH

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Shankar Ananth grew up in Chandigarh, and is a management professional (for the world). But his passion lies in reading, writing, listening to, and watching great stories. He has been writing since the age of ten and his love for science fiction and all things futuristic ambitions seeps through his writings. This love is usually complemented by his love for coffee.

 

After years of deliberating on an idea close to his heart, he is coming out with his first novel: Utopia.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I have been drawing inspiration from the very first English literature books, and have been writing since I was in school. But the authors who drove story-telling in me have to be Steig Larsson, Dan Brown and Anand Neelakantan. 

 

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

My genre is science fiction, which is a difficult sell for an author with an Indian name. Science fiction is a relatively new space for authors in India, and it will also be a chance. Very glad that Locksley Hall Publishing proved to be the bravest of the lot. 

 

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

I came to know about The Book Bakers online. I was researching about popular literary agents, and Suhail’s name came up. 

 

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

 I have great respect for The Book Bakers. Taking a chance on a new author is very adventurous, especially when the genre is new. Suhail gave me great advice when I was steering off in the wrong direction. Given how much effort I have put into writing Utopia, it means a lot to me to know that the book sees the light of the day. 

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work? 

Locksley Hall Publishing has been very supportive of my literary pursuit. They have read through the book and gave me great pointers to make it better. Keeping in mind that this is an untested area, LHP’s support has meant a lot to me

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself? 

While sky is the limit for success, I would love to see the book and its new concepts gain cultural acceptance, which I would see as success. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book? 

If all goes well, in another couple of years

 

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

It has been awesome. I love the fact that they are accommodative of changes and put authors first

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors? 

Just the following - Never lose hope, and let the ideas flow. 

 BOOK NAME : UTOPIA

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

How plausible is it that evolution, an inherently biological process, be governed by a mere human thought in the future? Can one dominant ideology have the power to not only alter the way we live, but also the way our species grows?

 

This story explores one such possibility.

 

The book involves four parallel stories in alternating timelines of people, who both knowingly and unknowingly, are involved in shaping the human future. The people in these four stories, wound together by an experiment trying to alter the very nature of human consciousness, risk their lives to protect what they believe in, and their loved ones. But what consequences does this experiment have? Is the human race really so fickle to be altered by a mere ideology? And if it were for the greater good of our species, are a few sacrifices worth it?

 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873304?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/UTOPIA

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NILARUN BASU

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Nilarun Basu is an engineer turned professional photographer. Born and brought up in Kolkata, he developed a love for writing from a very early age. ‘The Good Die Young’ is his first novel. When not writing or shooting, he can be found scouring the city streets in search of the perfect food joint.

 

He currently splits his time between his photography company ‘Candid Affair’

and his various writing projects.

 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

Books have been my constant companions throughout the years. I started writing poems and stories as a kid and wanted to write books going back to my high school years. Inspiration came in the form of everything from the books, movies and music I devoured to the people I met. My experiences as a photographer also helped the visualisation of the story.  

 

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

 

My book took more than a year to write. The hardest part was not to give up on the story when the plot and characters were not fully formed on the page but only existed fully formed in my mind. Writing is a perpetual battle between the blank page and blind self-belief. I’m happy that my belief in these characters and this story won out in the end.

 

The publishing process was long for me but as I always had The Book Bakers in my corner, I was never in doubt of a positive outcome in the end. Keeping my patience and maintaining a positive outlook were the key challenges throughout the whole thing for me. 

 

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

 

I became aware of The Book Bakers via Google.  

 

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

 

The Book Bakers helped me understand the various details of the publishing process. Writing came relatively easily to me but I would have been lost in the maze of the publishing process had it not been for The Book Bakers.  The fact that they often see it fit to take chances on emerging authors is a wonderful thing. A guiding hand is invaluable for a debutant writer and I would like to thank The Book Bakers for providing that hand for me.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work? 

 

Locksley Hall Publishing have been really supportive of my work. I’m greatly thankful to them for helping me through this potentially difficult process.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 

Literary success to me is connecting with as many readers as I can. To have a large audience eager to immerse themselves in my fictional worlds is the goal!

