Thursday, 29 July 2021

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH VICTOR GHOSHE

NEWS OF BOOKS 18:35

AUTHOR’S BIO:

An award-winning social communications and brand adviser by profession, a former Senior Adviser to BBC India and Creative Director to Mudra communications, Victor Ghoshe is an explorer and a social researcher. Ghoshe writes in the historical adventure and paranormal genres. Deeply researched, his historical adventure The Job Charnock Riddle topped the charts as an Amazon bestseller of 2016. TIMES described the book as ‘Our own Da Vinci Code version’ (Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-gets-its-own-da-vinci-code-version-with-charnock-fiction/articleshow/51315052.cms)
Ghoshe has published three collections of paranormal stories in Bengali among which two have been bestsellers (Ethernet 2010 & Paranormal 2019). His literary works have been translated into several languages. Ghoshe lives in New Delhi with his wife Juthika and two sons, Shivank and Hrishaant.
 
1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I have always been intrigued and inspired by the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, Allan Poe and then I got hooked to Umberto Eco. Eco was an Italian medievalist, philosopher, cultural critic and novelist. His works like ‘The Name of The Rose, 1980; Foucault's Pendulum,1988; Numero Zero, 2015 took me to the world of ancient conspiracies.
Until I was in college (at 18 plus), I had not read any English modern fiction at all (in high school my focus was mostly on the early classics). In the early 2000s, while working in an advertising house as a creative director I visited a filmmaker, and I found an old copy of The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco lying on his desk. I read the first page… and then the next…and then the next, and then I borrowed the book. Several hours later, I finished the book and thought, "Man, that’s brilliant…. and, if I try, I can do that." The next weekend, I began writing my first fiction in Bengali - which was later (2014) published in a popular children’s magazine of ABP group, named Anandamela.

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

The biggest challenge for a research-based historical adventure writer is the ‘Research’ – the attempt to know the unknown, the struggle to chalk out what could have happened in between the lines of history. 
You see, the research works for this kind of books are multi-layered. For the places I write about – I try to visit them, and if that’s not possible at all, then I glide through the Google Map routes; I study travel videos of the place by professional vloggers and talk to them personally to make sure that the descriptions are correct. 
And for the more serious parts of my research, I study the topics and read research works of subject specialists from all over the world. After that, I take appointments and talk to those writers, scholars, historians, and other subject specialists. I believe, as a responsible author I must do all of these to be able to make a tough subject sound interesting and to be sure that what I've got is correct. May be my hard work is appreciated when my readers say that 
I weave facts into a fiction extremely well.

Publishing was not problematic as Tomb of God was a second to a bestselling first. I had offers in hand when I started writing this book. But the struggle was - I wanted more for this book.

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

A senior writer friend Mr Kulpreet Yadav once suggested The Book Bakers to me when I was looking for an agency for my book Tomb of God. 

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

I talked to Mr Suhail Mathur of TBB for the first time when I just completed writing Tomb of God. And we immediately got connected so well that I understood we would go long miles as collaborators. Mr Mathur took a lot of personal interest and care for TOMB OF GOD; I believe that’s why RUPA India materialised. TBB is extremely professional as an agency, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team on this project.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

See, firstly, as an old school person I enjoy researching, developing new plots and writing…. and if my readers are enjoying what I write - to me that’s the biggest success. 
Secondly, I believe that - the best stories intrigue its readers so much that they start to walk along with the characters and live the story themselves.
Now if my books can do that – I’d know I am doing good work and I’d be happy, because, I believe writing isn't about making huge money or becoming a star, it's about enriching the lives of the people who read your work and enriching your own life in the process.

 6. When can we expect your next book?

I am already working on the next novel. When the Covid 19 pandemic hit India in March 2020, I had already finished all the works around TOMB OF GOD, so I started my research work for the next novel during the first lock down. 
After writing about the covert agency and the secret brotherhood of the tomb, in the latest, I found myself compelled to come up with a more secretive topic. Fortunately, I have recently learned about a shattering historical possibility, more buried even than the secret of the tomb. This new secret – if revealed, can change the history of the world, which will take the centre stage in my next novel. Until then, of course, mum's the word.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Read; observe life closely; find insights and note them down.
Then give your imagination a free leash and let writing be spontaneous. Keep your writing crisp but bring out the charm in your expression so that the reader not only enjoys the story but also savors the atmosphere you create. 
Do not be shy about discussing with people, who you think can add value to your book and also talk about your work and promote it.

BOOK NAME : TOMB OF GOD
PUBLISHER : RUPA PUBLICATIONS 
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

A MASSACRE AT AN EXCAVATION SITE IN NORTHERN IRAQ…
A SUSPICIOUS EXPLOSION IN THE THAR DESERT…
AN ANCIENT TABLET… A KEY TO UNLOCK A FOUR-THOUSAND-YEAR-OLD SECRET IN A FARAWAY LAND…!
SOME WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO PROTECT ONE OF THE WORLD'S BIGGEST SECRETS!

