EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ABHIJEETH HILIYANA

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Abhijeeth Hiliyana is an engineer by profession but a storyteller by passion. He has a master’s degree in Computer Science from University of Florida. He has always been fascinated by Indian mythology and history. He has published two works, the first novel was a high fantasy novel based on Indian mythology, titled – Age Apostasy Knife Edge, published by Leadstart Publication, it has been well received by audience and has a rating of 4.5/5.0 on Goodreads. The second titled Gardi Rebirth is an alternate history of India set during the Maratha empire, which was published via Amazon Kindle direct publishing in 2018 as part of a promotional publishing offer. He has also signed a two-book contract with Hachette India for a historical work based on the life of Krishnadevarya which will be published soon. He an avid reader and his favourite authors are Brandon Sanderson and Steven Erikson. He is currently based in Melbourne, Australia working as a Software Engineer.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I have always been fascinated by Vijayanagara empire and its great emperors, in particular Krishnadevaraya who restored the empire from the brink of collapse. While there are historical fiction books in India there are very few books that deal with life of the great king Krishnadevaraya who ruled over an empire that stretched almost the entire south India. It was thus I decided to start writing about Krishnadevaraya. In process I discovered a great deal about the history of my state, Karnataka and the kingdoms that ruled over it.

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

The biggest challenge writing a historical fiction book is doing the research. Even though Krishandevaraya was one of the greatest emperors of India very little concrete information is available about his life. The next one was to find the right agnecies and publications who are interested in the life of Krishnadevaraya. Luckily I was able to connect to Suhail and The Book Bakers which made this process much easier.

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

I discovered The Book Bakers by accident. I was going through the list of all the most popular literary agencies and The Book Bakers came out as one of the top agencies. I read glowing reviews describing their dedication and worth ethics. I sent a mail with my proposal and was pleasantly surprised when Suhail Mathur responded positively within a day to my mail. The rest as they say is history.

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

I can’t thank enough The Book Bakers and Suhail especially for his dedication and professionalism. The Book Bakers helped me through all stages of my writing process. From suggesting valuable feedback to my novel, to initial editing and finally helping me pitch the right material to the publishers. I feel without them this process would have been infinitely harder if not impossible for an emerging author like myself.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I think more than the success I would be happier if I can bring the story of Krishnadevaraya to as many people as possible. As one of the greatest emperors of India, I feel a lot of people would be eager to learn of his life story. 

6. When can we expect your next book?

I am working on the follow up book to Krishnadevaraya about his son-in-law Ramaraya, the man who was responsible of taking Vijayanagara to its zenith and also responsible for its ultimate destruction. The novel is in the final stages of completion.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

The main tips that I would like to give is to never lose hope and always believe in your work. Also be ready with a complete novel when you pitch to a publisher or an agent as it will boost your chances to get picked. And finally write regularly.

BOOK NAME 1: Krishna Deva Raya : The boy who would be king.

BOOK NAME 2: Krishna Deva Raya : The crown of Vijayanagara

PUBLISHER : Hachette 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Book 1

Vijayanagara, 1485. The second son of a famed military commander, Tuluva Krishna sees around him a decaying empire assailed by the treachery of vassals and belligerence of neighbours. Determined to restore peace and glory to the Vijayanagara Samrajya, Krishna, hot-headed and impatient, follows in his father’s footsteps and begins his military service under Emperor Saluva Narsimha. 

Peace, though, is hard to forge, and Krishna’s loyalty, ingenuity and persistence towards his singular cause are constantly tested, both on and off the battlefield. Fuelled by his passion and his dreams of one day uniting with his true love – the rebellious, enigmatic temple dancer, Chinna – Krishna quickly rises through the ranks. But he soon finds that the way up is beset with intrigue and danger. Can Krishna navigate the intricate web of politics that threatens the great empire? And can he rebound from devastating betrayal and prove his mettle as a true leader? Raising the dust of battle, the stench of conspiracy and the bittersweet aroma of love, Krishna Deva Raya: The Boy Who Would Be King tells the dramatic tale of a valiant soldier who has come to be known as one of the greatest emperors of India.

Book 2

The newly coronated Emperor Krishna Deva Raya leads his steadfast armies on a mission to capture impregnable fortresses and avenge his father’s gruesome death. As the flags of Vijayanagara soar high under its glorious emperor, the fortuitous news of the birth of an heir to the throne bathes the city in joy and prosperity like never before.

 The people of the Samrajya worship Krishna Deva Raya like a god, and with the kingdom finally at peace, Krishna turns his focus inward. But deep in the underbelly of the palace, a seditious undertaking is afoot, while at the city’s borders disbanded enemy kingdoms are uniting under a vengeful Shahi sultan determined to usurp Krishna’s throne. 

