AUTHOR’S BIO :
Karan Bhatia is a Senior HR professional and an avid writing enthusiast.
By day, he is into the “People Partner” role but by night, he transforms into a creative writer, poet and blogger.
With a certification in creative writing from the prestigious British Council, he has honed his writing skills to produce compelling content that captures the imagination of his readers.
Author of I was in love, I am in love, he also shares his poetry with audiences as a member of a distinguished club. When he is not working, Karan can be found writing for his weekly blog, The Unlensing, which has gained a following of over 2.5k organic readers across India.
Through his blog, he shares his perspectives on topics ranging from mental wellness, life-hacks and productivity.
All his writings can be found at : www.karanbhatia.substack.com
It was simply the need to tell a compelling story that many people like him would be able to relate to, that motivated him to pen down his second novel, “The UnBurn Desire”. It is a contemporary fiction novel with the main theme revolving around the concept of life after
death.
1. Who and what inspired you to write?
My writing dates back to my primary school days, I ended up writing a poem in an on-the-spot poetry competition and won plenty of accolades for the same. The encouragement from my parents and teachers was what kept me going and I wrote about 60-70 poems in the next 4 years. And with a knack of continuously experimenting and challenging myself in the writing process, I graduated from poetries to short stories and then eventually full-fledged novels.
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
My first novel took 4+ years to get published and come out in the market. Being a novice, I didn’t know the process, the importance of “showing” rather than “telling” in a story, and the right kind of editing. Hence, I had to run from pillar to post to hunt for a publisher and indeed, it was a really tricky phase for me.
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
I was referred to TBB by Kulpreet Yadav (renowned author and
actor) who coincidentally was also the chief guest at my first book launch, as well as by an acclaimed horror writer, Neil D’Silva.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?
The Book Bakers, helmed by the experienced Suhail Mathur is not
just a literary agency, it is more like a community of acclaimed writers, authors, and poets who are subject matter experts in their respective fields too. I pitched my book to Suhail during peak covid, when the markets were shut, people were scrambling to save their lives and the last thing one would have asked for is a new novel in the market. It was a precarious stage and yet, he assured me that the
story is powerful and we will place you with a good publisher.
I kept patient all this while and finally, after about 1.5 years, I got the big news from Suhail himself that not one, not two but three publishers have shown interest in my book. I was on cloud nine at that moment, and the way he congratulated me, the zing in his voice is still fresh in my mind. All I would like to say to TBB is, a heartfelt thanks for making me a part of this fantastic community, your love and passion for books is unparalleled, keep up the great work.
5. How do you see literary success for yourself?
Literary success for me can be defined in three ways :
Critical Acclaim: Positive reviews and critical acclaim from literary critics, scholars, and fellow authors is something that I am looking forward to. Having one's work celebrated for its originality, depth, or impact on readers can be highly rewarding.
Commercial Success: Achieving significant sales and widespread readership is a measure of success for me.
Impact on Readers: I’d consider the impact my work has on readers as the ultimate measure of success. Touching, inspiring, or changing the lives of readers through my writing is the most fulfilling thing for me as an author.
6. When can we expect your next book?
I believe in quality and not quantity, so I, as an author, want to take my own time to delve into a new subject before I finalize something. And it has to be something that is deep, hard-hitting, and impactful. So yes, the next book should be at least 2-3 years from now.
7. How has your experience been working with Locksley Hall Publishing?
My publisher Locksley Hall Publishing has been extremely swift and helped me navigate through the entire publishing process smoothly. Their prompt response, guidance, and support is something every author would crave for, and I am glad to have associated with
them.
8. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
An author today needs to be not just a great writer, but an editor, a marketer,an influencer, and a self-critique too. He should understand what sells in the market, what will impact the readers positively, and how to build a brand for yourself. And last but not least, ample patience in this entire journey is a must-have for any aspiring author.
BOOK NAME : THE UNBURN DESIRE
PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :
A kid drowns in a swimming pool, while his younger
sibling watches in horror. An army personnel is martyred in the Kargil War, but before his last breath, he manages to capture
the Tololing post. A UK-based social activist comes to India, searching for the reason for her mother’s impending exit
from the world. A bed-ridden nurse waiting to get sucked into the jaws of death but it remains elusive.
There’s one thread that intricately binds them all.
What happens when Roy Subba, who loathes his father, suddenly gets hit with a flash of reality?
What started as an opportunity to escape reality, turns out to be the guiding light for him.
Combining his inner calling with a newly formed love for his deceased father, Roy wants to pen down his memoir. But just then, he meets with an untimely accidental death. Will he be able to defy the journey of souls and come back to earth to complete his book?
The UnBurn Desire mirrors the innate truth of Karma. It takes you on a soulful journey highlighting the profound relationship between a father and a son, as well as a daughter searching for ways to expel her mother from her sufferings. A story that compels you to think hard.
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