EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SAGAR MAKWANA

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Sagar is an Entrepreneur by profession, Speaker by passion and a Believer by action. A certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, he is also an expert in Self-Introspection and Purpose Building. A problem solver and an avid thinker, Sagar likes to make people uncomfortable with life-changing and thought-provoking questions. 

Sagar is also a Master Trainer in India's biggest Train The Trainer Academy.He has passionately involved himself in his journey to bring about change by spreading positivity. He even launched his own signature course “Let’s Love Living” in 2020 that has impacted more than one thousand people so far. Sagar’s experience as a corporate employee, entrepreneur, and now a trainer, speaker, and mentor has provided fodder for many of the book’s concepts that will strongly resonate with his readers. He also believes that coupled with a passion to eat, pray, and love, life’s musings are best enjoyed when shared with others.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I guess I always wanted to be an author to share my ideas with the world. But there was one life defining moment that I actually haven’t shared with anyone yet.

I lost my father in Dec’2020. And after his passing, we were just going through some of his things and I noticed a diary where my father had written down random musings and I was curious. When I asked my mother, she said that my Dad wanted to write a book but never got to it because he was lost in the every day problems of life.

I don’t know why but since that day, the determination to write a book and get it out there doubled. 

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

The biggest challenge I faced writing was when I realized that I am a good speaker but that didn’t necessarily mean I can be a good writer. Moreover, I wasn’t really someone who was into books (shocking, right). Till this day, I have read less than 5 books in my life and sometimes that limits you as an author. I then hired an editor to work with me and make the book more readable.

Once the book was ready, I was on the elusive hunt for someone to repreent me. That’s when The Book Bakers showed faith in me. Especially Suhail, I still remember had the first faith in my concepts and my book when I was trying to find an agent and I would never forget the reassurance he gave me when I spoke to him first.

The next and the most challenging thing was to find a publisher. Of course, it took a lot of efforts, lots of cold emails and a lot of faith to get the book out but I am really fortunate that Fingerprint! picked it up and of course to The Book Bakers who just handled everything so smoothly.

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

  

I think this was the easiest part of all. All I had to look up on Google was literary agents in India and every page had The Book Bakers in the top 5 in the list. When you see a name recurring in so many pages you know that they are right for you.

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

The Book Bakers and Suhail for me, first and foremost was the stamp of approval that I longed for as an author. You need to understand that I was a debut author in this big world of publishing and for someone to have faith in you, changes everything. You suddenly know that you can conquer that eventual battle of getting a publisher.

Of course, that was just the start. As and when I went ahead with my publishing journey, Suhail and the Book bakers constantly guided me at every step and told me how I could get better results.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I don’t believe in the word “success”. Haha. I mean I do know that getting a book published by a traditional publisher like Fingerprint is one hell of an effort but would I call it literary success? I am not sure.

You see, I believe in the power of effort and I am just happy that this effort is bearing fruit. How it takes me further, I am just waiting for that chapter to open. 😊

 6. When can we expect your next book?

Once again, people might hate my answer but I don’t believe in setting deadlines for myself. So if you ask me when one can expect my next book, I don’t really have a definite answer. I believe in doing my best every day and seeing where it takes me. And yes, I am working on my second book but I do know that it’s a long way to go. Because I want to bring in a lot of research for this. Let’s see. If my readers push me more, maybe I will push myself to work on my next book more. 😊

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Nothing I say can help you. Hahaha. I can just say one thing. The day that you decided to put yourself out there as an author itself is a big one. Don’t look back, do your best. 

I don’t know where it might lead you but you won’t be disappointed. 😊

BOOK NAME: BE YOU. NOW! 

PUBLISHER : FINGERPRINT PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Running from one goalpost to another? Pulling out hair while trying to solve problems? Not pausing, not thinking, until you realize that you are living someone else’s life? Welcome to modern-day living.

You do not have to live this way.

In this must-have self-help guide, entrepreneur, coach, and speaker Sagar Makwana has systemically laid down practical techniques and important principles that will help you streamline your strengths and requirements, align your goals in life with your priorities, and most importantly, get to know who you really are.