Will Krishna, the statesman, prove to be as proficient as Krishna, the soldier? As his inner coterie of advisers stand divided at every turn, will Krishna be able to secure the future of his empire? 

The second novel in the series, Krishna Deva Raya: The Crown of Vijayanagara is a riveting exposition of war strategy, games of power and the politics of the royal court – a chronicle of one man’s transformation into a God–king.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://amzn.eu/d/8Og7XAK

https://amzn.eu/d/g1ffQ0j

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH VANI KAUSHAL

AUTHOR’S BIO: 

Vani is an international author, journalist and a popular columnist. She took a plunge into the world of fiction writing after working as a business journalist for leading newspapers, The Times of India and The Financial Express. She explores the other side of fame in her latest romantic thriller, ‘Seconds Later.’ The novel has been steadily climbing up the charts ever since its worldwide release with rave reviews in popular media. Vani has already been profiled by international media houses like Transcontinental Times, apart from The Tribune, Sunday Guardian, Dainik Bhaskar, Indian Express, Yugmarg and Doordarshan. Vani and her new book were recently profiled by Cyrus Broacha on his popular show, Cyrus Says. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

As a child, I loved reading, but writing stories of my own never occurred to me, much like everything else. Becoming a doctor wasn’t an option, for the very sight of blood made me uneasy. Mathematics and Excel sheets bored me no end, leaving Humanities as a last resort. I could easily compete for the civil services, my parents reasoned, although, sitting for an exam with a million potential candidates vying for one job didn’t make much sense to me. 

Life took a better turn and it was a Masters degree in Economics alongside a programme in Mass Comm. that set my foundation for a career in business journalism. Luckily, I got to work with some of the best organisations in India, like ‘The Times of India’ and ‘The Financial Express.’ In 2004, I was hit with the desire to write a novel. However, a few drafts and several ideas later, I gave it all up to pursue an MBA degree from Kingston University in London. Of course, I dreamt about MNC firms coveting me, the Deloittes and the McKinseys of the world chasing me down with multiple job offers, the likes of Accenture begging me to work for them. The reality was quite different, though. The completion of my course coincided with the start of global recession and my dreams could never be realized. My situation, nevertheless, prompted me to write my first novel and the journey that started in 2011 has been going on since then. I am three books old now and the more I write, the more ideas I get. 

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

My background in business journalism trained me to write in the inverted pyramid style. I wrote facts and supported them with numbers. My dictionary was also made up of words that common people understood. I worked with a team of editors who were always there to help and guide me. Writing fiction was a different ball game altogether. I couldn’t use the style of news reporting, and fiction required a lot of ‘creative imagination.’ Initially, everything was a challenge for me, from writing a few pages every day to completing the final manuscript. Gradually it became better and by the third book, I had my internal ‘creative’ compass guiding me every step of the way. The next stage was about looking for a publisher, which was equally daunting. I kept trying on my own and even contacted a few literary agents in India but nothing seemed to work out until Suhail Mathur stepped in and took charge of my manuscript. 

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

Suhail and I had been friends for a while on FB, but I’d never really thought about approaching him. I was facing the lowest lows as a writer when Kulpreet Yadav happened to tell me about Suhail and The Book Bakers. I took an appointment from Suhail and waited to hear back from him. He was professional from the get go. He listened to me very patiently and asked me to send him my manuscript which I did. That was in 2017 and there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t feel grateful for his support and guidance. He is every author’s dream, literally.

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

First of all, writing is a very lonely profession. Writers sit for hours in their rooms, practically doing nothing but talking to their characters in their heads, crafting their stories, building those beautiful worlds for their readers. Needless to say, they need a lot of mental and emotional support which only a good literary agent can provide them – or someone who understands their work. Suhail as a literary agent is just that for me. He is kind, respectful, to the point and super cued in to the demands of the publishing industry and what they are looking for. That besides, there are a whole host of services that the Book Bakers provides to its authors so they don’t need to go anywhere else. For example, ‘Seconds Later’ has a book cover to die for designed by none other than the Team Book Bakers. Suhail represents some 400-500 authors, including many Bollywood celebs, and everybody is connected to everybody via whatsapp, FB, Twitter and Insta. It’s like one big family of writers and you never feel alone because of all that support. The next stage of your work involves marketing and promotions and Team TBB helps you with that as well, offering you services like book trailers and all, very comforting! 

