EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NITI KEWALRAMANI

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Niti Kewalramani was born and raised in Mumbai, India, and currently resides in Dubai, UAE. In her day job as a Counselor, she offers strategic advice, guidance, and application support to students exploring higher education options abroad. Her advisory boasts a global clientele, with acceptances to many prestigious universities. She has spent many nights and weekends working on her debut novel, Ties of Blood.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

On the human relationship front, I have always been intrigued by how Indians

constantly juggle between two worlds. We straddle two sets of values-one more

aligned with Indian traditions and one asking for a reassessment of these

traditions. The story highlights that struggle.On the Corporate front, my inspiration came from my work.I worked in Executive search servicing the consumer goods vertical, and I was fascinated by how we, as consumers, are misguided by labels. E.g., I have family members who will buy anything that claims to be Herbal or Ayurvedic over everything that doesn’t. I have drawn inspiration from many such corporate stories to serve as the backdrop for TOB.

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

I initially had written a script of sorts that had to be converted into a manuscript. That was challenging in itself. Once I had completed the manuscript, I had no clue what to do or where to begin to get it published. I submitted my pitch desk as per the specifications to some publishing houses (the ones who said they were entertaining debutant writers and fiction genre) and waited.

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

I did a simple google search and sent an email to Suhail who promptly

responded.

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

THE BOOK BAKERS read my manuscript and were very confident that it would

get published. I think that itself was extremely reassuring. Suhail Mathur was

very responsive and patient with all my queries and delivered on his promise.

Suhail is a very busy man but he takes the time to respond to all your queries.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I would like to write more books and hopefully win some recognition! ( why not

?)

6. When can we expect your next book?

In 2 years

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Focus on writing and leave everything else

to people who know the ecosystem - like THE BOOK BAKERS !

BOOK NAME : TIES OF BLOOD

PUBLISHER : SRISHTI PUBLISHERS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Mumbai's rich and famous are stunned. Surya Jain, the heir to the Jain throne, is dead. 

The Jains are the picture-perfect billionaire family, and Surya was their picture-perfect prince. The eligible and good-looking bachelor had shot to fame for creating D'sire, India's most desirable chocolate. The man who was to lead the company into the future now lies lifeless in his office tower. 

Many grieve his death; many celebrate it too.While the Jains believe Surya's death is an accident, Crime Branch Officer Hasan senses foul play. With his entire career on the line, he digs deep into the Jain family’s past, stumbling upon a scandal waiting to be discovered. 

TIES OF BLOOD is a riveting investigative thriller that uncovers the secrets of three business families tangled in love, hate, honour, and justice. 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://amzn.eu/d/frYcUWF

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH KARAN KUNAL

AUTHOR’S BIO: 

Karan Kunal has a deep love for expressing himself through poems. He builds narratives through the manifestation of his own and others’ life journeys and experiences, which leaves people captivated and reminiscent.

A teller of tales, he formally started writing five years back and reveres when his readers come together to share his varied perspectives. Karan is an alumnus of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

This collection of poems and prose titled “Breadcrumbs” transcripts my one-on-one with the self and questions life posed to me, which I in turn asked to no one but myself. This combined with a penchant to have varied perspectives and open-mindedness inspired and compelled me to start writing 5 years ago. 

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

While writing has been a simpler and organic process, it was always a dream to have it out as a book in all its form and function. Being new to publishing, I didn’t have much of an idea on how to go about this. I always had my eyes on traditional publishing. So getting started with engaging the right literary agent and publishing house has been a meticulous job. But then it was all a process which led to the book being published. 

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

  

I found about them on Hachette India website. I sent out an intro email and got into a quick call with Suhail Mathur.

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

The Book Bakers have been a guiding light in this journey. They have been realistic with the challenges that can come and have been a consultant to go past these challenges. 

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

A book for generations, a classic which I ultimately aim for. However in the short term, I would like the book to be received well, read and understood in all its elements. I would also like it to make way into lit fests and seen as a piece of art in the poetic world.

 6. When can we expect your next book?

 It could be another collection of poems touching upon what it means to be humans in the cosmos or I might pick up a fiction. A fresh story in a crossover genre is what I want to take up.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Write for yourself and then amaze your audience. You would be putting on a lot of hats, from being a creator to a marketeer. It’s a long, challenging but an extremely fulfilling journey.

