EXCHANGING WORDS WITH VIVEK R CHATURVEDI

AUTHOR'S BIO : 

Vivek - a full time banker in his economic life - is a biking enthusiast and an adventurer. He has a commendable record of extreme sports including sky diving, para-gliding, bungee jumps, scuba diving, and many more.

 

He has lived his life in Goa, closely watching it transform from a forlorn hippie haven of the 80s into a commercial tourist paradise of the present.

 

Drawing from his vast experiences, he now presents his first novel titled ‘The Secret of the Stolen Idols’ - a fictionalized account of real historical events and characters from Goa, moulded into a fine tale.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

Well, I have always loved a well spoken or written sentence and have been quite a raconteur all my life. I have spent a considerable time of my school days standing on the bench amidst of teasing friends, with my hands taut upwards for being just too damn talkative.

 

I guess when people got exhausted of listening to me and my tales I decided to pick a pen instead.

 

As a specific temporal moment though, it has to be when I read Paul William Roberts’ The Empire of the Soul exactly halfway. Something snapped within me and I started scribbling my own thoughts. That book has influenced me and my thoughts more than any other, and had also got me to write. 

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

 

The usual challenges and a few more. A new author or writer invariably faces several challenges like: what to write, when and how to do so, how to get a publisher, is the writing any good, how to publicize it, and the like. 

 

In my case, all these challenges were augmented by the facts that I run a very busy schedule tied between an exacting job, and my desire to give time to my family and other hobbies of mine such as extreme sports, fitness and biking.

 

And this was at the start of the journey. Upon completion of the book getting a publisher was the most daunting task. My draft was first completed in 2018 and it took a year to get the right literary agent for my profile and story. 

 

If it wasn’t for Suhail Mathur - my agent and now dear friend - I fear my manuscript would still have been just that – a manuscript.

 

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

 

Through facebook, and I am glad I did. 

 

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

 

I fondly remember Suhail’s terse message on my messenger “Call me at 8 PM tonight’ on 30th march 2019.

Things changed from that moment for me. I have entrusted every aspect of the publishing work to Suhail from editing the manuscript, scouting for and finalizing a publisher, cover and trailer design and now the on-going marketing exercise.

 

The TBB is an excellent group of professionals that accepts only good manuscripts; but once accepted they treat it like their own work. TBB has been extremely supportive at every step and I shall ever cherish my association with them.  

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

The publisher (LHP) is very supportive. They have allowed us to design the cover, giving valuable feedback in the process, and permitted changes to it all through till finalization of the book and cover at our end. They are prompt in responses on email and are generally supportive to new authors. 

 

They have also gone an extra mile in my own marketing efforts by sharing cover release and trailers on their social media handles – which is great since their followers are people who read their books.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 

I have a rather vivid imagination and can see myself as anyone I desire howsoever successful, at any time, at any place.

 

But I do really feel that I will get good success in my literary endeavours given that my first book is receiving a good response so far thanks to the whole team work. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 

Fall of 2022. The work is halfway through and will be completed in the timeframe. My issue is that I love packing a book with information and knowledge. I feel that when a book is completed the story and characters slip away in time from the reader’s minds – but what does remain is the knowledge gained by living the lives of the characters therein. 

 

That’s why I take time in my books.

 

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

It’s been great as I said before. They have been very supporting of my efforts, they have been forthwith in cooperation at every stage including marketing of the book.

 

I couldn’t have asked for a better deal for my first novel.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Only one – start writing and don’t look back..

BOOK NAME : THE SECRET OF THE STOLEN IDOLS 

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Gururaj, the last of Goan priests sworn to the worship of Betaal, finds his life churning up abruptly when his ancestral temple's long stolen idols hit the local markets.

He faces a challenging inner turmoil, reliving memories of a dreaded childhood night, when he witnessed the temple’s gruesome robbery by dreaded gangsters of the day.

Setting his fears aside, he leaps into the high stakes chase for the idols for it is on his success alone that the continuation of the age old Goan traditions of Betaal lie. Gururaj soon finds out that he is not alone in the chase and all characters involved in the original heist are drawn in to face each other once again.

Will Gururaj be able to save the ancient traditions? Will he find out who stole the idols? Would his secretive benefactor save him as before? Find out as you read through this fast paced tale.