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I am not chasing anything. My aim is to serve, to entertain my readers and that’s all. A good story touches your soul – and the purpose of my writing is to create such stories for my readers. If I am able to do that, there’s nothing else that I need. There’s no feeling to match that.  

 6. When can we expect your next book?

Year 2023 (fingers crossed!). My next book is for my tribe, best classified as a self-help book in the non-fiction space. In it, I try to explore themes that are dear to us women, but those that we seldom talk about. I am still working on it so can’t give a specific date.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Be honest. Write every day. Write first, revise later. The process of writing a novel is as difficult and as easy as you make of it. There are good days and bad days and a writer must learn to take it all in stride. If finishing a manuscript is a challenge, finding a suitable home for it is no mean feat, achieved effortlessly, at least in my case, by my literary agent, Suhail Mathur, who not only believed in my book but carried it through the publishing process. In that way, I’d say, surround yourself with people who can support your journey. No one has had it easy, not even those who are famous today, so things can’t be any different for us. But it doesn’t serve us to get unnerved by it all. So keep going, no matter what.

BOOK NAME: SECONDS LATER

PUBLISHER:  VISHWAKARMA PUBLICATIONS

BOOK BLURB: 

Stabbed and lying in a pool of blood next to her killer, Nikita never imagined an end like this. A talented VJ, popular talk show host and national darling, the cruelty of it cut through the pain she was feeling.

She scanned her failing memory for answers. Who was this young man lying next to her? Where did he come from? Why did he stab her?

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https://amzn.eu/d/3pkUK9U

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH G VENKATESH

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Chennai-born, Mumbai-bred G Venkatesh (50) is a ‘global citizen’ serving as Associate Professor at the Karlstad University in Sweden. He has published a memoir, four volumes of poetry, four e-textbooks, numerous scientific publications, crosswords, and magazine articles over time. He is a ‘sustainabilist’ who sketches in his spare time, likes singing, and is a sports enthusiast, cricket in particular. He is committed to animal welfare, and girls’ education, among other things.

 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

This was a promise I had made to Varshita. She had wanted to ‘tell her story’ to a local newspaper in Trondheim, when she was in the hospital (about 6 months before she passed away), and had tried her best to contact the newspaper office. Her request was turned down. I told her then that she would recover and then the two of us could co-author her memoir describing her travails, and triumph after all the trials and tribulations. That was not to be, and I recall having stated openly at her wake in front of everyone who had gathered to bid her adieu, that I will make sure that her story will be relayed to the world, and that she will never be forgotten. It was, I must say, she who helped me from her heavenly abode to put pen on paper while locked-down during Covid and hand-write the entire manuscript first (in seven days) before typing the contents in! It is just one of many things which I would like to do, in her memory and honour during the remaining years of my life. Apart from honouring Varshita, the link to the Varshita Venkatesh Sports for Learning Fund (Plan India), furthers her legacy of doing good to humankind. 

 

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

As I have mentioned in the Preface, I did not maintain any kind of diary, and hence I had to rely entirely on my memory. Not really elephantine and photographic, but guess this time, it aided me. It was not easy to decide what to include and what to leave out. My intention was not to make it a ‘pot-boiler of a read’, but convey facts to readers sincerely and earnestly, without exaggeration. The choice of words matters a lot in that case. However, as I said, I still feel that it was her spiritual presence in my life that helped me onward, whenever I would pause and wonder how to express a particular thought in words. 

I was not aware of literary agents and how they functioned, and so I decided to do it the conventional way first. I sent in the requisites to one publisher first and having waited for three months, followed up and got a rejection, tried another one, till I landed up on Hachette India’s website and espied a list of literary agents. I contacted all of them, and got a response from Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers…and the rest is history, as they say.

 

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

  

As mentioned above, through Hachette India’s website. It was destined to be, And also rightly-timed. Else, I would have been barking up wrong trees for, God-knows-how-long.

 

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

It was my maiden experience working with a literary agent, and it was unbelievably smooth! I would like to sustain this professional relationship with Suhail and The Book Bakers, as I am keen on writing more in the years to come (different genres). In fact, at the time of responding to this questionnaire, I have submitted another proposal to The Book Bakers, a kind of a sequel to Till Death Do Us Reunite….of course, would like that to be under wraps till it sees the light of day.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Working with Locksley Hall Publishing was extremely comfortable. Everything was shipshape, right from signing the contract till receiving the author copies. I will continue to collaborate with them, when it comes to promoting the book in the world market, and in the future, on other books hopefully. I wish Locksley Hall Publishing great success in the future!

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I have had a short career (6 years) in the print media (niche B2B publications) way back in the late 1990s and early 21st century. I have been a freelancer thereafter – after moving over to academic research and teaching. A writer is nothing without his/her readers. In other words, writers cannot exist, if they do not have readers! 

