Wednesday, 20 October 2021

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH AYUSH DEWAN KHURANA

NEWS OF BOOKS 20:14

AUTHOR’S BIO :

An economist by education, an entrepreneur by profession and a writer by passion;
Ayush Dewan Khurana, is a young serial entrepreneur from New Delhi, India.

He has been dabbling with entrepreneurship since 2009 when he started his very first company. Currently he is the Founder/CEO of ‘Modello Domani’,
a well renowned fashion footwear brand based in India.
 
His work has been covered by several media giants like Forbes, Vogue, Entrepreneur, Cosmopolitan, Business World, Business Standard, Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Times Now, IBT and several others.

Apart from his entrepreneurial ventures, Ayush has always been an aspiring writer and started penning down his thoughts and aphorisms at an early age of 16. The Reality Check is his second book. 
Ayush draws his inspiration from everyday living, experiences, and most importantly his hearty interactions with new people.
 
“Your life’s span won’t make you stand out, but the achievements in it will”
 
1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

The author, Rupi Kaur, infact inspired me to start writing in the format of Insta-Poetry. Prior to this book, I was writing more poetic quotes in the rhyme scheme of ABAB format.
What inspires me to write are mostly the current affairs, mindsets and real life scenarios around us.
 
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

One of the biggest challenges for most writers is getting over that writer’s block. It took me well over a year to pen down my thoughts and then re-write almost half of it amidst the pandemic lockdown. As that changed my entire perception about life and lifestyle, which surely reflects in my thoughts in this book.
The second challenge and perhaps the most important is THE WAIT! The wait to find the right publisher to represent your work.
 
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?  

I got acquainted with Suhail back in 2018 through Facebook, when I was working on my first book. He helped me with the publication back then, so I approached him again for the second one. 
 
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them ? 

First and foremost I have to add here that they are very accessible and easy to work with, which I think is super important for that uninterrupted flow of communication. Suhail has helped me publish 2 of my books in the last 3 years now, for which I’m extremely grateful.
 
5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Locksley Hall has been very patient and supportive throughout. They even shared their recommendations on a few pointers, which was appreciated.
 
6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I simply see this as adding another feather to my cap and manifesting to become a best seller someday. 
 
7. When can we expect your next book?

I have already started penning down my thoughts for the next one. Hopefully in another year or so I should have a volume 2 ready.
 
8. How has your experience being working with Locksley Hall Publishing ? 

It was a great experience. I specially loved their promptness with which they work. Very quick and efficient.
 
9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

We live in a world where there are many talking mouths but very few listening ears. So if you have a story to tell or wisdom to impart, I urge you to write and express yourself. It’s one of the most liberating feeling to express via words.
And don’t worry about how it will perform, the main idea is to voice your thoughts and emotions. If done right, who knows maybe you can be the next best seller too.

BOOK NAME : THE REALITY CHECK
PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

 
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

The one word which catches everyone’s attention in today’s world is #Viral
We are living in a time where everyone wants instant recognition and gratification. 
We measure success by the number of retweets and likes, running after curating 
a life that isn’t necessarily fulfilling but perhaps more ‘Instagram-able’. 
An average millennial spends his life relentlessly chasing the two L’s - Love and Labels. 
Our achievements and motivations are fuelled by a dire need for validation, 
after all who doesn’t like a standing ovation, metaphorically speaking.
But where do we draw the line? When hashtags become more important 
than words, and reel is mistaken for real; we know it’s time for a "Reality Check".

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Monday, 11 October 2021

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SEEMA G SAXENA

NEWS OF BOOKS 16:59

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Seema G Saxena has previously authored a collection of mythological short stories titled “Oh my son!” (ISBN 978-81-7229-802-9), published by Navajivan Trust, Ahmedabad. It draws upon Puraanic literature (Shree Vishnu Mahaa Puraan in particular) and the compulsion of having a son during the Vedic times.Although she loved writing ever since she learnt to, she became a careerist instead, moving from finance to the human resources and organization development domain. She freelanced as a writer and her articles appeared in Indian Express, Times of India, Business World (includes a cover story). In the ‘80s, she had self-published a text on Business Administration for the third year B.Com. syllabus of the Gujarat University. Her academic qualifications include B.com., MBA, LL.B. (all from the Gujarat University), MDP from the IIMA, Certified Corporate Director (IOD), and a 2-year course in Sanskrt from the Rashtriya Sanskrt Sansthaan, a deemed university. She had a career of almost 30 years in the corporate sector as a human resource and organization development professional and was head of the function at leading companies. The organizations where she worked include PWC, Tata Finance, Reliance Industries, Reliance Communications, AnandRathi, to name a few. Besides writing, she advises on leadership and excellence, designs and conducts programs on Commitment and other traits, teaches courses at management and other institutes and is invited by various forums as an expert speaker. Based in Ahmedabad, India, she is also an independent researcher on ancient India - its civilization and culture. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 
 
The adage - The pen is mightier than the sword - got me hooked in childhood itself. My faith in the power, importance and impact of the written word has increased with time. In the process of identifying the purpose of my life, I asked myself, “What will last long after I am gone?” Books were the answer. Could I leave behind significant words? Could I leave behind books that mattered? Questions such as these inspired me to wordsmith.  
 