A massacre in northern Iraq leaves every member of the excavation team dead, except one woman named Marina. Scared for her life and worried for the well-being of Dr Huntley, who was leading the team, Marina reaches out to his emergency contacts—Eric, Aurin and Father Smit, setting them off on a journey to find their missing mentor and friend.
The three men and Marina run into several forces who will stop at nothing to protect the secrets that the priceless finds can reveal.
Unraveling the enigmas of a forgotten civilization buried deep underneath the sands of time, Tomb of God is a monumental work of historical research wrapped in mystery, conspiracy, human frailty, and faith.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RUCHI MEHRA

NEWS OF BOOKS 04:38

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Ruchi Mehra is a Chemistry Honours graduate from Miranda House, Delhi University and MBA from BIT Mesra, Ranchi. She has been giving chemistry, physics and math classes for many years in Dubai. Encouraged by the improvement of her students, she has compiled her radically simple approach to chemistry in this book.
 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 
 
I realised that my daughters’ friends were not able to grasp the concepts completely in the school, there were gaps in the basic concepts and they needed additional help. The students started enjoying and performing much better after I started giving them classes. This made me think about all those students who were not able to get any help from good teachers. On my daughters’ suggestion, the idea of penning down my approach to the subject in simple language was born. It is my sincere wish that the book reaches a large number of students and is useful to them.
 
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
 
The journey of writing was slow and gradual. Keying in a chemistry book is very different from any other normal book, more so because I wanted to include a lot of diagrams, illustrations, tables, some interesting facts about the subject along with equations and formulae. I was also apprehensive about the publisher accepting to undertake this level of technical manuscript but luckily Locksley Hall Publishing took up this challenge and fully understood my requirements.
 
 3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?  
 
The decision was very simple: The Book Bakers is the number one literary agent in India and they have represented my husband for his second book which will be published soon. 
 
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them? 
 
 The Book Bakers was extremely helpful in getting my book published. I had to submit a few chapters of the manuscript and was confident that they will be able to find a publisher for my work. They are professionals who are the best in the market.
 
I would advise all budding authors to reach out to The Book Bakers as early as possible in their writing journey. Writing a book is just half the work; getting it published and then getting it in front of the audience is the more difficult part which requires working with the right partners.
 
5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?
 
The journey with Locksley Hall Publishing has been quite smooth right from the beginning. I found their team to be very co-operative while type-setting of a technically difficult manuscript filled with chemical equations, formulae and diagrams. Locksley Hall Publishing is also very active in promoting and marketing of books for their authors.
 
6. How do you see literary success for yourself?
 
 It is my sincere wish and hope that Clear Chemistry Concepts reaches a large number of people and comes in handy and useful to students, parents and teachers in building a strong foundation of the subject.
 
7. When can we expect your next book? 
 
There are some ideas but then it all depends on the success and usefulness of Clear Chemistry Concepts.
 
8. How has your experience being working with Locksley Hall Publishing ? 
 
Working with Lockley Hall Publishing has been quite stress free, thanks to a lot of effort from their team in typesetting the technical manuscript. I am thankful that they were supportive and patient with all the changes that had to be incorporated not once but many times.
 
9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
 
Follow what your mind says and have a clear purpose; nothing can stop you from achieving your goal. 

BOOK NAME : CLEAR CHEMISTRY CONCEPTS
PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Clear Chemistry Concepts is a handbook of chemistry aimed at helping the students from grade 7 onwards, when they are struggling with the subject. The book explains the basic concepts in simple, easy language with short and crisp chapters. Many interesting facts of chemistry are included throughout the book which will generate interest in the subject.
 
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Sunday, 18 July 2021

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NEELAM KUMAR

NEWS OF BOOKS 19:42
AUTHOR'S BIO : 

Globally educated and widely travelled, Neelam is a Bestselling Author and Life Skills
Coach.Neelam Kumar writes and speaks to inspire.
During the pandemic, her recent release—the TBB backed “I am Invincible-Thirteen True Tales of Courage, Grit and Survival” as well as her 12 episode Talk Show “The Invincible Talks” became a lighthouse of hope, courage and positivity for all. 
Among her 10 bestsellers are India’s 1 st humorous book on cancer, followed by its Graphic Novel version, funded by legends Mr Amitabh Bachchan and Mr Ratan Tata. Also among her acclaimed books is the one she co-authored with the legendary Mr. Khushwant Singh and the more recent “Healed” which is actor Manisha Koirala’s biography.
Neelam Kumar
Mumbai
@lifecoachneelam
Corporate.lounge@gmail.com
www.neelamkumar.in 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

My primary school education was in a non-English speaking country. So, coming back to India and getting admission into a fancy Convent school turned out to be a nightmare.
I think it was my determination to overcome my teacher’s prediction that I would never learn the English language became my inspiration to write. I toppled that prediction by writing 10 books in English—most of them bestsellers.

