EXCHANGING WORDS WITH VISHWANTH SUKUMAR

AUTHOR'S BIO : 

 Vishwanth Sukumar is a Coimbatorian - Entrepreneur - MBA graduate - Award winning short film maker - Basket ball player - Nature lover.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

The books I read, the writers who wrote those books (especially Agatha christie) and a frustrating situation that I had to face back in the year 2018. 

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

Writer’s block was the biggest challenge. When it happened that too as a beginner, I was lost for few days. Then I stopped over thinking, took some time for myself which put be back into the form. 

To get published, I wrote up to seven literary agencies, and I got reply from two and in that only one agency took me to the next process. 

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

I came to know about THE BOOK BAKERS through facebook. Thanks to Mark Zuckerberg.

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

THE BOOK BAKERS helped me with the whole process till my book got published. I have to mention my literary agent Mr Suhail Mathur. He stood with me till the very end. His suggestions reduced my tension. I would say, THE BOOK BAKERS is really one of the best literary agency. They will stand with and for you- the whole process - that’s the most important thing one need.

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Very supportive. Consistent communications happened through e-mail. They gave a good amount of time for each and every process. They must like your synopsis and the story and if that happened, you never want to worry about a thing. The editor of my book did a great job along with her kindness. The LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING also took part in the editing and they structured the book very well.  

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I am a mix of pragmatic and cinematic kind of a writer. According to me a commercial novel should be of this mix. Literary success to me is doing what I am doing now. Great literary success would no longer worry about Where/when the money is coming in. End of the day it’s all in readers hands. If my book goes into their hands, there my success starts. 

7. When can we expect your next book? 

Very soon. I can assure. 

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

It was so smooth and a fantastic experience I would say. 

 9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Make sure each and every characters you create are best in their own way because they are going to make you write your book.

  BOOK NAME : YOURS CRIMINALLY    PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

VICHU! HE HAS EVRYTHING – NAME, FAME, MONEY AND INTELLIGENCE. YET, HE HAS A DARK LIFE. VICHU’S LIFE TURNS WITH HIS RECKLESS ATTITUDE, BUT HIS IDEOLOGY DOESN’T. ALWAYS FEELING THAT NO ONE COULD STOP OR EVEN QUESTION HIM, IT IS NOW TIME FOR VICHU TO STOP THE EVIL FROM TAKING OVER AND RETAINING HIS GOODNESS. 

But the question is can he? What happens if he cannot stop the evil inside? Will he succeed? And most importantly, will people be able to trust him ever again?

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM: 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/819517616X?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/YOURS-CRIMINALLY-Paperback

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ALOKE LAL

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Aloke Lal is a former Indian Police Service officer who has been awarded medals for meritorious and distinguished services by the President of India, rising to the top rank of Director-General of Police. As an officer, he made important contributions in dacoity-infested areas around Kanpur, and his spectacular success in dealing with the opium mafia through unorthodox methods is the subject of this book. He also served in other challenging assignments in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand with high levels of success. Apart from being a writer, Aloke Lal is a well-known painter and lives in idyllic Dehradun with his wife and son, who is an artist.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

As a police officer there were some experiences which were memorable for me. My family always encouraged me to write. My wife Madhu and son Maanas always encouraged me to write about all these exciting happenings in my life. So, I can say that it was largely due to the constant egging on by Madhu and Maanas that the book took shape. 

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

The book is a true account of what actually happened, so there had to be authenticity of content. For this reason the need to pore into archival documents, especially the police station records and media coverage of those years, was of much value. The research related to the above aspects was demanding on time and physical effort.

Having completed the manuscript I depended on Mr Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers Literary Agency to find a publisher. It is due to his efforts that I could get a publisher of the standing of Hachette to accept my work for publication.

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

I have known Mr Sanjeev Mathur, one of the founders of THE BOOK BAKERS (TBB), since my young days. He asked me if I wanted to write books on my police service experiences then his literary agency, TBB, will be keen to pitch the books. My son Maanas was already in touch with Mr Suhail Mathur regarding potential writing prospects and the rest as they say is history.