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 

I am currently working on the second draft of my next book. So hopefully, by early next year. 

 

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

 

My experience with LHP has been positive. They have guided me through the process while respecting my creative wishes at important junctures. That’s a great combo for any author.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

My advice to any aspiring author out there is to find your voice and stay true to it no matter the demands of the commercial world. You can write about anything and make it good, as long as you’re true to the story you want to tell and clear about why you want to tell it in the first place.

BOOK NAME : THE GOOD DIE YOUNG

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Deep has always harboured a crush for his enigmatic neighbour Aalia. So when she asks for his help in finding her missing roommate, he cannot turn her away. What starts as a simple favour for her though gradually threatens to engulf his entire life. Soon he realizes that this is no ordinary crime. It’s about love; about betrayal. It’s about systemic oppression and stunning retribution.

Every clue leaves him more entangled in a web of lies and corruption. And every moment spent with Aalia leaves him more and more in love with her. Faced with an all-powerful enemy, Deep soon realizes that the only thing that can save him and the woman he comes to love, is the truth. But in Kolkata, seeking the truth isn’t just risky … it can prove deadly.

 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873339?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/THE-GOOD-DIE-YOUNG

 

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH R.GIRIDHARAN

AUTHOR'S BIO : 

Fifty-one-year-old R. GIRIDHARAN churns out murder mysteries both in the form of books and screenplays. A multifaceted personality, he is currently a general manager with the Reserve Bank of India. In the last two and a half decades, he has worked in Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chandigarh, Delhi and Jaipur. He is also an international sports commentator with All India Radio and has covered many test matches and one-day internationals, including World Cup matches. He is also an expert panellist on Doordarshan. He has anchored many panel discussions and compèred shows. He presently lives in Mumbai.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

From childhood, I have been an avid reader and was fascinated by the impact that the authors left on readers lives. A writer can be a change agent, an inspiration, a reformer, rolled into one and I began to fantasize about being a best - selling author.

I have often read and discussed about mysteries of Agatha Christie, Sherlock Homes, Perry Mason etc, but very few Indian detective fiction genre. I wanted to create a murder mystery, where everyone wondered on all three counts :-

How could someone commit such a murder?

Who did it?

How are police going to prove it? 

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

The challenges while writing were multi- faceted :-

Creating time to write while having a full- time job. I have started writing after I turned 45, so my reflexes are slower that what it might have been at 25. Putting together all ideas and weaving them into a story.

Visiting morgues, interviewing snake charmers and watching them milk venom, training snakes etc.

There were logistics issues. At that point of time I was in Jaipur. I had to coordinate with Manegaonkar who was based in Pune. He tirelessly typed the manuscript. I used to send written versions, which he converted in to typed pages. I also had to frequently interact with Dr. Anjali Goel who lived in Delhi. She was the one who provided valuable inputs on the medical aspects in the book and she was the one who arranged the morgue visit. A lot of these coordination with Mane and Anjali had to be done over phone.   

As regards getting published, the primary problem is that it is still a nascent industry in India and one has no clue where to go and whom to approach. The Book Bakers is a gift from God.

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

 The renowned author Koral Dasgupta of Rasiya fame was the one who introduced me to Suhail. She, incidentally, edited my manuscript, tightened the text and eventually made it publisher worthy.

 

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

The Book Bakers made an extremely significant contribution by eliciting a contract and too from a publisher as renowned as Rupa, which I hope is the first of many. I like their informal approach and positive vibes they emanate. I found them very affordable and Suhail is a warehouse of ideas. They are a God send to first time authors, who are not celebrities from another field as well.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I would like to see my books striking a chord with readers. I hope to write more in this genre and also in self-help genre and on Hindu Mythology. Commercial success along the way is certainly welcome.

6. When can we expect your next book?

The manuscript for sequel to the first book is 75% over and I am also working on a book on Anger Management. I expect them to be ready in 3-4 months time.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?  

Don’t underestimate yourself and don’t get discouraged by rejections. Jefferey Archer had to face 16 rejections. Keep to your own distinctive style, because that could be your USP and finally patience is bitter, but its fruits are better.