My literary success would depend greatly on the outreach of my writings, and I hope dearly that Till Death Do Us Reunite can reach far and wide and find many readers (and reviewers), and will continue to be a valued part of bookshelves in many homes and libraries in the world. There is also a fond hope that the memoir will be translated into a handful of Indian languages (and perhaps European too). I would like to tie up any literary ‘success’ per se to noble causes, undertaken in memory and honour of Varshita. That would make the ‘success’ transcendental!  

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

As mentioned, the proposal is already lodged with THE BOOK BAKERS. The manuscript is ready. Awaiting a good publisher again (this time, perhaps one who may also be selling through brick-and-mortar shops within India). (Also wonder why a book published in India cannot be made available on www.amazon.com simultaneously, to enable non-Indians to purchase shortly after the launch on www.amazon.in.)

 

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

It has been a thoroughly positive experience working with LHP – especially the manner in which a sensitive memoir like Till Death Do Us Reunite, was handled! Everything worked as planned, shipshape. I sincerely hope that Till Death Do Us Reunite, does well in the weeks, months and years to come.  

 9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘All writing happens by the grace of God’. If anyone aspires to write, surely, it is an indication that he/she intuitively senses the grace of God dawning on him/her. Indeed, one may look around and see that the market (read ‘universe’) treats every aspirant differently. Some may seem to be succeeding very easily and much earlier in their lives, while others may need to be patient and persistent and learn to appreciate delayed rewards!  

In short, to quote Winston Churchill, ‘Never never give up.’ As is often said (a cliché by now) – Rejections are redirections to where one is expected to be and does not know about.

BOOK NAME : TILL DEATH DO US REUNITE

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

They wed at 36, after having given up the hope of matrimony. Five years into a heaven-made marriage, she is diagnosed with breast cancer. She fights valiantly and recovers. They start rebuilding their lives, dodging numerous curveballs. The cancer relapses and metastasizes. She decides to combat it again. The Grim Reaper has other plans. This is an encomium to an adorable creation of God. It’s a testament to the endurance of true love…into the afterlife. Readers will pause, ponder and pray for the soul of the woman who left behind her comforting ‘heart-prints’ in the lives of so many. It is a ‘just-as-it-happened’ narration of facts, sans any exaggeration.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM:

https://www.amazon.in/dp/939242812X?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/TILL-DEATH-DO-US-REUNITE

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SUBHENDU BEURA

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Subhendu Beura is an energy consultant by profession and a bibliophile by passion. He has been writing short stories since 2017. His short story A Bull’s eye View was long-listed for Commonwealth writer’s short story competition, Karma Theory shortlisted for Wordweavers Escribes. His short stories and vignettes have been published in Dwarts – a magazine of Africa and Mainstream Literature, Commonwealthwriters journal and an anthology, published by, Rare Swan Press. Few of his topical articles have also been published in Orissapost and The Week magazine, in the Sultanate of Oman. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I read a lot of books and probably my authors have inspired me to write. I started with short stories that encouraged me to experiment with novels formats and it was successful. 

 

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

Writing was really elevating and has shaped me as a better human being. Publishers always want to play safe and do not want to take any risk with first time authors. The rejections are both frustrating though make one stronger to face the reality.     

 

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

  

Through Facebook. 

 

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

As a group they are a boon for first time authors.     

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

They are quite supportive and helpful.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

As an author and human being with desires, would like to become a professional. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

I am working on a concept now, the first draft of which is expected to be complete by February 2023. 

 

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

It was wonderful.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

There is no alternative than to work more. Like any craft, more writing will shape someone to become a better a writer.

BOOK NAME : BEYOND BODIES

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

During her initial struggling years, her mother, Arpita’s forlorn face and her parents’ conspicuous incompatibilities torment Meera. She is intrigued by the fact that, her beautiful and intelligent mother is married to her vile and repulsive father.

Soon she comes across her mother’s closely guarded secret past, where Arpita and her beloved Krishna were madly in love with each other. Circumstances replete with conspired betrayals separate them, which seem prophetic. 

Years later, after her father’s demise, Meera discovers an emotive bond between Arpita and Krishna that craves for a definition. Despite their advanced ages, she tries to unite them,. Arpita relents, citing a prophecy that seemed to have befallen. Finally the old lovers agree to marry while on a visit to Meera in the US. On the eve of their much-awaited marriage, Krishna goes to attend one meeting with an important client with a promise to return, while Arpita waits. 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9392428170?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/beyond_bodies_118959_1 

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