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH MALA SHARMA

AUTHOR’S BIO :

माला शर्मा का जन्म 17 नवंबर 1957 को सोनीपत , हरियाणा के एक गाँव में हुआ । स्कूली शिक्षा गाँधीवादी विचारधारा से प्रेरित बनस्थली विद्यापीठ ,जयपुर ,राजस्थान से हुई । बीए दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय से टूरिज़्म में किया । एम ए हिंदी इग्नू से की । हिंदुस्तानी शास्त्रिय संगीत में भी योग्यता प्राप्त की।

अनेक वर्षों शिक्षिका रहीं और नुक्कड़ नाटक , नृत्यनाटिकाएँ एवं रेडियो के लिए कहानियाँ लिखीं । कविताएँ एवं कहानियाँ , मैग्ज़ीन और ब्लाग के लिए लिखती रहती हैं ।

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

While writing nukkad natak , plays and dance drama’s for children during my teaching career I developed interest and started writing Blog and Radio stories .

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

Writing is always a fun and relaxing for me. While getting my book published I faced two major challenges . It is difficult to get a publisher for publishing a novel in Hindi and that too for the first time .

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

My son Aditya Gautam published his book through THE BOOK BAKERS and he introduced me to them .

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

They found a good publisher for me.They coordinated everything with the publisher to get my book published. They even helped me in getting my book cover prepared . This cover is very beautiful and is the main attraction of the book. It has been appreciated by one and all . They took care of all my hassles of publishing my book. 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

They were very supportive and helpful .

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Its an amazing journey . When your hard work and creation comes in the form of a book and is appreciated by the readers it gives an immense feeling of fulfillment .  

7. When can we expect your next book?

Any time soon .

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

It has been a good experience working with them.

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

An author has a responsibility towards society . While writing anything he should ponder about what kind of message he/she is giving to the society . Because the readers are influenced by the stories they read, listen or watch.

BOOK NAME : MRS. JOSHI KI DIARY

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

“मिसेज जोशी की डायरी” एक आम औरत का सफ़र है । वो जिन रास्तों से गुज़रती रही उन रास्तों को अपनी ज़िंदगी का हिस्सा बनाती गई । इसमें ज़िंदगी के अनुभव जो मैंने जीए , जो हर लड़की जीती है लेकिन आवाज़ नहीं बन पाती । ज़िम्मेदारियाँ और रिश्ते निभाते-निभाते वो अक्सर अपना वजूद खो बैठती है । उसके भीतर की बच्ची ,उसके सपने ,धरती में दबे बीज की तरह दबे ही रहते हैं ।

उसके भीतर का संघर्ष चलता ही रहता है । उसकी आवाज़ घुटती है, हिम्मत बटोरती है और लौट-लौट आती है ,पहाड़ों में ठहरी गूँज की तरह । 

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH JEENA R. PAPAADI

AUTHOR’S BIO :

Jeena R. Papaadi is an engineer, a mother and the author of 6 books. Her short stories have been published in several anthologies. Jeena works for an NGO, and lives in Bangalore with her husband and son. She is on social media as @jeenapapaadi. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I used to write from my teenage but never thought of myself as a ‘writer’ or even considered becoming an author. I wrote without thinking about its prospects and did not show it to anyone. More than ten years later, though I began to take writing more seriously, the idea of getting any of it published never crossed my mind until my father, reading my story one day, made the suggestion. 

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

Managing writing along with my job and personal life, and maintaining a weekly schedule for writing, were not easy, and many a time I would be too exhausted to return to it. My family supported me and gave me the space to write. 

When it came to publishing, I struggled a great deal, wandering in the dark, querying publishers and agents, and waiting, without receiving any positive response.

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

In 2019, I watched an inspiring interview with Mr Suhail Mathur, live on Facebook. Suhail has an open, appealing way of speaking that by the end of that interview, I knew I was going to submit my book to him.

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

The Book Bakers have guided me at every juncture. I appreciate their support and advices. 

5. How supportive is your publisher of your work?

Very.

6. How do you see literary success for yourself?

I just want to keep writing. I have a lot of ideas in mind, for short stories and novels. As long as I can keep pace with my thoughts, and manage everything else in life along with my writing, and if I am happy with the end result, then that should be it.

If others like my books and if they reach more people, it is a bonus. 

7. When can we expect your next book?

Hopefully in another year or two!

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

They are quite professional in their approach.

9. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

There is no easy way. There are usually no short-cuts. Keep writing even when you don’t want to, as much as you can. There will be days when you want to give up. Take breaks and make sure you come back to your writing table without allowing a long time to pass.

BOOK NAME :  RAT,RABBIT,ROCK!

PUBLISHER : LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING 

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Ten-year-old Meera's world is rocked when her neighbour - who is her friend, sister and mother all rolled into one - is diagnosed with cancer. As Meera struggles to come to terms with the news, an incident at school tosses her into the limelight for the wrong reasons. With no one to guide her, she is on the verge of making one mistake after another, at school and at home. Can Meera deal with - let alone survive - the chaos that ensues? Can she redeem herself in her own eyes as well as those of others?