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

As mentioned in my answer to the questions above, I had to just submit the MS to the Agency, and the rest was handled by the highly efficient team led by Mr Suhail Mathur. I have great respect for Mr Mathur’s enterprising attitude, and resourcefulness, at such a young age. I am so glad that TBB is handling my journey as an author. 

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I must confess that it’s a heady feeling to be an author! That the book has been so well-received is a fact which elates me. It is an affirmation for me that it is never too late to take up a new path to creativity.

6. When can we expect your next book?

The manuscript of my next book, titled ‘The Kanpur Inferno’ which has been co-authored by Maanas Lal has been submitted to the publisher, Bloomsbury. My hope is that the book will be in the hands of readers by the end of this year.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Life’s experiences are valuable. Fellow human beings can benefit from what you share about them. So, you must not bottle up, but come forth with vivid descriptions. Who knows, one day there will be thousands who will talk about what you have written? Your experiences may help others choose their paths in life ! 

BOOK NAME: THE BARABANKI NARCOS : BUSTING INDIA'S MOST NOTORIOUS DRUG CARTEL

PUBLISHER: HACHETTE INDIA

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

In 1984 - a politically charged time in northern India - Aloke Lal, a young officer, is posted to Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, as the chief of police.

In the small, backward district, known for little other than its opium production and smuggling rackets, Lal finds himself in the middle of a well-entrenched web of crime run by a dangerous drug mafia whose seemingly endless supply of black money appears to have bought out local politicians and district officials and influenced higher rungs of power.

Determined to annihilate the opium chain, Lal sets out on a path that sees him make unlikely allies and deadly enemies as he is led from the red-light districts of Lucknow to midnight highway interceptions and perilous raids that shake up the Barabanki cartel.

But do such actions against powerful criminal organizations ever come without consequences? And what political games are being played in the corridors of power even as this upright officer tries to ride the gathering storm of an enraged underworld?

The Barabanki Narcos is the thrilling true story behind the largest-ever opium bust in history - the methodical build-up to the operation, the deadly aftermath and the ensuing events that would leave a lasting impact on north Indian politics - narrated by the man who led the action at the centre of it all.

 

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/dp/9388322584/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_B3MM9TM9ZH98M157SAB3

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH PRIYA SIDHARTH SETHI

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Priya is a lawyer based out of New Delhi. Priya’s journey as a writer began with her humble diary which progressed into blogs and short stories. A self-taught artist and a student of Hindustani Classical Music, Priya believes that ‘Creativity is not a quality, but a way of life’.

Mother of two boys and married to a lawyer, Priya is often seen juggling her roles as a lawyer, a mother and a writer.

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

 

I have always found comfort in writing. I started maintaining a personal journal in my teens. It gave me a sense of satisfaction whenever I penned a new entry. I fell in love with my world of words. I gradually started writing short stories. However, I never really thought of publishing any of those; and writing was more of a stress buster for me. And I would write random stuff whenever time permitted. One day, my husband read a story that I had written and prodded me publish it. The reviews from my readers were very encouraging and inspired me to continue writing.

 

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

 

Writing a short story or a blog is one thing but conceptualizing a story idea for a fiction novel (requiring an elaborate development of characters and meticulous structuring etc.) is an arduous task. More so, for a mother with kids, as it is time consuming and demanding. Quite naturally, taking out the time was one challenge which I faced. However, once I had finished writing the novel, my next big challenge was to convince a literary agent and publisher that my work was worthy of being read. Most publishers are hesitant to give debut authors an opportunity to get published. And so, many publishers either rejected my manuscript or did not show much inclination towards my work. I was then lucky to find The Book Bakers. 

 

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

 

Google! 

 

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

 

The team at The Book Bakers reviewed my manuscript and loved the plot. I found their approach very professional and encouraging. Once they were on board, they assisted me in pitching my work to different publishers. With their guidance and efforts, a renowned publisher – Locksley Hall Publishing – agreed to publish my work. 

My sincere gratitude to The Book Bakers – which is being run by an enterprising leader like Suhail Mathur - for all their efforts and assistance. 

