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.
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