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ASHISH KALITA

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Born in Guwahati, Assam, Mr. Ashish Kalita considers himself an expert in day-dreaming and making imaginary connections where none exist. Reading is his life-breath; writing feeds his soul. Apart from general boredom, the inspiration for his first book “FAREWELL SEASON – a palette of nine stories” has been to repay something to the wonderful institution of books and stories. 

A graduate in Chemical Engineering, Mr. Ashish is an Assam Civil Services (ACS) officer, presently posted as Assistant Commissioner cum Executive Magistrate in North Salmara Sub-Division. 

Beared and reared in a middle-class family, Mr. Ashish’s father had a transferrable job which saw him change places and schools frequently. This often exposed him to dynamic cultural landscapes, which in turn inculcated in him a unique perspective towards people and places – the stages were different, but the actors were all the same; and the stories interesting. 

Even in his own work life, Mr. Ashish has witnessed a similar variety; with experience of working in variegated fields – academia, research, taxation and presently in the civil services. His involvement in developmental works with community participation has given him an opportunity to learn about the lifestyles and aspirations of people of different communities and geographical locations. Somehow, he feels that this has enriched his understanding of human behaviour in general, and inculcated in him an element of compassion, which at times reflect in his stories.

Mr. Ashish is unmarried and is currently working on his first novel (not a cause and effect in his opinion).

1. Who and what inspired you to write? 

I don’t know if I can exactly pinpoint to a particular person or some specific event that inspired me to become a writer. However, I think it had more to do with the kind of upbringing I had, the people I have met, and the life situations I have come across. 

A very prominent part of my childhood was spent in my grandparents’ house – where my two favourite past times would be listening to stories from my grandfather and memorising lyrics of songs played on his gramophone. My grandfather had a special knack for storytelling. When I look back now, I realize he enjoyed telling stories. I can still vividly recollect his animated expressions and energetic tone when he used to narrate those stories. My grandfather was also a voracious reader. He often told me to inculcate reading as a habit, which I conveniently ignored.

 It was actually during my Engineering days that I developed a true taste for fiction. I realized that neither the course curriculum nor the career prospects interested me much. I read more novels and stories in that four year period than in my entire life. Another habit that I developed during that period was writing a diary. Infact I took that practice quite seriously – all the emotions and details poured into paper at the end of the day. Soon I began to write in blogs and college magazines, for which I received appreciation from many fronts. Infact, a few of my batchmates even asked me to seriously consider writing as a career option. At that time, I had just laughed it off.

 It was during the middle of 2018 that I began blogging as a past-time. Apart from work, the only two things that I invested my time were in the gym and on online blogging platforms. I wrote on Quora, Blogspot and soon on Medium. I wrote in different writing groups on Facebook (initially movie reviews). A few of my posts got rave response from readers both at home and overseas. My writing style was appreciated even by copyeditors and already published authors. It boosted my confidence and I began to consider writing on a bigger platform. It was also during that time that I was exploring more and more books in the e-format. I was exposed to a brand new genre of writers, especially self-published ones. Most of them were working professionals who pursued writing as a hobby. The idea of bringing out a small publication of my own began to take shape. I had many stories in my mind, inspired by personal life events and also some influenced by movies and novels. However, at that moment, I did not realize that my idea of a small publication would turn into a full-fledged book.            

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

Managing time was the biggest challenge I faced. As a full time working professional, it is difficult to make time for writing a book. However, the fact that I did not have a pre-conceived notion of “writing a book” helped. I simply wanted to give shape to some of the stories I had in my mind. I wrote only when I felt like writing, not as a compulsion to finish an assignment. Moreover, I used writing as a form of relaxation and recreation after my hectic work hours. At the end of the day, it became a ritual for me to write. And one of the interesting things that I discovered was that writing is more like telling a story to oneself. And at times, the story tells itself. So it’s almost entertaining in that way.

     

Even while I was writing the book, I was informed by many how hard it is to find a traditional publisher. I was soon to experience it practically. There were long waiting periods and sometimes no responses at all. For a brief period of time, I even stopped sending my work to publishers. Soon a good friend of mine told me about this concept of approaching a literary agency. After doing some research, I came to know about The Book Bakers(TBB). I found their approach and initial responses quite amiable. I had a telephonic conversation with Mr. Suhail Mathur and my confidence increased in the agency. The procedure of TBB was very methodical and I especially liked the time-bound planning. I consider myself lucky that I got the guidance of The Book Bakers, who did the bulk of the work of finding a publisher for me. 

