Saturday, 26 January 2019

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH AJAY RAM

NEWS OF BOOKS 19:28

AUTHOR'S BIO :

Ajay is a Civil Engineer by education and a Writer/Filmmaker by passion.  
He has assisted Director Deepak Shivdasani on Badlapur Boys (pre-production) and Julie 2. He has been the Associate Director on Faheem Chaudhry’s Hindi film Gilli Danda based on Munshi Premchand’s short story of the same name.
He spends most of his time reading, writing, watching films and gymming. He hopes to make films soon.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

A voice within urged me to tell my stories to the world. The inspiration to write Rendezvous with God was a Los Angeles based producer who told me the script would be exorbitant to produce and I may have to write a novel first to create an in-built audience for it to have a realistic chance to be considered for a film adaptation. Writing this novel was daunting at first, but inspiring words by Ayn Rand and Stephen King kept me going. When I look back, I must say I quite enjoyed the writing process.

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

The only challenge while writing was to constantly remind myself that no matter how silly it seemed to slog at the computer for years at end, it’ll probably be worth the effort one day. I realised the day I finished writing the novel that a bigger challenge lay ahead in getting it published for the world of publishing seemed intimidating. Google came to my rescue as it brought me to the doors of THE BOOK BAKERS Literary Agency.

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

Research told me that I needed to hire a lit-agent to represent my work since established publishers do not accept unsolicited submissions. I subsequently sent out enquiries to the top literary agencies of India and got a prompt response from Suhail Mathur.  

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

It goes without saying that if it weren’t for the efforts and reach of THE BOOK BAKERS I wouldn’t have found my publishers. Suhail Mathur has been very patient with me all through this exhilarating and at times stressful journey of finding a publisher, two in my case. I really do hope first-time writers find their way to THE BOOK BAKERS and to eventual bliss of seeing their novels on the shelves of bookstores.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Imminent and inevitable. Kidding… I’m kidding. What I want is for my novel to reach the widest reader base possible.  

6. When can we expect your next book?

2019

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Keep writing no matter what, for stories to exist, a writer must dream.

BOOK NAME: RENDEZVOUS WITH GOD

PUBLISHER : BIG FOOT PUBLISHER



BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

When an alien falls for a nurse, the US president uses her to manipulate the alien in an effort to fulfill his lifelong dream of colonising planet Mars even as a dangerous alien race approaches Earth.

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH AMRUTA KANDURWAR

NEWS OF BOOKS 19:27


AUTHOR'S BIO :

Dr. Amruta Kandurwar (36), was born and brought up in Mumbai. She is currently practicing dentistry at her two clinics in Nagpur. She takes lectures for medical entrance test. She is a trained Kathak dancer.
Her love for reading books has inspired her to pen this debut story.
You can connect with the author at amruta.kandurwar@gmail.com

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

Society is divided into two groups, one which respects women and one which doesn’t. I am privileged to be a part of the former. I realized that we still have some set concepts about women, like they are intelligent, can become good professionals, get married at the right age, stay committed, balance work, home and kids, just be perfect. And when all this is achieved, it is called a perfect life. I was always curious of that particular woman, who likes to make her own way, who doesn’t believe one has to become a doctor or an engineer to find a good husband, who shows courage to voice her decisions, who falters, who makes mistakes, who crosses the line at times, who learns from her mistakes…who still believes in love. My protagonist Rhea is that woman. But at the same time, I wanted to talk about that man, who is again well educated, passionate about his career, had his share of experimenting with love and relationships and is now looking forward to settle in matrimony. He is committed, faithful and loves his wife. That’s Siddharth. That’s how the idea of writing their story came across my mind.

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

Writing the story was easy since I had lived with the story for more than three years, before I thought I should write it as a novel. But being a dentist and a mother of a then four year old, finding time was a big challenge.
About publishing, I was totally clueless. Me and my husband Dr. Sarang used to google for all possible information. We even tried sending out hard copies of the synopsis to publishing houses but seldom got a reply. We did receive a lot of calls for self publishing, but at that time I wanted my work to get selected by a publishing house and so we didn’t opt for that one.

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

As we were getting information about the publishing scene, we came to know that one needs a literary agency to start with. So we started looking for the same. The Book Bakers was in the top five agencies on a certain site. So we mailed our details to them.