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

I used to be fascinated by the fluency and ease with which my parents, Mr O N Panchalar and Mrs Urmila Panchalar wrote their books in Hindi and Russian. As a young girl, I dreamt of becoming like them.  
So I started writing very early in life. In fact I was convinced that my first book (which came out in 1992) would be an earth-shaking experience for all. Sadly, nothing like that happened.
Those were the Stone Ages for English writing in India. With no Google to help me, I had to make long train journeys to Delhi from Bokaro Steel Plant where I was working then, my manuscripts held tightly in my clasp. 
Trust me, it was a nightmarish experience going from one publisher to the other. They behaved like arrogant gods and were very dismissive of an unknown writer. I remember one publisher actually asking me, “How many bedroom scenes are there in your book? I need those to be able to sell. Look at the new writer -S.D. who is emerging. Her books sell. Go learn something about this business before writing anything.”
Humiliation was something dished out in abundance to unknown writers from publishers who knew nothing about the art of writing. 
Had it not been for my passion for writing, I would have crumbled and stopped writing. I did not, thankfully. 
Later on, Divine Justice played its cards when my Mentor Mr Khushwant Singh called the fellow up to inform him what a great writer I was, after our book, “Our Favorite Indian Stories” by Khushwant Singh and Neelam Kumar became a bestseller. 
 Cut to present: I felt a wicked sense of satisfaction when the same publisher literally began begging me to publish a book with their publishing house.

So the challenge was of facing humiliation from publishers who treated writing as a “bricks and mortar business” without respecting the sensitivity of a writer or having the foggiest idea about literature. 
The door-to-door experience used to be a very humbling one. Besides, they all demanded big sums, which I refused to part with.

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

And then appeared The Book Bakers on the literary firmament! Actually I got to know Suhail and Sumedha before I came to know about their Lit agency. As Providence would have it, we were all travelling in the same car to the Khandala Lit Fest. 
I remember thinking, “What an adorable couple they are! This young man knows so much about the English writing scenario!”
 And on coming back after I researched his agency, I slapped myself for having been so ignorant. How I wished I had not remained a nose-dug-in-writing ostrich!
I was both shocked and happy. Shocked, because The Book Bakers had to its credit a glorious history of achievements. Happy, because now my door-to-door travails for manuscript-acceptance would come to an end.
I had someone knowledgeable to “pitch” my book to numerous publishers, all of whom Suhail knew personally.
A huge sigh of relief there!

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

They are the best. And I am super grateful for having them in my life. I have no doubt that they will keep soaring higher and blazing brighter through India’s literary firmament with each passing year.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Well, I think my life mission was pointed out to me after my two cancers. I wrote India’s first joyous books on cancer, followed by its graphic novel version and Manisha Koirala’s biography, “Healed”. It was very satisfying to see how many distressed cancer warriors my cancer books could help. 

And then came the Lockdown. My mission expanded to writing meaningful, inspiring books.

Out of this felt need was born “I am Invincible-Thirteen True Tales of Courage, Grit and Survival” which was successfully pitched by Book Bakers to Fingerprint publishers. I was delightfully taken aback by the response it got from readers who found it to be a lighthouse of courage and hope during the Lockdown.
With the Lockdown extending longer than expected and the air becoming heavy with grief and a general feeling of hopelessness, I decided to reach out to readers and viewers digitally.

I thus created the hugely popular 12-series of videos titled “The Invincible Talks”. These 20 minute power shots of courage showcased my interviews with the invincible heroes from my book. They include a gangrape survivor, a domestic abuse survivor and a Heart & Kidney transplant thriver. 
Watching these brave adversity fighters, viewers felt that if they can do it, so can I. 
My talks are available on my You tube channel- “Inspiring Talks by Neelam Kumar”