Finally four publishing houses were ready to publish my work, out of which I had decided to work with Alcove Publishers.

Alcove is an amazing publishing house, especially for a debutant like me. The whole team was extremely co-operative and accommodative of my point of views. They also provided valuable suggestions and feedbacks at every step. 

     

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

Upon coming to know about my inability to find a publisher, a writer friend of mine suggested approaching a literary agent. After doing some research on my own, I came to know about The Book Bakers. I found their initial response quite amiable. Soon I had an impressive telephonic conversation with Mr. Suhail Mathur and I decided to go with The Book Bakers.  

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

The Book Bakers have been of immense help in getting my book published.

Initially, The Book Bakers provided me with a timeline of how the entire publication process would work. It enabled me to pre-plan my work schedule, which was valuable because of my busy professional life.

There were a couple of submission requirements in the initial stages (blurb, story synopsis, Author bio etc.). I found it helpful on the part of Mr. Suhail Mathur to explain to me the utility and importance of these submissions and also how to prepare them. 

The Book Bakers was supportive at every stage of the publication process and they were eager to respond to any sort of query or doubt I had as a first time author. The best thing I liked about them was that they stuck to their time line. 

Eventually I had four publishers who were ready to publish my book. Again, I was faced with the dilemma of making a choice out of the four, as I was new to the publication world. In this, Mr. Suhail Mathur again came to my rescue as he explained to me dispassionately the strong points of each publication house, without being partial to anyone in particular. This enabled me to make a clear decision of choosing the right publication house for myself. 

All in all, it was a great experience and a fruitful affair working with The Book Bakers. I admire their professionalism, their methodical approach to work and their commitment to bring out good stories to the world.      

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Literary success for me is something more than getting copies of my book sold. What would be more fulfilling is to see readers enjoying my stories. I would love to see people relating to the characters, finding joy in the twists and turns and simply having a good time. 

 6. When can we expect your next book?

Probably a year from now. My next book is a novel, dealing with strained relationships and aspirations in post-modernist India. The story is again based in several locations of India, but mostly in the Northeast. The storyline tries to look at seemingly serious life events through a lighter lens.   

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors? 

I believe that the goal should be to become a writer, not an author (going by the clichéd definition that a writer whose work has been published is an author). The story is what matters; content is king. You need to tell the story. And you need to tell it well. The publishing part comes later. You need to have faith that if the story has strength, it will find a way to reach its readers some way or the other.

BOOK NAME: FAREWELL SEASON

PUBLISHER: ALCOVE PUBLISHERS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB: 

A death-row convict in a lonely cell pens down his last letter for his ‘successor’ to draw solace during the final hours. Six year old Bokul has a secret – a recurring dream that torments him; a new girl arrives in his class, and they soon realize that their dream worlds connect them. An old couple of Delhi experiences alienation in the modern world…until one rainy day in February when they realize that not all things change in a changing world. Recently out of a start-up failure, a reclusive Ashim has a chance encounter with a school friend…and a spark is lit, again. Sonku Gupta differentiates no right from wrong when it comes to devouring the pleasures of life...until one festive season, when fate takes a turn. Dhrubo has a bizarre experience inside his head, resting on the edge of an epiphany after an inebriated get-together with his old college mate. Dulal, a newly recruited College professor reconnects to his roots on receipt of his first salary in the backdrop of World War II era Assam. Sunaina and Abhishek’s marriage is breaking apart; set as monologues, the young couple and their parents make honest confessions about their perceptions of the institution of marriage. Otherwise dislocated in his job, a chance discovery of a facet of his boss’s personal life changes Mohan’s perspective towards him. 

“Farewell Season” is a collection of nine fictional stories set in India, typically in the National capital and the Northeast.  

The book is a collage of human emotions in varied situations and time-periods. The Indian cultural leitmotif is a subtle yet essential theme in the stories, albeit presented in a way palatable to the global reader across all age-groups.

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EXCHANGING WORDS WITH ANKITA SRIVASTAVA

AUTHOR'S BIO :    

A lady born with a flair of natural narration has many feathers in her multiple hats that she wears with great ease.She started as a poet and apart from getting published , her poems got broadcast on AIR and also got published in American Poetry anthology. Having joined Indian Army as a first girl from Allahabad in 1993 ,was also the first lady officer to be posted in counter insurgency in 1998 . She provided logistics support to the fighting arms during Kargil War and during Op PARAKARAM. Besides being a dedicated Army officer ,she occasionally switched between her guns and pens .She had become the student editor of a military magazine in her Army Officers Training Academy and continued to write military articles in various army journals . She hung her boots after 14 years of military life and went on to gain some new experience. 