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

I clearly remember the evening when Mr. Suhail Mathur called me to discuss about the book. He was the most genuine person I had ever come across. Usually the word agent scares us. But he was very fair in his work and showed great patience in guiding me through the entire process. He did find me a publisher in less than six months of our association and made me a part of his esteemed group of authors. The Book Bakers has helped me grow as a writer.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Well, that’s something difficult to put into words. I want to be widely read, of course, every author would love that, but more than that I want Rhea to be accepted and understood by the society. If I can achieve that, it would be a fulfilling moment for me.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Pretty soon, hopefully. I have started working on it. Trying a different style this time, so fingers crossed.
7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
I had once read a quote, “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
So keep writing. And if you need help you can always contact Mr. Suhail Mathur. He will be your mentor and lead you through.

BOOK NAME : LITTLE MISS MISFIT
PUBLISHER : BIGFOOT PUBLISHERS


BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :

Mom says “Since you don’t want to become a doctor,  at least do engineering”
She looks at her article in her school magazine, She is confused.
Siddharth says  “Love is for the teenagers. I like you and I want to marry you.”
She is confused.
Rohit says  “I know we both are committed but still I like you.”
She is confused.
Aditi says  “ If the friendship is platonic, it is not an extramarital affair”
He is confused.
Let’s look into the emotional journey of Rhea, Siddharth and Rohit ….each trying to find the meaning of love and commitment.


Friday, 28 December 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NIHARIKA JINDAL

NEWS OF BOOKS 19:09

AUTHOR'S BIO :

Niharika Jindal is a 26-year-old writer from Ahmedabad. After spending four years studying Psychology in Claremont McKenna College, California, she returned to India clueless about her next step. She started with a few stints in HR, during which she met her husband on an arranged coffee date, and it was love at first sight.
After many drives and dinner dates, Niharika is happily married. However, her fairy-tale was cut short when she developed a chronic back condition – which she has been battling ever since. Constantly pestered by family and friends to do something in order to take her mind off the pain, Niharika’s saving grace came in the form of reading, her favorite childhood pastime. She decided to give writing a shot. Penning Wake up, girl! has been the most pleasurable experience, and made her realize her true passion in life!
In her free time, Niharika can be found reading, listening to romantic songs, having cold coffee, shopping online, catching up with old friends, doing physiotherapy, and watching TV shows on repeat with her husband.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

The idea to write a book came to me at a point in my life when I was going through an extremely rough patch. I was mostly bed ridden, and on a lot of pain medications. The one thing that kept me happy and distracted through this period was a good story - be it in the form of books, TV shows, or movies. One fine day, the idea to write my own book got stuck in my head, and I began writing! It was a total spur of the moment decision.

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

In all honesty, once the story of my book was set in my mind, I didn’t face many issues. It wasn’t very hard for me to put it down on paper.
I  was always very clear that I wanted to go ahead with a literary agency, and so once I signed on with The Book Bakers, the process of getting published wasn’t difficultt at all.

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
 
I came to know about The Book Bakers through a friend.

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

The Book Bakers helped through every step of the publishing process. While the waiting game can get extremely frustarting, having The Book Bakers on my side just made the process easier and reassuring. The fact that they communicate and inform the author about each new development sets them apart.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

This is a tricky question. I guess I see literary success for myself by the number of readers I have.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Well, my next manuscript is already with The Book Bakers, so now it’s upto them to work their magic!

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

My message to aspiring authors would be to just be patient! The key is to not let the slow process of signing a contract and getting published get to you.

BOOK NAME : WAKE UP, GIRL! 

PUBLISHER : BLOOMSBURY INDIA

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

 You know your mother has always been very clear about getting you married at the right age, and now that you’re back, she wants to get the job done.
Naina is back from the US. After four years of living on her own. A natural rebel, she has had some fairly life-altering experiences which Mum and Dad would not approve of at all if they get to know. But will her spirit and her stand be enough to fight the forces of parental pressure and heckling aunties baying for her nuptials?
Back in the bosom of her conservative family, Naina cannot even begin to imagine the turn her life is going to take. It’s wedding season, ad she must now be married. Because every self-respecting upper-middle-class family in India does that, right? Marriage at the ‘right age’ to the ‘right family’…whether she likes it or not.
Naina’s worst nightmares are about to come true. What hits her within a week of being at home completely changes her world and her life as she embarks on a journey that will define her and provide her an education that only life can.
Ayaan, Rohan, Akshay, Shiven. Who will it be? Will she even have a shot at romance, being with someone she loves, irrespective of his caste, respectability or bank balance? She will have to summon all the chutzpah within to fight for herself. For her notions of love and living.
Will she succeed? Like a chrysalis unfolding, will Naina, too, emerge with her wings unscathed?


