EXCHANGING WORDS WITH LALITHA BALASUBRAMANIAN

AUTHOR’S BIO: 

Lalitha Balasubramanian is a freelance Journalist and has written hundreds of articles on varied topics related to health, travel, education and parenting for several newspapers and magazines including The Times of India and Discover India. She does dabble in blogging once in a while, and her love for writing is mirrored in her books and articles. When she is not writing, she is a voracious reader, compulsive traveller, nature lover, music and fine arts enthusiast and a believer in ‘living life to the full’. 

 ‘On the Krishna Trail’ is her fourth book, inspired by her love and avid interest in Hindu Mythology. She has extensively researched and travelled across destinations in five States for a period of almost two years before chronicling this book. 

 

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I have grown up listening to tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata narrated by first my grandmother and then by my father. This fuelled a passion for reading some original and classic adaptations of these two magnificent epics. I draw my writing inspiration from them. Added to that, I love travel. So travelling to places rendered sacred by virtue of their association with Hindu deities like Sri Krishna, Sri Ram, Mahadev and Goddess Shakti, became an interesting source for my research. I draw my spiritual writing inspiration from the pilgrims who flock these sacred spots. I am immeasurably inspired by the hard work and success stories of ordinary people and curious everyday happenings. These are reflected in my articles and short stories. I love the innocence and curiosity of children and they inspire me to write children’s fiction.

 

 

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

Writing a non-fiction book is a completely different ball game from writing articles or blogs. It involves so much more research and time commitment. While writing this book, I had to travel across five States, which was engrossing, yet it was a real challenge.  

 

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

  

While I was browsing the submission guidelines of a few publishing houses I came across the page of The Book Bakers. It drew my interest because Literary Agencies are far and few in India. So I read further and my attention was drawn to the eminent authors they were representing. That’s when I connected with Suhail Mathur and sent across my book proposal to The Book Bakers.

 

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

I submitted my book proposal to Suhail Mathur and was delighted with his quick response. The journey has been so smooth after that. As a writer, it was wonderful to have his guidance at every step. My book cover was beautifully designed by The Book Bakers' talented design team. Here I would like to mention that some of my writer friends referred to The Book Bakers as being among the best in the business of designing book covers. I happily endorse it. Like many other authors, I had very little idea of how to market my book. All in all, it has been a wonderful collaboration.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

My book is being published by Locksley Hall Publishing, and not only have they been extremely supportive, but their inputs regarding the photographs and design were apt, helpful and enhance the book’s appeal. Their personal interest and involvement, their promptness in replies and their willingness to incorporate changes made it a virtual delight to have my book published by them.  

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I love sharing my thoughts and any information that may be helpful to others. So, for me, if my writing touches a chord with my readers, I am more than happy. That is my success.

      

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

I am already working on my next book and hopefully, I expect to complete the manuscript in a few months. 

 

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

Working with Locksley Hall Publishing has been a hassle-free dream. They were helpful, prompt and very easy to interact with. I really appreciate their personal involvement and value additions.   

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Read more. The more you read, the more refined your writing will become. If you are into non-fiction, historical or mythological fiction, take the trouble to research well. Short cuts do not work. Believe in your writing and go ahead.

BOOK NAME: ON THE KRISHNA TRAIL

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

 BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB: 

“On the Krishna Trail” as the title suggests, is the chronicling of a spiritual journey encompassing the places associated with Sri Krishna during his time on earth. The temple trail begins with Krishna’s birth in a prison cell at Mathura known as Krishna Janmabhoomi and meanders through Gokul and Nandgaon where he spent his childhood. Govardhan becomes sacred because Sri Krishna lifted it to protect his Brajwasis from Indra’s anger. Barsana is Radharani’s home and Vrindavan symbolizes the everlasting love of the divine couple, Radha and Krishna. Ujjain, with its Maharishi Sandipani Ashram, gains significance as the Gurukul of Sri Krishna and Dwarka stands testimony to his reign as a benevolent King. Kurukshetra witnesses the Mahabharat war, where Sri Krishna takes on the role of Parthasarathy and delivers the most important message to humanity through the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Krishna proceeds to his eternal Golokdham from Dehotsarg after a poisoned arrow from a hunter mistakenly strikes his foot at Bhalka Thirth. The book is entirely information driven with the author having personally visited all the places and temples and seeks to serve as a guide for people to plan their visit.

 ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873347?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/ON-THE-KRISNA-TRAIL

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH JAGATSINH PARMAR

AUTHOR’S BIO : 

Jagatsinh Parmar is a doctor who has turned into a digital nomad after completing the medicine internship at Sir-T hospital, Bhavnagar, Gujarat. He is currently holding the position of a content writer, designer and social media manager at famous travel companies like SoloYolo & Ridingsolo. He is one of the youngest Indian travellers who has almost travelled to every Indian state as he started travelling solo when he was 19. He loves travelling and substituting his travel experiences by writing. His hitchhiking and backpacking adventurous stories through various parts of India are like echoes of his identity. Being an active member of various travel communities, he’s best known for his self-help and travel writing with a rough touch. If you want to see the world from his eyes, you can follow him on Instagram. And if you want to explore the world, you can travel with him.  

Insta : Instagram.com/the_enigmatic_escapist/ 

 Blog : www.jagatsinh.com 

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

 

 I always been inspired by people and places. The moment I realized that I couldn’t bottle my emotions, I take it to the ink. For me, travelling and exploring the various nooks & corners of this universe tend to inspire on daily basis, and I don’t mind penning down my thoughts. I started loving a lot then.

 

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

There were many such challenges as publishing industry isn’t that much welcoming to budding authors. After rejection from almost every publishing house, I was gone into a storm of thoughts that what I’m even doing. But right things are written to happen at right time. And that’s what happened to me when I found my literary agent. 

 

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

I was in the friend-list of Suhail Mathur, co-founder of The Book Bakers. Seeing him daily getting top-notch deals from popular traditional publishers, I could sense the potential and hard-work he was putting behind. Some of my friends from literature field also suggested me that go with Suhail. 

 

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

They are wonderful team. Starting from boosting my confidence to revert back with positivity and kindness all the time, you know you get comfortable feelings when the journey seems non-exhausting. They have helped me to get a deal with traditional publisher, and I’m thankful for that.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

They're not only supportive but they’re motivating too. Everyday something pop ups from their side about my book, and it makes me happy that you’re not alone who is putting efforts behind the book. 

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 It’s not all about number of books being sold. For me, it’s the message that people get from my writing. If it helps a few of those hearts who want to do something else than what society wants him to do, I’m happy enough. I could say, it’s all that I want, boosting somebody up for having courage. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 Maybe at the end of this year. It will be a non-fiction story from my real travel adventures. I’m so excited about that one too. 

 

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

The experience was good and learning one. I learnt a lot of things from their side too. But they’re very punctual, dedicated and helpful. 

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 Have patience. The strength of your ink is your virtue and never going to get stolen it from you. Believe in yourself and invest time in writing without getting worried. The stories are always there in the end.

 

BOOK NAME : EPIPHANY

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

What if you are called a sinner for being a dreamer? 

 

KAIVAN, a young villager becomes the talk of the territory due to his unbelievable educational achievement. It couldn’t be less than a well-deserved dream for anyone, being a focal point of unending familial expectations. But only until he gets to know that his intelligence is taken for granted in a disguised way. Adapting to the new city life turns out to be traumatic for him. But not as much as a sense of the realisation that his whole life was a well-structured lie. A quarter-life existential crisis hits him hard, when he discovers that his life-long dream was even not pure, but simply influenced. 

This unexpected mental trauma would have taken him for a toll forever if he hadn't meet KIARA, a hippy traveller from the Himalayas. A carefree walk of life with Kiara gives him hope to explore the world and discover himself. But how could he define this not-so- normal dream to a conservative a society whose definition of dreams is different? 

Would Kaivan be able to leave everything behind to live his simple dream? 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

 https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873355/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_D90BVWT9567C5TRT4A8J

https://www.pustakmandi.com/EPIPHANY

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH BISWAJIT BANERJI

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Biswajit is a prolific humorist and author of hundreds of bestsellers – all in his dreams. In reality this is his debut book.

His satirical ramblings, poetry and travel-writing have been published accidentally in several literary journals, periodicals and websites. For a living, Biswajit serves in a senior position in a leading Public Sector steel unit.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

My inspiration comes from the famous Charlie Chaplin quote “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot”. If you look at the way people behave in a given everyday situation from a distance, you are in a better position to catch the comic elements and the absurdity. Since most of the stories in my book are narrated in the first person, the self-distancing element becomes important - stepping back from an experience to examine it as distinct from the self. Catching the fun in the daily happenings from a distance - that’s the idea that permeates through the book.

I also admire and draw inspiration from masters of the humour and satire genre like Jerome K Jerome, P G Wodehouse, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell and Mark Twain. I am also a great fan of Hindi satirists like Harishankar Parsai and Sharad Joshi for their delightful wit and sharp observations on social issues.