The Secret of the Stolen Idols - a story based on real life historical events – is a fictionalized account of the last of Betaal worshippers in Goa. The book is a tightly woven suspense with a myriad of intriguing characters, fascinating sets, and well researched instructive chapters. Piece by piece - much like the stolen idols - the story unravels itself continuously till the very end.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8195037259?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/THE-SECRET-OF-THE-STOLEN-IDOLS

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH POONAM CHAWLA

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Poonam was born and raised in Mumbai. She worked as a copywriter in a prominent ad agency until she moved to the united states where she worked in the corporate arena for several years (communications, content development).

In 2012, she gave it all up – with a huge sigh of relief - to focus on her writing career.

She is a storyteller and self-professed voyeur (not in a spooky way) who derives great joy in sharing her experiences as an immigrant, a mother, and a traveller.

She is currently working on her fourth novel. 

Her mantra: To whom much is given much is expected.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

My Father, Shri J.C. Arora was a lexicographer, a lifelong student of Vedanta and a Sanskrit scholar. To be a grown-up, in my mind, meant to accumulate knowledge, pursue your passion and share it with the world. I guess he was the first person to inspire me.

Followed by the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore ( I read a short story by him called The Homecoming, when I was about ten), John Steinbeck (Of Mice and Men), Henry James (The Portrait of a Lady) and Leonard Cohen ( his songs, poetry, fiction).

 

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

Organization is my biggest challenge. To organize the plot in a coherent fashion, to organize the characters – they tend to take on a life of their own and I find it hard to rein them in – and to organize my split personality. I grew up in India and am growing old in America. Immigrants have quirks and idiosyncrasies that often reflect in their writings. It is a challenge to present them, sometimes, in a relatable, articulate way to readers on both sides of the pond.

 

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

It’s a convoluted story. I met a publisher on Face Book (yep) and after a few conversations, told him I would love to meet him when I went down on my annual visit. A few months later, I presented my book (an older project) to him and asked his advice. 

He told me, they were not publishing fiction at the moment and very kindly suggested I work with a literary agent who could direct me. I told him, I didn’t know any in India. He directed me to The Book Bakers.

 

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

Well, TBB helped me sort the initial requirements – Synopsis, blurbs, bios, marketing plans etc. And eventually presented my project. I had three offers. I accepted one.

It was a learning experience for me. I appreciate their help.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

They are supportive. So far, they have been very prompt, efficient and business-like. They have adhered to their deadlines and expect me to adhere to mine. I like that.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Writers are needy people. The more readers one has, the more successful one might feel. But success is like an inflatable balloon. It is a shape changing, time sensitive thing. The longer I live the more obvious it seems to me that what goes up, will eventually come down. With that in mind, I try not to dwell on success, and think only in terms of a sense of gratification in this project. And all the nexts.

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

It is ready. Awaiting eyeballs ☺.

 

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

It’s been great. They are very business-like. You won’t get a warm-and-fuzzy treatment (for that I go to friends) but you will get responses, commitment and dedication. I’m good with all of that.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

My three tips: Read more. Read more. Read more. Per Margaret Atwood: The trash can is your friend. Use it, till you get it right.

Per every motivational pundit ever: Don’t let rejections bully you into submission. Keep at it.

BOOK NAME : THE SLOW DISAPPEARING 

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

The Slow Disappearing is a deftly crafted plot about a family, both frozen in time and careening into the future, without railings.

Anika, who lives a suburban NJ has to give up her career and work full-time caring for her ailing mother-in-law.

Devki, now in the throes of dementia, fears the loss of words more than the loss of life.

In India, an estranged sister, Malavika feels compelled to reconnect with Anika after twenty-two years! 

Samir, son of Malavika, certain about nothing but betrayal and abandonment, is teetering on the edge in Kuwait.

How will Anika cope with the seismic change in her life?

Will Malavika ever stop running? 

Can Samir outgrow his past and find real happiness?

With the heart of a poet and the clear eye of a historian, P.A. Chawla takes us on a singular journey from the village squares of pre-partitioned India to the highways of USA and the lights of Kuwait.

 ORDER YOUR COPY NOW : 

 https://www.amazon.in/dp/8195037275?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/THE-SLOW-DISAPPEARING

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ANANDAJIT GOSWAMI AND DEBASHIS CHAKRABORTY

AUTHOR'S BIO : 

Anandajit Goswami

Anandajit Goswami is an Associate Professor at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies and has authored two sci-fi books on sustainability science. After his post-graduation from Jawaharlal Nehru University and PhD from TERI School of Advanced Studies, he has been popularizing sustainability through his fictions, music, art and creative story telling.