BOOK NAME: BREADCRUMBS

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB: 

Breadcrumbs is a journey broken down into connected phases of origin, falling in love, followed by questioning and melancholy. What transpires is a life sans control, a blank sheet of endless possibilities. Emanates into awakening and true joy, which concludes with one finding their purpose.

Readers connect with the central theme of hope, positivity, and a sense of resurgence in rhapsodic solitude. They see the world as this beautiful place born out of vivacity for little things and looking beyond self. Feel love, wind, and moon as they eventually see the master plan, the bigger prettier picture. That is life itself.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM:

 https://www.amazon.in/dp/9392428227?ref=myi_title_dp

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RADHIKA ANAND

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Radhika Anand is a simple girl who loves interacting with people. She is a keen observer and that’s how she gets inspiration for her stories. Born and brought up in a typical middle-class family, brings earthiness in her writings. Radhika has always been an extrovert and participated in cultural events during her school and college days and won many accolades. She loves travelling with her cousins and explores new places and interacts with natives. She is also an avid reader and loves dancing. She is never short of spending time with her family and friends.

On professional front, Radhika is an engineering graduate and works as an iOS developer in a renowned IT company. Being technology geek is another aspect of her personality. Learning new technologies in machine language has been her latest passion. She lives in Chandigarh with her parents and brothers. Spreading love through stories is her motto. ‘Loved or Ruined?’ is her maiden venture.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 It all started from secondary school of mine, my literary teachers were used to give unique topics to write articles and speeches on. This was from where I build up my interest in writing. I would mention my teachers as my inspiration, who made me this capable that today I could narrate the story to all the readers like you. I remember in 10th standard I wrote a poem for my cousin on his birthday and my family loved it! That day I had a thought what if I write a book someday but then another thought pinged my mind how it would be possible. I have a habit of talking to myself to find answers many a times, so did same that day and told myself that if you would not had the capability to write you never ever would had a thought to write a book. This belief then inspired me to find my first story and get it inked.

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

I consistently started writing in last year of my graduation, before that I was just searching the story. After graduation, I was left with no time to write because I got so engaged in my job, which was equally important. Then, there comes the COVID-19 when everyone was locked in their own houses for months and this was the best time to restart writing. 

After completed writing the book the most challenging task was to find a publisher. Either to get it self-published or to find a traditional publisher, the dilemma was never less stressing. Thankfully I came across one of the blogs who mentioned to find yourself a literary agent who will get a publisher for your novel.  

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

The same blog mentioned THE BOOK BAKERS as literary agents. I connected them via email. They accepted my book’s blurb and the process started to find the publisher.

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

They asked me to send few documents of book’s manuscript in order to find a suitable publisher. My manuscript was luckily shortlisted by 4 renowned publishers. They really did well for my book! Thanking THE BOOK BAKERS would not be enough as they gave me and my book the recognition. I would not have found myself a publisher all alone.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Literary success for me is about being recognized and appreciated on the basis of author's work. When the storyline is applauded beyond expectations is what we can define as success in literary world. The overflowing response at book fairs and getting praised by audience moves me to write and thus, entertain wider audience with more stories.

 6. When can we expect your next book?

The next book is in process, I shall complete it soon and get it released by this year-end or coming New Year.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Looking into my experiences and what challenges I faced, my message to all the aspiring authors is to be consistent. Despite your busy schedules and fully occupied day, take out some time to WRITE. It would never going to work unless you START writing. Don’t only wish to WRITE but also WRITE. 

BOOK NAME : LOVED OR RUINED ?

PUBLISHER : PAPER TOWN

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Loved or ruined is the story of a young and beautiful Kridha. Destiny had snatched her father before she was born and is raised by her mother, Shashi who teaches her to be fearless and true to her heart. Love is the only thing that has been scarce in her life and when in a freak accident during a trip to a hill station, she loses her mother, her life crumbles once again. She keeps on searching for true love and keeps on falling for it to be betrayed every time, until she meets Krishi. Does she get loved or ruined this time also?

An emotionally soaked saga written by Radhika is full of dreams of a teenage girl that lay tattered every now and then. The twists and turns in the tale are puissant enough to captivate the reader to make it a great read. Kridha’s vulnerabilities leave a message for everyone to never allow anyone control one’s life and never allow your love to ruin you.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://amzn.eu/d/91NCQ5Q

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH PORUS BRUSHWAALAH

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Born & bred in the capital of India, Mr. Porus Brushwaalah is a trained screenwriter who has been involved in various TV, OTT projects & the Bollywood film ‘Dream Girl’. As an author this is his first venture; however, he tells that the genre ‘Speculative Fiction’ has never been explored the way he did it in this book. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

 

 I for one believe that ability to communicate is the greatest gift bestowed upon humanity and storytelling is a superlative means for the same. The very longing to communicate with fellow humans pushed me to write.