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

 

I would give Locksley Hall Publishing a 10/10 for this. They have been prompt, extremely supportive and forthright in their approach. 

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

 

Success is a matter of perception. Meaning of success is not the same for every person and it depends on myriad situations and personal expectations. Being able to get one’s debut novel published is itself a great achievement, and I am thrilled about it. As a writer, my manuscript being selected by a publisher, is progress. And most importantly, an honest feedback from my readers would mean that I am definitely on the right track! 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 

I am already working on a new fiction novel, with a promising and exciting story line, and god willing, I intend completing the manuscript and editing by year end. 

 

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

 

Smooth, seamless and professional. 

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

 

1. Be a keen observer and a good listener.

2. Trust yourself with your ideas; and never underrate them. 

3. For the first draft, get everything on the paper/computer screen without worrying about the language.

4. Once the draft is complete, do a thorough review and if possible, discuss the story line with close family and friends for their feedback.

5. Don’t get hassled or discouraged by a rejection.

6. Try to remember your dreams, a lot happens in your mind when you are asleep.

BOOK NAME : SUMMONS FROM THE CREATOR

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

The plot revolves around Ameeya, a 35-year-old corporate professional, suffering from panic attacks till she sees a psychiatrist, who suggests she tries ‘past-life regression’ as a therapy. The play of a person’s karmic influences on one’s life is the prominent theme which runs through the book. 

 

Blood stained frocks, heavy rains, staring strangers, crying babies and a sweaty pillow. Ameeya woke up to this, trembling with fear, every midnight. What she seeks as a cure to her recurrent dreams turns out to be even more terrifying. Unravelling the dark shadows lurking her own past, leads her to the Creator himself with questions about her existence. Will Ameeya follow the Creator’s orders to get rid of her demons by taking tough life decisions? Will this quest answer her existential questions?

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/dp/8195037232?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/SUMMONS-FROM-THE-CREATOR

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH AMRITA SHARMA

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Amrita Sharma is a journalist by profession and an author by choice. 

 

She has worked with DD News, NDTV, Hindustan Times and is currently with the BBC.

 

She has authored several non-fiction books including a book on relationships, called "What Did I Ever See in Him" besides "Dictionary of Religion" and "Dictionary of Literary Terms". “Taken for a Metro Ride” is her first fiction.

 

She has been writing on relationships for over 20 years and several of her articles on the subject of love and relationships have been published in various leading Indian newspapers and magazines, including the online portals of Femina and The Indian Express.

 

She feels strongly about wellness and mental health and enjoys writing about work-life balance and emotional health and well-being. She is passionate about chai and her Twitter handle is - @amchaivinist

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I have always been interested in observing people around me and the kaleidoscope of their lives, their relationships and the way they approach things. That has been the underlying subject of all my writings. 

The idea of writing this book – Taken for a Metro Ride – came about when I started taking the metro to work – in the pre-Covid days. The different types of people I travelled with everyday and the various shades of experiences I had during those rides, started emerging like a tapestry before my eyes. 

Every day was a new experience – sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes even extraordinary. My bucket of experiences kept filling up and I suddenly felt I wanted to share this kaleidoscope of lives and experiences with everyone. And that’s how the book came into being.

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

Discipline is one of the main demands of writing I feel. The drill to put random thoughts coherently into words requires a lot of focus and effort. When I was writing my novel, I would often have days when I would stare at my laptop screen and eventually give up with a feeling of frustration. But when I finally managed to finish the book, the feeling was beyond words!

However, the task of finding a publisher has been quite taxing. Often it seemed like a walking into a blind alley since they take eons to respond. One loses the enthusiasm after a point and it can be really challenging to keep the faith. That’s when I was told about literary agents and how they could facilitate the publishing process.      

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

I remember reading an article in a newspaper about literary agents making inroads in the Indian publishing scene. My curiosity was piqued and I started doing some research about them. Of all the agents I read about, The Book Bakers seemed to have a certain conviction, which inspired a lot of confidence in me. That’s when I got in touch with Suhail Mathur, the man and the mind behind TBB and things started looking up.