 

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

While writing, the most challenging part for me was to pick-up the humorous elements from situations we are much too familiar with and hence likely to miss. The stories in the book revolve around day-to-day happenings and we are an invariable part of such settings ourselves. So it becomes really difficult to look objectively at things and then identify and extract the fun, the incongruities and the absurdities in the situations.

Getting published is a different ball game altogether. Most of the publication houses are too slow to react to your manuscript and appear as sheer black-holes that simply gobble things up. I am fortunate to have stumbled upon The Book Bakers literary agency and things began moving after that.  

 

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

While searching for literary agencies on the internet.

 

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

The number one USP of THE BOOK BAKERS is the speed with which they respond and take your manuscript forward, so that the author does not feel forsaken by the world. The agency keeps the author posted at every step and lands you the best possible publishing deal. They also offer a much needed helping hand for services like attractive cover designs and book marketing too. With their relentless efforts they have earned genuine trust of the writer community. It’s because of THE BOOK BAKERS that my book has seen the light of the day and I would advice aspiring authors to get in touch with them.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Locksley Hall Publishing (LHP) has been quite supportive for debut authors like me. Book marketing has always been a real pain-point for the authors. LHP is making real efforts to market their publications through various on-line and off-line modes including facilitating their authors to participate and represent in various literary festivals.   

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

It’s easy and convenient to equate literary success with bumper book sales. For me, it also means striking a chord with discerning readers, even if they are moderate in number, and elicit meaningful responses. Words of appreciation please me but constructive criticism inspires me to improve my writing.

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

I can’t give a time-line as yet except that my next one will be in the nature of more HAPPIMESS.

 

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

It has been a really smooth experience working with LHP without any hiccups. They are real professionals and that reflects in their smooth approach right from the time of manuscript submission to the final book printing. I would like to especially mention about the paper and print quality of their books which is top class and a delight to hold in the hands.   

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

If you want to write non-fiction, write what you know and if it is fiction, write what you don’t know. Don’t give up on an idea easily that has struck you. Don’t feel disheartened either if you have to wipe the slate clean and begin afresh. Try reaching a point where the ideas and the language flow naturally and more freely – it may be some pages of hard labour before that actually happens. Patience with your craft is a must and like slow cooking, it will give you the best taste and results.

BOOK NAME :  HAPPIMESS

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

HAPPIMESS is a collection of naughty stories that make us laugh while constantly poking fun at social peculiarities. Narrated mostly in the first person, the stories center around everyday situations that get oddly tangled up. 

Once frantic efforts are made to wriggle out, things only get more messy. Flippant and irreverent, the net of satire is cast wide, spanning conspiring home-appliances, outlandish diseases, nosy insurance agents, diehard hagglers, a botched farewell speech and the like. 

It is the constant undercurrent of funny disorderliness that serves to spice-up and unite the stories.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194382041/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_fabc_BhJ3FbJ3457VE

https://www.pustakmandi.com/HAPPIMESS

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NINAD TRIVEDI

AUTHOR’S BIO: 

 

Ninad is working with an MNC as an SAP Consultant. He has completed his MBA in Finance from Nirma University, Ahmedabad. He has worked with companies like Tech Mahindra, Vedanta Resources, Infosys and Tieto. Ninad also went to co-found a waste management start-up – Juncash. His writings can be found in journals, magazines and travel blogs. He likes adventure activities, trekking and exploring offbeat places. Ninad believes in teachings of Bhagvad Gita.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

I have been always passionate about writing. I still remember my first poem which I wrote in Gujarati. I started writing travel blogs and articles on current issues. Short stories always fascinated me, and my friends started liking it. This gave me motivation to write something bigger. 

I was in search for the storyline. One day, while going through the news, I came up with a disturbing news of MH370 flight from Malaysia being lost without any traces. This was the base of the idea that I had for the book.

 

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

 

After my MBA, I was recruited in Infosys as a consultant. This was when writing was at the peak and all of a sudden, due to heavy workload, I was unable to write. To clear the writer’s block, I resigned form Infosys and went to Himalayas. Almost month went writing book, trekking and reading Bhagvad Gita. For us, Indians, leaving 9-5 job is a taboo. That too, for the passion of writing. It was against everyone’s opinion but my mom. 

For any book, writing is only 50% part. The remaining 50% is much harder. At least for a debut author. That was when I met Mr Suhail from The Book Bakers literary agency. The team believed in me and the journey of the publishing began.