BOOK NAME : RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE

PUBLISHER : RUPA PUBLICATIONS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

A woman is killed in an accident. A scientist is murdered in broad daylight. Yet no murderer was seen. One by one, a team of scientists on the verge of an important discovery die under mysterious circumstances. Superintendent Vijay is an ace detective who has solved many cases in the past. But this time it’s more than an ordinary investigation as he fall prey to the evil schemes of his rivals in the force. He cannot trust anyone anymore till a journalist, padmini, walks into his life. Vijay’s skills as a detective along with padmini’s creative intuition and imagination are pitted against a genius who is eliminating every possible lead, right under their nose. As fear and distrust spread through the city, Vijay, his trusted aide Dalvi, and padmini have just one week to nab the murderer, if there is one!.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9389967937/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_NAQY0GVY1C5BT2RAGM38

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RAJNIH RETHESH

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Rajnih Rethesh is the author of the book Sitayana which was published and released by Locksley Hall Publishing House in October 2020. Rajnih has worked with some leading B2B magazines such as Society Interiors and Infrastructure Today. She writes a column for the Financial Express e-paper and contributes short stories to Women’s Era. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

My father was a voracious reader. He has opened up this beautiful world of books to me when I was hardly 5-6 years old. He used to talk about some great women writers like Kamala Das, Virginia Woolf, Shashi Deshpande, Sylvia Plath and many more which was highly inspiring for me as a child. We used to debate over topics ranging from literature to politics to movies to songs, etc. These things shaped me up as a writer.

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

Writing Sitayana was not a difficult task for me as I always wanted to write this story but how I would mould the story was a challenge. I was not sure how to seamlessly bind the two stories of Sita from Tretayug and Kaliyug. Eventually, it all worked out well! Getting published took a while as I had to wait for a year or so but I was patient and had my trust in Suhail and The Book Bakers Team. The wait was worth it and I got to be published by an avante garde publishing house like Locksley Hall Publishing. 

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

I had just happened to browse through google looking for literary agencies in India and came across their email address. I sent an email to them and got an immediate response. 

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

Right from sending immediate replies to my emails, The Book Bakers have played a crucial role in bringing Sitayana to stands. Suhail has been the most patient answering all my doubts and questions.They give personal attention to all the writers, equally. Suhail’s advices are practical and honest which is important for a debut writer like me who doesn’t know the workings of the publishing industry well. 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Locksley Hall Publishing House is a rockstar!! They have released the book at such a sensitive time is itself applaudable. LHP is quick with responses. You can ask them anything and they will guide you correctly. I have immense gratitude for them in my heart for showing trust in my work and giving me this wonderful opportunity. Indebted to them for life! 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Sitayana has been well received by readers and people in general. I was quite anxious about whether people will like it but I am delighted that people are sending me personal messages saying how amazing and thought provoking the book is. Not just one or two persons but many of them have personally appreciated my work. I hope to write more genuine, contemplative and relevant stories for my readers. 

 7. When can we expect your next book?

I am working on something at present. It is a non-fiction. The research is at a nascent stage so once I am sure to go ahead with the project, I will pitch it to Suhail. 

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

As I have mentioned, LHP gave me this wonderful opportunity and I am grateful for that. Nothing else matters. I love them. 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Don’t wait for sparks of inspirations. Just sit down and write. Rest everything will fall in place. 

BOOK NAME : SITAYANA

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

ORDER THE COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194552567/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_91SRP51W6C2PF1P8698P

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH AVISHEK SINGH

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Avishek is a teacher by profession and has been writing plays and stories for the last twenty years. A good number of his plays have been staged at different platforms.

 

As an enthusiast blogger, he keeps on writing motivational blogs and speeches which have been delivered by his students at various podiums.

 1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

Writing has been my passion since childhood. I remember, once upon a time, I used to dream about becoming a Hindi poet. Maybe reading poems of Mahadevi Verma, Sumitra Nandan Pant and other such great names in the world of Hindi literature, germinated the seed of writing in me. Being an avid reader, I used to devour any Hindi literature classic, I could lay my hands on. The idea of writing something like them was very strongly seeded in my mind. And thus, I started writing Hindi poems and plays since my teenage. So for me, the inspiration came from there. Apart from the school curriculum, I was introduced to English literature much later in my life.