Debashis Chakraborty

After studying economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Debashis Chakraborty joined Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, where he is teaching for the last one and half decades. The readings within the academic literature and beyond during the doctoral research on trade and environment interrelationship helped him to perceive, rather than view, the sustainability questions. An avid reader himself, of late he is keen in popularizing the sustainability narrative among readers in wider forums. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

Anandajit : The self-reflections, contradictions, events around have been an inspiration for the writing. One single individual or person is not the inspiration. It is the multiplicity of the contexts and events and parallel existential crisis within my own-self which has inspired me to write.

Debashis :  I had been an avid reader since childhood, reading across all the genres. Over the period I developed a particular liking for the science fictions literature - starting with Premendra Mitra and Satyajit Ray in Bengali language initially, then graduating to the classics of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne and further to Isaac Asimov, Authur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury and others. Professionally, that was also a period when I read through a lot of academic literature on environmental sustainability challenges. While I continued to write academic papers on sustainability and climate change concerns, an idea was coming to my mind on how the need for environmental protection can be popularized through fictional narratives. At this juncture, my path crossed with Anandajit Goswami, who also had similar academic upbringing and thought process. He had already written the first journey of Lucy (Love-Understanding-Creation-Youthfulness), which had both the elements of environmental negligence led dystopian future and eternal optimism about the good within mankind. The discussions with him generated several ideas that we both considered interesting for the readers to experience through the eyes of Lucy. So, we set out to document this incredible journey of Lucy as fellow travellers. 

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

Anandajit : Occasional writer’s block often can impinge upon my writing process and self-rejections to my own idea are both the challenges and training I went through in the process of getting published. 

Debashis : The seed of the story was in our mind and once the fingers touched the keyboard, we let Lucy free, who then simply galloped along her destined path. We merely documented her journey. While writing however, the basic challenge had been two-fold for me. The first had been time-management – I had a very demanding schedule and lots of writing responsibility already, as part of my academic life. So, we had to literally steal time out of our respective routines. The Second challenge had been writing-spirit management. We had been writing academic journal articles for far too long a duration and initially, we had to edit the language periodically to ensure that the text does not look like another article. But as we were aware of both the challenges right from the beginning, it was a manageable challenge. 

I must admit that the advantage for me was that I started collaborating with Anandajit from the second book in the Lucy series. As the first book was already out from TERI Press and received critical acclaim, the potential publishers had a basis in front of them to contemplate publication of the next books in the series. Looking back, I would say that convincing the potential publishing houses on the importance of a book on environmental negligence led dystopian future, in the post-covid world, was theoretically easier but practically an argument intensive and relatively longer process.

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

Anandajit : I came to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS through a common network in the publishing industry. 

Debashis : While we were approaching the publishing houses with a draft of the manuscript, we were introduced to The Book Bakers by common friends. Anandajit went to the Jaipur Literary Festival where at the margins a detailed and very fruitful meeting with The Book Bakers team had been conducted, that led to the collaboration with them. 

 

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

 

Anandajit : THE BOOK BAKERS went through the entire book and manuscript proposal, assessed the potential of the book, and guided me in the entire process of the manuscript pitching and its final translation to a book release in the market. The agency is extremely sensitive and helpful starting from the inception to the final publication and marketing of the book. 

Debashis : The support received from The Book Bakers team has been invaluable. They have guided us both with leads on potential publishers and with constructive comments on the initial version of the manuscript. We sincerely appreciate the supports received from them during this journey with Lucy. 

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Anandajit :The publisher has been very supportive at every stage of the work.

Debashis : We found The Locksley Hall Publishing house to be a real professional entity, which had been reflected during all the stages of our interaction with them. In particular, I’ll sincerely appreciate the superb efforts undertaken by them during proof-reading and illustrations, which enabled us to come out with a flawless manuscript. 

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Anandajit : Literary success is rooted to culture, people and society. If the work contributes even in a single, incremental, positive transformation of a particular culture, individual, society, community, I think that is a success of the literary work. 

Debashis : There are two layers by which I’ll consider the success of the Lucy series. The short run success would be measurable by numbers, i.e., if the series is read by more people across all age groups and that appreciation would definitely be a motivation while documenting Lucy’s next journey by an early date. The positive feedbacks from the readers would indicate that we are on the right track. The long run success would however be ordinal, i.e., if the readers perceive the inherent message on sustainability. My long run success perception would of course crucially depend on the realized short run success. A couple of academic institutions have attended the book-reading sessions for Lucy 2 and during the subsequent discussions have expressed interest to have the books in the series included in their sustainability curriculum. If this trend picks up, I’ll consider this as a tangible success of the book. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 

Anandajit : I am currently writing a book on culture, identity and violence and the work will take two to three years for completion.

