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.
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