 

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

Literary agency in India is a new concept to many. When I got rejections from couple of publishers, I searched for some reputed literary agencies of India. That was when I came to know about THE BOOK BAKERS. 

 

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

Mr. Suhail Mathur and entire team of THE BOOK BAKERS helped me realized my biggest dream to be an author. Moreover, helping me publish my first book traditionally. From the inception of the contract, to closing the deal with Locksley Hall Publishing, THE BOOK BAKERS team had been very helpful. Very big thanks to entire team.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Despite of all the hardships we have went through into this pandemic; Locksley Hall Publishing team has adhered to the schedule of launching the book. They were very responsive throughout the process of publishing.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I have left that to my readers. Though, till now, I have received very good reviews of the book, it is not the time to be self-complacent. All I want to do is to tell the story I have. Success or failure is not in our hands. We all are here to do our Karma with all our hearts. 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

Not in a short while. I am still looking for an inspiration for the next project. However, it will be something based on travel fiction. 

 

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

It was a very nice experience. Despite of being a debut author, Locksley Hall Publishing provided me the platform to tell my story. For which I am very grateful to the team.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

Don’t Quit! Just keep doing your Karma! This is I guess the only message I want to give. People will hate you; people will love you. However, you have to keep going. 

 BOOK NAME : LOST IN AIR

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

 

On a chilling winter night, Bikram Singh, a former General of Indian Army, finds a vacillating message from his son, Rishi, who went to Malaysia for his convocation. After unsuccessful attempts of calling on his cell phone, Bikram suspected of something inauspicious events shaping.

Rishi, his mother Kavita and many such passengers, travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with flight MH238 of Malaysian Airlines, were reported lost by Air Traffic Control of Vietnam. After all the failed attempts to search for the missing flight, which went in vain, Malaysian Government and Airlines thought to apprise people about MH238, which lost into the air. However, Bikram followed his guts and kept looking for the missing plane.

Amid various conspiracy theories, ranging from plane being deviated from the path and losing somewhere, to plane being crashed somewhere into Indian Ocean, an unknown island came into existence. Was it the same island where aircraft crashed? What happened to the aircraft? Was Bikram wrong in his optimism? What if passengers were alive?

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194873371?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/LOST-IN-AIR

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SRIDHAR GANESH

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Sridhar Ganesh is a Xaverian from Calcutta and a graduate of the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. 

He started his career in Industrial Relations in two large engineering companies of repute, GKW and Metal Box. At a young age he became the Head of HR with Berger Paints. Thereafter, was the HR Director with Cadbury India and later the Learning and Development Director for the EMEA region of Cadbury Schweppes (now Mondelez) based in the UK.On return to India in 2007, was the HR Director of the Murugappa Group (USD 5 Bn+) a business conglomerate. He is currently, the Managing Director of Adrenalin eSystems Limited. 

An avid reader and an impactful communicator Sridhar Ganesh is an accredited Coach. He has published a book of essays on Leadership, Mindsets and Personal change, in Kindle titled, Reflections. He is on the Board of Equitas Small Finance Bank and serves as an advisor to several social organisations.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

Having received much from being a practitioner in HR for a little over four decades, I thought I will share some of my significant learning and thoughts through a book. My inspiration was the enormous potential and influence of the HR function in a business and how best to put the potential into action.

 

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

Well, many! First, I am not a full time writer! Balancing work commitments and also writing was a huge challenge. The other was the ability to collect your thoughts and being able to express them cogently in writing.

 

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

 

Through a friend in Delhi.

 

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

Suhail is a nice person. Always wanting to help and support. I am most grateful to him for the help.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Very supportive. Despite the many wrongs on my part – like the final draft having many mistakes which I am most ashamed of, they helped to publish the book.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Don’t know, is the truth! 

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

A couple of thoughts on the possible themes, are swirling in my mind! I presume I need more time to respond with a time line!

 

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

 

Very good. They have been very supportive.

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

Believe in yourself!

BOOK NAME : THE HR SUPERSTAR

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

When you want to be a Superstar in HR and seek answers to: Why is HR attractive as a practice to pursue? What are the ingredients for success in HR? What should be the capabilities to advance in HR? What does it take to get a seat at the Management Table? The HR Superstar offers real life practical answers to building one’s career in HR based on four decades of experience of a successful practitioner! Just actions that can be mastered! The promise of the book is simple. If you apply the principles and follow the steps outlined, you can rapidly, profoundly and sustainably reach your care. 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/819487338X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_bIqaGbJ756Q97

https://www.pustakmandi.com/THE-HR-SUPERSTAR

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