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

When I approached Suhail Mathur, the co-founder of The Book Bakers, it was a sheer delight in the way he took charge and guided me through – not just with the process but also with his valuable inputs. I guess it came with the fact that he is a celebrated author himself and knows the nuances of writing. Kudos to him for doing full justice to his vocation and being so involved with the work he represents. 

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

For me, literary success means penning several acclaimed books and reaching out to as many readers as possible. Since I take immense pleasure in writing, I aspire to achieve many milestones by writing stories, self-help books, memoirs and even anthologies of short stories to connect with a diverse group of readers. Screen adaptations of my work would also define literary success for me.

6. When can we expect your next book?

My next book, which is a sequel to my earlier work on relationships – What Did I Ever See in Him – is expected to be out in the next few months since it is already in the publication stage. 

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Always stay focused and make sure to finish what you have started. Remember, your work is your expression and your voice in the world. Also, it’s very important to believe in yourself and your work. Stay true to your feelings when you write and you will never be disappointed in the final result.

BOOK NAME : TAKEN FOR A METRO RIDE

PUBLISHER : TREESHADES BOOK

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

When Aliya, an NRI from the US, revisits India after almost two decades, she has no idea

that the city and its vibrant metro rides will change her life forever.

As Aliya takes the metro every day and brushes shoulders with all kinds of people, she

discovers a whole new world – both inwards and outwards. The daily rides also become the

landscape against which her life starts to unfold, and her past and future intersect through her turbulent and clandestine present.

“Taken For a Metro Ride” encapsulates the journey of relationships, harsh realities, losses,

and acceptance with the metro playing the supporting role.

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM : https://www.amazon.in/dp/9389237149/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_SMBD9KE8FQMBHMQK5NJQ

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH MEENU MEHROTRA

AUTHOR’S BIO :  

Meenu is a published Author & Poet of 7 books & has been associated with writing for the past 32 years. She’s a Certified Archetypal Consultant, NLP Practitioner, Tarot reader, Light worker, Healer & Spiritual Director. Empowering souls  and showing them the light through written and spoken word is her soul’s calling.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

 I, my own self inspired myself to write this book. My life experiences and my need to understand and process them triggered this journey.

 

 

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

I did not really face any. I won’t call them challenges but rather propelling forces which helped me deliver my best. Every writer goes through a creative process where he/she wants to be as lucid and simple as possible so that he/she can connect with the reader at a deeper level and that’s always a part of the creative journey.

Getting published was not an issue since I had published 6 books earlier.

 

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

A dear friend, Ritu Lalit who is a bestselling Author herself introduced me to Suhail.

 

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

 Working with Suhail has been a lot of fun and the whole publishing process has been enlightening and enjoyable. It was (is)great to have an ally and a friend in Suhail who believed in my book and the energy, time and effort that he invested came from a space of love & kindness and that was the most special part. I have never worked with a book agency before and the ease and support of being with The Book Bakers made it all worth it.

 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

 The fact that they chose to publish my book says it all and that they understood how to represent my work in the best possible creative manner in terms of designing the book, paper quality, insistence on the best cover design, color schemes and so much more.

 

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Depends on what one defines as success...for me literary success is being able to touch someone’s life or lives through my written word and being able to reach out to souls that need to be seen and heard.

 

7. When can we expect your next book?

 I have a first draft ready for my next book but it needs lots of work so I should be able to start work soon - still in euphoric state of the release of NOTES TO THE BELOVED so maybe another year, Inshaallah!

 

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

Joyful and easy 

 

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Just write from the deepest core of yourself.

Don’t over think. Get the mind out of the way. Write from your heart.

The initial drafts will be crap but that’s a part of the cleansing process. Do not get disheartened.

Do not take rejection personally. Be impersonal about it. Look at it as baby steps towards climbing the mountain.

Write for your own self first. Be authentic because that will show in your writing. 

BOOK NAME : NOTES TO THE BELOVED

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING

ORDER YOUR COPY FROM :

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8195037208?ref=myi_title_dp

https://www.pustakmandi.com/NOTES-TO-THE-BELOVED

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