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
 
The difficulties of being published are well known, mine were no different. What was different this time around was that I was introduced to Suhail Mathur through well-wishers. The Book Bakers and subsequently LHP, took away all the tensions of being published. I am smiling now as I hold a personal copy of this hard bound beauty - Shree Vishnu Mahaa Puraan. It is for those who rejected me to figure out what they’ve lost out on. 
 
 3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?  

I was introduced by well-wishers.
 
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them? 

They made this book a reality, what help can be better than this? The amount of clarity and the degree of professionalism they brought on the table sets them apart. 
 
5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Like a true partner – patient with me and concerned about bringing out a highly presentable book.
 
6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I am just 2 books old. How can I even think of success? I win every time some one somewhere buys my books. I win every time my readers feel enriched with what I have crafted. I win every time they spread the good word for my book. 
 
7. When can we expect your next book?
 
Still thinking, will let you know.  
 
8. How has your experience been working with Locksley Hall Publishing? 
 
Excellent, they took care of everything. Their promptness is impressive. 
 
9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

If every aspiring author also translated just one of our ancient scriptures, it would be a great service to the nation. 

BOOK NAME : SHREE VISHNU MAHAA PURAAN
PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 
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Saturday, 9 October 2021

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH MEERA J PILLAI

NEWS OF BOOKS 05:32

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Meera J Pillai started her career with Deccan Chronicle, Chennai, as their Chief sub editor and reporter, a role she handled for three years. Her tryst with Radio (Chennai Live) lasted a year, as Head of Programing. After four years in the media, she moved to MJ Enterprises, Kochi, a family-owned HR and Facilities Management Company. Now, she is the Deputy Editor of Culturama magazine. In between being a parent and managing her work, Meera has found the time to create another world of her own. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 
 
I loved reading growing up and writing came naturally to me. As a journalist, my opportunities to explore my creative side was minimal. Maya and the Sword of Gringak was born out all the made-up stories I told my son and my nieces. I felt there is a story waiting to be told and decided to write it down. 
 
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
 
Since it is my first book and a fiction too, I had a lot of learning and unlearning to do. As a journalist you are taught to keep your writing simple and short, as an author, it is the opposite. After finishing the manuscript when I approached The Book Bakers, I was still uncertain about the world of publishing, but with Suhail Mathur’s guidance, Maya and the Sword of Gringak is now a part of the world through Locksley Hall Publishers. 
 
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?  
 
MR. WV Raman, the legendary cricketer and also an author himself, introduced me to Mr Suhail Mathur. 
 
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them ? 
 
From day one, The Book Bakers have been greatly approachable, which as a first time writer is an absolute boon. Suhail has been hands on with everything and has guided me through all the decisions. It was more of a partnership. 
 
5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?
 
One of the best things about Locksley Hall Publishing is the respect they show for their writer’s work. They have been appreciative and have given me complete freedom to work around my story. 
 
6. How do you see literary success for yourself?
 
Teenage is where most children grow into proper readers, as did I. So growing up my favourite authors are from the Young Adult genre. For me writing for this genre comes easy and I hope, like how my favourite authors inspired me through many a moments in my life, my book will inspire someone else. 
 
7. When can we expect your next book?
 
The next book will be the second part of The Maya and The Sword of Gringak, which is a 3-part series. Hopefully the book will be done in 2022. 
 
8. How has your experience been working with Locksley Hall Publishing ? 
 
It has been brilliant. Their approach is simple and to the point, making it easier for upcoming authors like me. They have also been greatly accessible and welcoming to upcoming writers like me.
 
9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
 
Just keep writing and working on your skills. Every little effort counts. 

BOOK NAME : MAYA AND THE SWORD OF GRINGAK
PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

Maya is the average teenager, with simple aspirations of any 16-year-old. All she’s looking forward is her dream date with Dhruv, the boy she’s had a yearlong crush on. As she heads home from the date, events set into motion that changes her very existence. Secrets from the past will be revealed. She discovers that she is not who she thought she was; what’s more, she must prepare to embrace a destiny that will make her the saviour of Earth. But, is she really up for the task? Will she find the mighty sword? Will she be able to see herself as the true champion?