 

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

 

Thankfully, I did my schooling from a great missionary school in the area, De Nobili School. It is run by Jesuits and has a glorious history of about 75 years. So though, I have a technical background in my higher education, but then too I have sufficient command over the English Language. So writing was never a problem. 

The problem in the initial stage came from an unexpected quarter and that was, I cannot sit for long durations due to my medical problems. So, I took very long to complete the book.

Getting the book published was another battle. Having no idea about the publishing industry and it's working made me face numerous rejections.

 

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

 

Thankfully, I got the cell number of Sri Suhail Mathur, founder of The Book Bakers Literary Agency from a website. I contacted him and sought his help. He was very quick to break the ice and after going through my stories, he agreed to introduce me to the world of publishing. And then as I feel, rest is history for me.

 

 

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

 

I strongly believe in destiny. As I mentioned in my last answer, Sri Suhail Mathur was like god sent to me. He not only introduced me to the nuances of the publishing world but also guided me in creating a brand value for my book. 

The Book Bakers Literary agency undoubtedly stand at the top rung in the industry. Their friendly attitude rightly mixed with astute professionalism is something which should be imbibed by every aspiring literary agency.

 

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

 

Ans: I consider myself to be lucky that I got Locksley Hall Publishing LLP as the publisher of my debut novel. They had been very supportive during the entire process. Apart from maintaining topmost quality in their printing they also provided many complimentary services like making the promotional banners and a top-class book trailer. They have a very efficient marketing team lead by Avantika Sinha. She is constantly taking care of the book marketing needs as well as making the presence of the book prominent in social media. Surely Locksley Hall Publishing LLP is a dream come true for any author.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 

This one is surely difficult to answer. I feel that over the years, the reading habit of masses has gone down due to two prominent reasons. First is inadvertently the rise of visual media like films and web series over books, and secondly, more and more authors aspiring to create literature. In the process, most of them forget that for any medium to succeed, it needs to be entertaining. The writers wrote, not to tell a story but to get recognised as a man or woman of literature. So ultimately the more entertaining mediums passed over and the reading habit of people slowly died. Perhaps this is one of the major reasons why fiction is lagging behind nonfiction, in the present publishing scenario. 

We need books to entertain. Whenever books like ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘Five point someone’ comes into the market, people will start reading just to know what is there in those books.

So, for me, literary success is when I see my readers fully satisfied with the stories in my book. They should be satisfied that their investment behind my book is not wasted.

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 

 My next book is titled ‘SAMYANTAKA’. It is a historical mythological fiction written especially for children and young adults. I have already completed writing the book and it is in the final stage of editing on my end. Once it is done, I will be sending the manuscript to Sri Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers Agency and hopefully, some result will come out soon.

So, you can expect something good coming up in the next few months.

 

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

 

As I have mentioned earlier, Locksley Hall Publishing is a dream come true for any author. Working with them had been surely a wonderful experience. And if given a chance, I would certainly like to work with them again. 

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

I would tell them, write whatever comes into your mind. Don't underestimate yourself and don't keep any bars. Also don’t hesitate to take help of professionals where ever it is needed. And all the best.

BOOK NAME : POSSESSED

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

Enter a mysterious world of eerie situations and dark characters. 

 

A suspended police officer takes refuge in the house of an old lady, being cared for by a young governess until things go awry one fateful night.

 

A prostitute’s kinky customer decides to take her inside the jungle but they have little idea what awaits them there!

 

Two college students fall madly in love with each other. They decide to stay together ‘until death does them apart’. But destiny has some other plans.

 

The disappearance of a man’s estranged grandfather brings him face to face with a dark secret that could put his own life in danger.

 

Thrilling, intriguing and suspenseful, these creepy stories depict the darker side of beings, human and not, that are enough to send a shiver down your spine.

ORDER THE BOOK FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194660130?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/possessed

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