Debashis :  We have already started thinking about the next journey of Lucy and a tentative structure has emerged. Of course, documenting the same would require some time. Possibly towards the end of next year we can expect documentation of Lucy’s next journey to be completed. 

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

Anandajit : Locksley Hall is a very professional publishing house with an eye for strong detailing in every process of book publication.

Debashis : As noted earlier, the publishing experience with The Locksley Hall Publishing has been absolutely fabulous. It will be a pleasure to work with them on future journeys of Lucy in coming days. 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Anandajit : Keep whittling your brain nerves with new thoughts and writing. 

Debashis : An aspiring author must be having so many stories to narrate in her / his mind in compressed form. But it is crucial for her / him to identify the expanded storyline that he / she can come out with maximum conviction. The potential reader, as an impartial judge of any literary work, would not be simply attracted by the plot. The attention of a reader can be gripped only if they find the storyline is also smoothly narrated in a realistic and novel fashion. 

BOOK NAME : LUCY 3 : LUCY AND THE RISE OF THE PARABOLA

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

When dangers on the planet rise, the Earthlings turn to only one girl, who has saved them twice before. Lucy! Aware that she is the only one who can venture into the future and find out the answer to save the world from imminent doom, Lucy sets off on a mega adventure. But the journey is filled with treacherous twists and sinister entities. Who is the dark force young Lucy needs to face? Will Lucy be able to find the answer in the nick of time? And most importantly, will she be able to return from the future to the present times or will she be lost forever? To know more, read a highly engaging Science Fiction magnum opus like never before!

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873312?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/LUCY-3-Lucy-And-The-Rise-Of-The-Parabola

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SHARMISHTA SHENOY

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Sharmishtha Shenoy is the author of “Murder in the Chowdhury Palace,” published by Vishwakarma Publications. She is also the creator of the Vikram Rana Mystery series. The books under the series are “Vikram Rana Investigates,” “A Season for Dying,” “Behind the Scenes,” and “Fatal Fallout.” She has also published a book of short stories, “Quirky Tales.” Before foraging into the writing field, she had been an IT professional and had worked in TCS, Infosys, and Microsoft. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I always enjoyed reading books, especially comedy and the murder mystery genre. Writers like Tagore, Agatha Christie had achieved immortality through their writings. They have left a part of their thoughts and soul in their books.  I, too, wanted to leave my footprints behind on this earth through my books. 

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

Every day so many aspiring writers write and publish books. The challenge is to get one’s book noticed. The other challenge is to establish oneself in this intensely competitive field. One faces rejections so many times. The challenge is to believe in oneself despite these rejections.

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

Through my good friend Neil D’Silva. Also, through Facebook posts.

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

The Book Bakers are the reason why I am a published writer. Suhail Mathur is an excellent pitcher, and he understands the publishing industry so well. I recommend all aspiring writers to contact The Book Bakers. They are all you need. Just leave your manuscript in their capable hands. If they believe in your writing, they will leave no stone unturned to get you published.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I hope to win some awards some day. Also I would love to see my work selected for school text books.

 6. When can we expect your next book?

September 2021

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

‘I say I am a good author. So I am a good author.’ Repeat this mantra every day. Believe in yourself and write at least 1000 words every day. More importantly, keep editing and polishing.

BOOK NAME: MURDER IN THE CHOWDHURY PALACE

PUBLISHER : VISHWAKARMA PUBLICATIONS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

'Run from this place. You have no friends here.’ - Advises a well-meaning neighbor.

Orphaned in her childhood, Durga has always longed for wealth and security. She finds it all when she marries Debnarayan Chowdhury, heir to an immense, multi-crore estate. But there is a curse on the family, due to which the first-born of each generation dies young. When her father-in-law Birendranath dies unexpectedly, Durga and Debnarayan come down to the ancestral home near Kolkata. The moment Durga enters her new palatial home, she crosses a threshold of terror. She loses her husband within a month of her marriage and inherits the estate. Family and friends believe that Debnarayan died due to the curse on the Chowdhury family. But is it her bad luck that Debu died? Was Debnarayan’s death an accident? Everyone in her new family and the neighborhood appear to be sympathetic. Yet, most of them have a motive to kill her. Is she now on the murderer’s radar? Or is she the master of the game?