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

While writing I suffered from writer’s block many a time as the genre I chose, happens to be a unique one due to which I didn’t have much material for help. 

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

A friend of mine told me about The Book Bakers.

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

Much to my chagrin, I was a newbie & thus had no clues about the world of book publishing but I believed that God will help me in some way…and I met Suhail Mathur.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

With regards to this book particularly, I’d say success would be the appreciation of the minute details that I have put in this book. Also, the more copies get sold the better of course. 

 6. When can we expect your next book?

   

I have already initiated the process.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Yes, kindly prepare & read about ‘writing’ before undertaking this onerous task. Just like every other profession this one too requires some prerequisites. 

BOOK NAME : ASOKA'S NINE AND THE HEIR OF 2017

PUBLISHER : BOOKSTREET 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB: 

Secluded from the Indian mainland, is located an isolated island, “North Sentinel”. 

What if you are told that, it is serving as the headquarters of the secret society of Samrat Asoka ‘The Nine’ & thus no one is allowed to go even near the island by the official orders of Indian Government? 

Will it be interesting to know that lineages of some of the historic personalities like Chanakya haven’t vanished & the Indian politics is still a game played by British?

What if the movie stars you know have something to do with Nine, especially the mysteriously died ones?

A secret society which has its members from U.K., Japan, Israel, Germany, Tibet & Pakistan bearing true & controversial identities. Asoka’s Nine are still working right under everyone’s noses & they have taken great leaps in the field of sciences.

All such information which an American native received from his dead friend Michael’s letters pushed him to witness it all with his own eyes. However, arrows of the tribal community that saves the island’s boundary shot him dead in 2018. But the American was smart enough to compile the letters into a book. This very book & story is what those letters entailed. 

After the death of their then king (2017) & having lost ‘The book of LIGHT’, {i.e. one of the Nine books which society secure}, the society finds dissolution as the best fit option. This is when the official bodyguard of the king’s lineage unfolds the truth that stayed hidden in an orphanage of Mumbai since its birth, ‘the next heir’. 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://amzn.eu/d/7D7qMmQ

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH HUSNA

AUTHOR’S BIO :

A dentist by profession, Husna is a published author and poet with a PG diploma in journalism as well.

She is an avid traveller and photography enthusiast. She uses travel experiences and cultural immersion as an inspiration for her stories. Her fiction and poems often explore the human condition and its intersectionality, as a way of reimagining a more righteous world.

She has worked closely in relief assistance during the 2018 floods in Kerala, which has been an inspiration behind Red River Rising.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I was always an avid reader. I had begun reading at the age of 4 and fiction by age 10. Authors like Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte made me curious as a child about the world outside my own. And then writers like Tolstoy, Dickens and Eliott furthered that curiosity. Writers like Rushdie, Roy and Phamuk lit the spark. Writers are often asked how we write certain stories. But the truth is, stories come to us, like an epiphany. We are just the medium.

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

Writing was never a challenge. Except for the occasional mind block, most often plots have a way of working themselves out. The biggest challenge was getting published. It was an endless cycle of sending email proposals that eventually get rejected or ignored. Thousands of writers and a dozen publishers. The ratio is totally skewed. This I feel is the biggest challenge facing writers.

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

I was frustrated after knocking on several doors when I finished my first novel, only to be let down time and time again. That was when I decided I needed representation. At that time, there were only a handful of literary agents in India. After doing a bit of research, I zeroed in on The Book Bakers. I liked their work philosophy. Rest as they say is history.

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

It just took Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers, a couple of months after I had sent the manuscript, to get accepted by Rupa Publishers. That was like a dream come true. He believed in my work and was convinced the novel was meant to go places. I am still awaiting its launch. My 2nd novel, Red River Rising with Locksley Hall Publishing was launched on Dec 30th, 2022. The team works meticulously and ensures that every manuscript they receive finds a home with a publisher.   

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

The publisher was very supportive. We worked in tandem with the Locksley Hall editorial team every step of the way.

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Literary success to me is being accepted by my readers and critics alike. When my poems and stories resonate in the heart of another, that is when I would know that I have arrived. I aspire for that. A Booker Prize wouldn’t hurt either!