She walked beauty pageant ramps and won Tanishq Big Memsaab 2008 and Gladrags Mrs India 2009 winning the “Most Vivacious” award , thus creating history in its own unique way . She returned to her base after the grand show and now took writing as a full time hobby .Her debut book is “The Pink Scarecrow” published by Leadstart Publishers.

A motivational speaker and a trainer by passion she conducts lectures across the country .

1. Who and what inspired you to write ?

 Ok so when I won the Tanishq and Gladrags Beauty pageants , everyone in my fauji circle was so curious to know the details . I realised I couldn’t just tell them in one or two sentences .. I needed chapters to tell so I thought of bringing my fauji life’s 180 degree opposite life experience in a book .

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

 Firstly it took me 10 years to write this book as in between I had suffered writer's block and couldn’t think of a great conclusion . After finishing I sent my submission to all the big publishing houses but got no response. Few responded appreciating the idea but due to onset of covid , they couldn’t take it .

3. How did you come to know about the literary agency The Book Bakers ?

I had noticed some big publishing houses announcing that they do not accept

unsolicited submissions and they only accept from literary agencies. I googled and found The Book Bakers and I sent them my submission .

4. How did The Book Bakers help you and what would you like to say about them ?

The personal touch and guidance given by Mr. Suhail Mathur has helped me a lot in

understanding the nuances of getting the right publisher . His presence in every step and even his nudging has helped me gain visibility in the author fraternity . It’s a big help !

5. How do you see literary success for yourself ?

Obviously name and fame and lots of applause. Jokes apart, I feel this field is th

most intellectual method of self evolution . The taste of it makes me more and more grounded when my readers appreciate my hard work . Yes writing is simply hard work and I strongly believe that hard work is equal to gratification that leads towards success of our minds .

6. When can we expect your next book ?

This one is my third book and my fourth book will hit the stands in early 2023 . It’s already with a publisher .

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Keep writing. It’s the best way to de-stress. But do read all genres as well to broaden

your horizons. Writing and reading helps churning your brain with new ideas unlike watching movies on Netflix!

BOOK NAME : OLIVE GREEN TO BEAUTY QUEEN

PUBLISHER : SRISHTI PUBLISHERS

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Lt Col Ankita Srivastava created history and multiple footprints in the tough male dominated domain spending her prime fourteen years by proving to the nation that she was not a woman but a soldier.

When in spite of fighting tooth and nail even with the help of Indian Judiciary, she couldn’t get extension of service and retires prematurely at the age of 38; she finds herself lost. She didn’t know how to behave like a whole packaged woman!

And then she embarks on a very intriguing journey that was first a state level and then a national level Beauty pageant which she involuntarily undertakes only when she gives a challenge to the organizers that they have to teach her how to be a woman!

At the national beauty pageant in Mumbai amidst all the very prepared and utter womanly contestants, Ankita with only two poses- saavdhaan and vishraam known to her, struggles hard to unlearn the toughness of her exterior and to embrace feminine softness. Finale of the contest makes her believe she was about to finally acquire back her lost femininity when she daintily walks in that royal blue saree with makeup and stilettoes on the beauty

pageant ramp.But as she thought she would be given a certificate of being a woman in all possible spheres; a

situation that arose during the ongoing beauty pageant demanded high degree of military courage, discipline and toughness to save mankind.The lehenga clad, high heeled, makeup faced Ankita though outwardly looked utter feminine, her inner strength passed from her mind to her limbs. She with the Police Motorola

communication set in hand, managed to navigate to the most vulnerable point which was to be manned till the police assistance came as the news of terrorists being accepted by enemy country as their residents had got out and there was inputs from the intelligence bureau that there could be more terrorists hiding in Mumbai and there were plans to launch attack at public events this time.

The external femininity faded as she took position in that pitch-dark area and resorted to military tactics. Doing a ghost walk to recce the area for any suspicious movements which she did spot with her eyes that were trained to see through the dark hour! With no options she utilizes her military skills to her fullest to delay and deter the suspected terrorist activity till the police reinforcements arrives and neutralizes the operations.Her post Army stint that started as learning the womanly traits at the beauty pageant, however

ended up by bringing out her toughness in the end. She wonders if she had lost on the eligibility of getting certified for being a true-blue woman. She stealthily walks to the stage and joins the gang of contestants when every round was over.

The awards were being announced and she is taken aback when the anchor announces her name as a sub award winner of “Most Vivacious woman”!

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