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B086L7MYD9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_A536G15W99GQ4ZZRBCX7

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SIDDHARTH NIRWAN

AUTHOR’S BIO:

 Siddharth Nirwan is an ENT & Head and Neck Surgeon. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Sawai Mansingh Medical college & Hospital, Jaipur. He is the author of three best-selling horror novels- The Last Witch Trial (2016), Dead Never Die- Based on the rural legends of Rajasthan (2020), Dead People’s Town (2021). He organized India’s first online horror literature festival- ‘Bhootcon’ Litfest in September 2020 and is the host of a weekly chat show- ‘Talking to Siddharth’ where he features personalities from various walks of life. He has been invited on multiple occasions to speak on various talk shows and platforms like the prestigious All-India Radio. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

Since childhood, I was fascinated by films of all genres but what attracted me the most were the horror films. As I grew up, I dreamt of seeing my name as the writer and director of a horror film. However, I came from a hardcore academic background and even thinking of doing it was impossible. Years later, when I was doing my Mastery of Surgery in ENT, I happened to see a couple of Hollywood films like The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity etc. that were made on a cheap budget but garnered a lot of attention. Inspired by that, I made an amateur film based on a paranormal activity in a medical college hospital and released it on You Tube. With that my dream was eventually fulfilled but the hunger of doing something creative in the Horror genre had just begun. This time the story that was evolving in my head was on a much larger scale and beyond my capacity to make a film on it. Hence, I gave up the idea quickly. Two years later, a chance visit to the famous Jaipur Literature Festival reignited my dream and I realised that if cannot make a film on the story, I could possibly write a book about it. Hence, in a nutshell, it was the Jaipur Literature Festival that inspired me to write.

 

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

The biggest challenge for me while writing my first book was that I was a non-reader and hence didn’t know the subtle things that go in writing a book. Second challenge was finding the time as I am a working professional and a family man. 

Regarding publishing, I did not know anyone in the mainstream publishing world and had no clue as how to approach the publishing houses. I ended up opting for self-publishing for my first book. After that I connected with Suhail Mathur of THE BOOKBAKERS literary agency and everything changed for the good. 

 

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

It was through the video trailer of my first book that we connected. Suhail eventually liked the book and shared with me his passion for Horror. Since then, we discussed a lot about the genre and several stories. Some of them were featured in my second book.   

 

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

To be honest, all I am today as an author, is because of THE BOOK BAKERS and their trust in my work. Suhail believed in my story-telling long before anyone had heard about me as an author. He has always supported my style of writing and encouraged me to continue that way. Every now and then, he provides his valuable insight about the Indian publishing scene that has helped me and other authors. For my latest book DEAD PEOPLE’S TOWN represented by THE BOOK BAKERS, they have gone out with all guns blazing to market it. Let it be the regular feature on their social media pages, the stylish banners or the dhaansu video trailer that they produced for my book.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

The publisher is extremely supportive of my work. Not only did they believe in the story but ever since the book has released, they have come out with all guns blazing in promoting it. Honestly, for this book, I couldn’t have asked for a better publisher.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

My definition of literary success is if I could make even a single reader forget about the world around him or her while reading my book. If I can achieve that, I’ll announce myself successful. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

I’m currently planning to get my first book ‘The Last Witch Trial’ re-launched as it is very special to my heart. It shall come with a brand-new cover and editing, overall a much better version of what it was previously. 

 

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

If I was to simply rate my experience, I would give them 10/10. I have often termed them as the Netflix of Indian publishing owing to their myriad catalogue and am extremely glad to feature on it.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Writing should be done by heart and not mind as the readers may like a story written by mind but they are going to love it only if it is written by heart.

BOOK NAME : DEAD PEOPLE'S TOWN

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

 At the Lord Erwin Memorial Hospital in Raisingh Garh, an unauthorized drug trial on terminally ill cancer patients has gone horribly wrong. The patients are not humans anymore. They have turned into a ferocious breed of predators, hungry for blood and gore. The madness is not restricted to just patients but is spreading like fire. Everyone is falling prey to it. That is not all. Since the hospital has been digitally locked down and there is nowhere to escape, the few survivors trapped inside are facing a nightmare like situation. 

Will they be able to escape the undead or become one of them? Will the nightmare end in the white corridors itself or will it be unleashed upon the unsuspecting town? Is it just an accident or the product of a terrible conspiracy? Tighten your seatbelts and recite your favourite prayers before you enter the…DEAD PEOPLE’S TOWN!