So, for me, literary success means writing and creating content that is meaningful and helpful for humanity. That is the reason I switched from writing fiction to writing non-fiction.
I hope to inspire many more people through my books and the spoken word. Literary success for me would mean expanding this sacred space.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Several ideas. Several offers.
But as soon as something excites me enough to grab it, I will. My heart has to feel bowled over.
Until then the factory of my brain is busy brewing cocktails and concoctions.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Dear aspiring writers, 
Do you know how lucky you are? You have Google and you have The Book Bakers. I am envious!
 Having started writing in the 80’s and 90’s, I was one of the Pioneer writers of English language books in India. Along with others, I have worked and struggled hard to dig up a path for you.
I remember people saying, “When you write names like Sarita and Sanjay in an English book, it sounds funny. We are used to Sam and Cindy.”
Yet we ploughed on, getting readers used to this new trend. Changing perceptions and tastes. And we did a lot of physical labour.
 Shall I tell you how I wrote “Our Favourite Indian Stories by Khushwant Singh and Neelam Kumar?”
I was learning the art and science of writing a bestseller from the literary giant and hard task master, Mr Khushwant Singh. He had seen a spark of brilliance in the amateurish books I wrote before he made me the offer of co-authoring a book with him. 
With no Google to help me, I had to travel to each State of India to collect and translate hitherto unknown, untranslated literary gems in regional languages of India to make them accessible to English-speaking readers. I also did a lot of footwork to physically visit Sahitya Akademis., libraries and unknown regional authors across the country.
And every time I cribbed about the hard work he was putting me through, he would say, “America ke liye kafi kur liya, apne desh ke liye kya kiya? Kaisi writer hai tu?”
That would quieten me down. I always felt I was working towards a bigger cause.
 Our book become a bestseller. What did I gain? 
The precious secret of writing bestsellers was finally revealed to me. I also received invaluable training from a litterateur of Mr Khushwant Sigh’s stature.
Dear aspiring writers! I have bruised my knees and skinned my elbows to create space for Indian writing in English. The path is carved out for you. Now, it is up to you to pave it with gold.

BOOK NAME : I AM INVINCIBLE
PUBLISHER : FINGERPRINT PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Have you ever been in the bottom-most pit of despair? And then, through your own efforts, worked yourself up out of the pit onto the cliff in front, kept climbing it despite bruised knees and bleeding elbows until you reached right up to finally experience the ecstasy of the breathtaking view from the top? 
That is the feeling I call true happiness. Nothing outside us can compare with this kind of happiness. 
Here are inspiring tales of thirteen “Warriors of Life” who have done exactly this! They have fought bravely and not only triumphed, but gone on to build lives more beautiful than the ones they had inherited.
Allow them to inspire you towards new possibilities, towards the enjoyment of each twist and turn down life’s road, towards the realisation and wisdom that difficulties and overcoming them are what make our “passing through this planet” the most amazing part of our human experience.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 


EXCHANGING WORDS WITH VISHWANTH SUKUMAR

NEWS OF BOOKS 05:10

AUTHOR'S BIO : 

 Vishwanth Sukumar is a Coimbatorian - Entrepreneur - MBA graduate - Award winning short film maker - Basket ball player - Nature lover.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

The books I read, the writers who wrote those books (especially Agatha christie) and a frustrating situation that I had to face back in the year 2018. 

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

Writer’s block was the biggest challenge. When it happened that too as a beginner, I was lost for few days. Then I stopped over thinking, took some time for myself which put be back into the form. 

To get published, I wrote up to seven literary agencies, and I got reply from two and in that only one agency took me to the next process. 

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

I came to know about THE BOOK BAKERS through facebook. Thanks to Mark Zuckerberg.

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

THE BOOK BAKERS helped me with the whole process till my book got published. I have to mention my literary agent Mr Suhail Mathur. He stood with me till the very end. His suggestions reduced my tension. I would say, THE BOOK BAKERS is really one of the best literary agency. They will stand with and for you- the whole process - that’s the most important thing one need.

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Very supportive. Consistent communications happened through e-mail. They gave a good amount of time for each and every process. They must like your synopsis and the story and if that happened, you never want to worry about a thing. The editor of my book did a great job along with her kindness. The LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING also took part in the editing and they structured the book very well.  

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I am a mix of pragmatic and cinematic kind of a writer. According to me a commercial novel should be of this mix. Literary success to me is doing what I am doing now. Great literary success would no longer worry about Where/when the money is coming in. End of the day it’s all in readers hands. If my book goes into their hands, there my success starts. 

7. When can we expect your next book? 

Very soon. I can assure. 

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

It was so smooth and a fantastic experience I would say. 

 9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Make sure each and every characters you create are best in their own way because they are going to make you write your book.

  BOOK NAME : YOURS CRIMINALLY    PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING


BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

VICHU! HE HAS EVRYTHING – NAME, FAME, MONEY AND INTELLIGENCE. YET, HE HAS A DARK LIFE. VICHU’S LIFE TURNS WITH HIS RECKLESS ATTITUDE, BUT HIS IDEOLOGY DOESN’T. ALWAYS FEELING THAT NO ONE COULD STOP OR EVEN QUESTION HIM, IT IS NOW TIME FOR VICHU TO STOP THE EVIL FROM TAKING OVER AND RETAINING HIS GOODNESS. 

But the question is can he? What happens if he cannot stop the evil inside? Will he succeed? And most importantly, will people be able to trust him ever again?

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/819517616X?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/YOURS-CRIMINALLY-Paperback

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