7. When can we expect your next book?

Very soon. The manuscript is already complete.

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

It’s been a pleasure working with Locksley Hall Publishing team. They were supportive every step of the way.

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Trust the path. Keep feeding your soul and write from that space. Success will come your way eventually. 

BOOK NAME : RED RIVER RISING

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Lakshmi, a young woman, shares a disturbing relationship with the Periyar River. Her traumatic childhood, social conditioning and relentless search for love, pushes her to the edge.

Radha, an activist from Delhi, is in the tribal town of Attapadi in search of her husband Krishnan, who the authorities allege is a Maoist. She is assisted by Mani, a member of a local tribe.

Sabu, a fisherman responsible for the rescue and evacuation of those affected by floods in the Attapady reserve forest, stumbles upon a vital information regarding Radha’s missing husband, Krishnan.  

How did Krishnan disappear? Where is he now? Will Radha be successful in finding her husband? Can Radha and Mani survive the treacherous waters of the deluge? And what is the mystery behind the mass burial in the middle of the forest?

Set amidst the devastating Kerala floods of 2018, Red River Rising explores the social, psychological, environmental and political impact the river has on its unsuspecting protagonists amidst nature’s fury.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://amzn.eu/d/7fu5xpx

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SHREYASI RHITTIKA PHUKON

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Shreyasi Rhittika Phukon is an author and has contributed her writings in few anthologies and e-magazines. She has initiated and also co-authored an anthology ‘A Phase Unknown Woman- A Tribute Series’ and also published her debut solo short story book ‘18 Via Teen -Be Yourself.’

Shreyasi was also awarded the ‘Special Jury Award 2016’ conferred upon her by Sanmati Publication.

Her new release ‘Love, Long Ago’ is her debut novel which has been published by Locksley Hall Publishing.

She now works as Language Editor for SAGE Journals at TNQ Technologies.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

 Writing wasn’t a God gift for me. It was Facebook that brought me a few chances to explore this never planned field. My fiction got selected in an anthology, authored by Heena Priya, which was my very first professional writing attempt apart from my usual fb posts and notes. Eagerness increases when you taste success. No contradiction, I met some passionate young writers, who have always inspired and encouraged me to write. And that’s how I have so far contributed my writings in a few anthologies, e-magazines, and a short story book.

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

Writing a novel for the first time was an exciting but also challenging process. It came as a shock to me to discover just how difficult it is to keep on track with the writing. Everybody thinks they have a book in them, but it takes bravery, determination, and a little luck to get a book finished, edited, and published. Second, it was fear and self-doubt. Honestly, I always thought who would read anything I wrote? The last and hardest part was getting a publisher. I researched agents and publishers who might be interested in the romance genre, wrote query emails, and got lots of rejections. I learned that the truth in today’s disrupted book publishing market is that most traditional publishing houses want only non-fiction genres. But, the good part was that after struggling to find one, I got a response from “The Book Bakers” that made my writing journey, a smooth one.

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

Suhail Sir and The Book Bakers were on my Facebook’s friend list from a long time. I used to get to know about the wonderful books that were getting published under the mentorship of Suhail Sir through the posts that were being shared. 

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

I am very much grateful to The Book Bakers who helped me in finding not just one but 3 leading publishers of the time. It was a bit tough for me to decide and choose to go with one. Suhail Sir and the team have been very much helpful from the beginning and have provided me with the best services they can provide.

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Locksley Hall Publishing was very much supportive and professional from the beginning.

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

For me, I feel writing a book doesn’t mean making money or becoming a bestseller. It’s all about appreciation and recognition. 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 

In a year or so.

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

 

Working with Locksley Hall Publishing was a wonderful experience. They made my writing journey, a smooth one.

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

My advice: NEVER GIVE UP! Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your dreams. Start your first draft, no matter what.

BOOK NAME : LOVE, LONG AGO

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Rhea Barua reaches USA and as luck would have it, wins a contest to meet bestselling author, Aarav, whom Rhea admires. Initially disappointed with meeting him, Aarav and Rhea turn the best of friends in due course with the latter commencing on her own literary journey.

But little does she know that expressing her feelings of love will shatter her life. Broken and shocked, Rhea gathers the courage to complete her graduation and is set to return to India when she meets Abhinav, the match chosen by her parents for her.

Will she marry Abhinav when her heart still yearns for Aarav? What was the secret that Aarav had withheld? Will destiny give him a chance at redemption or will Rhea resign herself to her fate?

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9392428146

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