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194552540?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/DEAD-PEOPLE'S-TOWN-The-End-Begins-Now

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RUNJHUN NOOPUR

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Runjhun Noopur is an award-winning author, an entrepreneur, and a personal happiness coach. Her work has appeared in the Huffington Post, the Times of India, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Arre among others. Her debut Nirvana in a Corporate Suit is a genre-bending book that blends humor, hilarity, and fantasy with profound principles of happiness. Quit Your Monday is her second book where she yet again takes her readers on a journey towards their happiness, albeit via a different route. As a happiness coach, Runjhun conducts innovative and immersive programs for corporates and educational institutions, and has done workshops for organizations like ICICI, Allahabad Bank, and NABARD among others. A curious spiritualist, and a seeker of life’s many adventures, Runjhun is a firm believer in the magic of the Universe. She writes, talks, and eats, mostly in that order. When doing none of the above, she can be found dancing in the corner room.

 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

More than inspiration, it was a compulsion. I think I arrived at a point of time in my life when I could no longer not write. Technically, I have been writing since I was in Standard VIII, my first published piece was an article in the Speaking Tree column of Times of India way back in 2007. But I started considering writing as a career choice only after joining my first job at a law firm in Mumbai in 2011. The corporate grind made me realize what I really wanted to do with my life did not include the black letter of law but the colourful world of words. I quit my job and started out on a long journey that eventually led me to become what I always wanted to become –a writer. 

 

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

Translating an idea into words on paper, into something that can entertain and inspire is in itself a challenge like few others. 

 

Writing for me is a compulsion. It is what keeps me alive and gives my life a purpose. That beings said, writing is never easy. As a writer, we are constantly learning, growing and trying to be better. Since there isn’t a way to be a perfect writer, what we try to do is be a diligent, curious writer. And maintaining that discipline I think is the biggest challenge for any writer, including me. Publishing, on the other hand, is another ball game altogether—a largely harrowing journey that is relentlessly tough and unforgiving. It took me six long years before I found my agent Suhail and the Book Bakers, and publishing finally became a journey I could start enjoying. 

 

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

 

I found the Book Bakers while looking for agents online. I connected with Suhail on Facebook where he responded promptly. It was almost serendipitous and we got along instantly. He asked me to send him my proposals. Two days later, I got a call where he told me he liked the proposals, and within a week my journey with the Book Bakers had begun. 

 

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

 

The Book Bakers are the reason why I finally found my feet as a published author. Suhail not only kick started my journey in the world of publishing, but he and his entire team guided me all along and made sure that I made the right calls, at the right time. The Book Bakers are the foundation of my career as an author, and I cannot imagine how I would have made it this far without them. 

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

My publishers, in fact both my publishers, TreeShade Books and Locksley Hall Publishing, have been extremely supportive every step of the way, and were deeply invested in making sure that we presented the best possible version of my books to the world. 

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 

Appreciation from my readers is the only true measure of literary success for me. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 

Most probably next year.

 

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

 

Working with LHP was a delight. They are thoroughly professional and extremely supportive throughout the publishing process. 

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Writing is a long game, getting published is much longer. Don’t lose heart or hope. Keep pushing, keep trying and most importantly keep writing!

BOOK NAME : QUIT YOUR MONDAY

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

Everybody hates Monday! Nobody asks why.

But what if we were trapped in our Monday? Or our Tuesday? What if we were condemned to live our lives trapped in patterns forcing us to live the same day, every day?

This bizarre fantasy is the reality of our existence. We are trapped. But we don’t realize it. Just like Anay, who was trapped in his Wednesday. Like us, he would have continued to live his life, encaged and unhappy. But he met Pam, and a future full of possibilities was unlocked.

Pam takes Anay and us on a ride through 7 days, unraveling and challenging the 7 patterns that stay buried within our daily routines. We learn to identify the 7 traps that make us unhappy and discover 7 secrets of happiness that form a mind-blowing roadmap to the glorious, happiest, most successful life that is beyond our wildest dreams but always within our reach. 

Simple, practical, and engaging, Quit Your Monday! is a happiness handbook with a heart. It is our shortcut through a world where breaking patterns is a compulsion. With proven strategies, DIY assignments, and anecdotes with a twist, this book is your chance to seize the best version of your life. Give it a try. Who knows this may be the answer to the most important question you never asked!

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873363/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_Jfk4FbF2G7GP0

https://www.pustakmandi.com/QUIT-YOUR-MONDAY

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