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Monday, 4 October 2021

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RAJESSH M IYER

NEWS OF BOOKS 08:57

AUTHOR’S BIO:

A media professional for over two decades, Rajessh M Iyer is a storyteller and has been a part of many media houses, notable being Magna Publications, Macmillan India, and Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd., in various capacities like Chief Editor, Creative Head, and CEO. He is the author of two books for children: Nanha Natkhat: Tales of Little Krishna and Valiant Warriors. He has also authored five novels: the Amazon India #1 bestseller, Evading the Shadows, a fictional spy thriller set during the Mahabharata; Hari and Friends—A Holi Adventure, a nostalgic, coming-of-age story set in India of the ’80s; Spinner of the Twisted Tale, a wondrous story of a storyteller’s life; Karmic Souls, a love story amidst spiritual awakening; and Mind Whisperer, a fictional retelling of the last four days in the life of Karna during the Mahabharata War. Uncle Pai, the biography of Mr. Anant Pai is his latest book. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, son, and father. For more details on the author, please visit his website: www.rajesshmiyer.com.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

The remembrance of those wonder years while growing up reading Amar Chitra Katha was the main inspiration. Re-creating that was, subconsciously, the inspiration. Though I must mention here that it didn’t strike me while I worked in ACK Media (Amar Chitra Katha). It also didn’t occur to me when I was writing other books. I must thank Suhail Mathur, my literary agent, who mooted this idea. Despite my initial reluctance, memory of those magical childhood days propelled me to acknowledge the merit in writing this book. I knew I would be reliving those fabulous moments all over again. It proved to be right.  

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

Lack of properly chronicled data. Hardly anything structured is available on such a legend. It was a wake up call to understand as to how shoddily we treat those who have done such yeomen service to the nation and a clarion call to do something constructive now. The book thus doesn’t stop with that alone. It’s a first step towards a movement that will involve everyone who grew up reading Mr. Pai’s creations and get him the recognition long overdue. We’re approaching the Prime Minister so we can talk of the highest honour of the land.

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

I knew about the agency before I became a full-time writer. Mr. Suhail Mathur, representing The Book Bakers connected with me when we had launched a new books imprint at ACK Media. However, by the time we could ink a deal, I had left the company. Since I branched out as a writer, we connected again and stayed in touch. And, that’s how the book idea came through.

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

Like I mentioned, the idea of the book was suggested by Suhail during a conversation. Initially, I was not interested. Firstly, I wondered who would be interested in reading a simple, staid biography about a person with lived a life without any controversy. Secondly, I felt whatever there was to know about the man who gave us such wonderful moments during our growing up years was there in the public domain. It was only when I started researching that I realised how wrong I was on both counts. Later, pitching to publishers and making sure I get a good deal, The Book Bakers have been rock solid behind me. I think the agency is doing a fabulous job in helping writers see their work getting published and their voices being heard.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Still early days for me, I must say, even though I’m six books old. However, I guess I’m among those writers who taste success later. I’m surely not the runaway hits kind, though I do believe the time’s nigh. 

 6. When can we expect your next book?

By the end of 2021 or early 2022.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

I can tell them both as an author and an editor with over two decades of experience. I’ll pass them golden nugget given to me years ago by an elderly gentleman. He told me to remember the 3 Ps in life to succeed as a writer. They are: prayer, patience and perseverance. Over the years I’ve realise this principle works in anything one does in life. Specifically to writers another important tip is to keep writing even when the chips are down (which frankly would be most of the time). 

BOOK NAME: UNCLE PAI
PUBLISHER: FINGERPRINT PUBLICATIONS
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Three decades of storytelling, over six hundred comic books, an extremely successful children’s monthly magazine, and millions of readers In India spanning at least four generations... This is the legacy of Uncle Pai, and this is the story of the man often referred to as “India’s master storyteller”.
 
Children growing up in the India of the 1970s, 1980s, and the 1990s, had one common factor uniting them—their lovely association with Amar Chitra Katha. They bought copies, exchanged them, bound them in sets to proudly display to everyone... And, even flicked them from friends, if they didn't own a particular issue! Growing up reading his creations was an essential rite of passage that escaped no one. And all this fun, frenzy, and madness was thanks to the epoch-making vision of one man: Anant Pai.

From a small village in Karnataka to Mumbai, Anant Pai’s journey and vision, which eventually touched countless lives across many generations, is as interesting as the books he created. Filled with little known stories from the creation of these epochal brands, Uncle Pai by Rajessh M Iyer chalks his journey and serves as a testimony of the man's indomitable spirit that helped millions across India get to know their cultural roots. Little wonder then that we too, like innumerable children, acknowledge his contribution by saying: Thank you, Uncle Pai.

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