BOOK REVIEW : WAKE UP, GIRL !

NEWS OF BOOKS 18:51
BOOK NAME : WAKE UP, GIRL !

AUTHOR : NIHARIKA JINDAL

LITERARY AGENCY : THE BOOK BAKERS

PUBLISHER : BLOOMSBURY INDIA

BLURB :

You know your mother has always been very clear about getting you married at the right age, and now that you’re back, she wants to get the job done.
Naina is back from the US. After four years of living on her own. A natural rebel, she has had some fairly life-altering experiences which Mum and Dad would not approve of at all if they get to know. But will her spirit and her stand be enough to fight the forces of parental pressure and heckling aunties baying for her nuptials?
Back in the bosom of her conservative family, Naina cannot even begin to imagine the turn her life is going to take. It’s wedding season, ad she must now be married. Because every self-respecting upper-middle-class family in India does that, right? Marriage at the ‘right age’ to the ‘right family’…whether she likes it or not.
Naina’s worst nightmares are about to come true. What hits her within a week of being at home completely changes her world and her life as she embarks on a journey that will define her and provide her an education that only life can.
Ayaan, Rohan, Akshay, Shiven. Who will it be? Will she even have a shot at romance, being with someone she loves, irrespective of his caste, respectability or bank balance? She will have to summon all the chutzpah within to fight for herself. For her notions of love and living.
Will she succeed? Like a chrysalis unfolding, will Naina, too, emerge with her wings unscathed?

MY REVIEW :

"Wake up, girl!" by Niharika Jindal is a book that will inspire you. The blurb of the book makes it clear that it tells the story of the main protagonist, Naina's struggle. The title of the book is perfect as it encourages girls to wake up before it's too late. I also liked the beautifully designed cover that does full justice to the novel.
The book begins with Naina's struggle in Boston. Belonging to a typical Indian family, Naina finds living in Boston in her initial days there, very difficult. While she was returning to India for her holidays, she meets Ayaan, her mentor, at the airport and develops a friendly bond with him that later turns into a relationship. But one day, when Ayaan hears Naina talking  with her mother over the phone, he decides to leave her. Naina, under family pressure, is now obliged to meet boys of her parents' choice, forcing her to abandon the dreams she had for herself. This causes great turmoil in her life.
I recommend this book to everyone, irrespective of age groups. The language of the book is lucid, and the characterisations and narrative brilliant.
I loved reading 'Wake up, girl!'

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Niharika Jindal is a 26-year-old writer from Ahmedabad. After spending four years studying Psychology in Claremont McKenna College, California, she returned to India clueless about her next step. She started with a few stints in HR, during which she met her husband on an arranged coffee date, and it was love at first sight.
After many drives and dinner dates, Niharika is happily married. However, her fairy-tale was cut short when she developed a chronic back condition – which she has been battling ever since. Constantly pestered by family and friends to do something in order to take her mind off the pain, Niharika’s saving grace came in the form of reading, her favorite childhood pastime. She decided to give writing a shot. Penning Wake up, girl! has been the most pleasurable experience, and made her realize her true passion in life!
In her free time, Niharika can be found reading, listening to romantic songs, having cold coffee, shopping online, catching up with old friends, doing physiotherapy, and watching TV shows on repeat with her husband.

RATING : 5/5


BOOK REVIEW : UNTIL LOVE SETS US APART

NEWS OF BOOKS 18:48
BOOK NAME: UNTIL LOVE SETS US APART

AUTHOR : ADITYA NIGHHOT

LITERARY AGENCY: THE BOOK BAKERS

PUBLISHER : FINGERPRINT PUBLISHERS

BLURB :

Two brutal murders and the murderer is on a killing spree. Bloodshed is all over his mind and he spares almost no one. The police are on to their toes but can just expect for the worst outcome. Will they succeed in catching the murderer before he creates havoc in the city?
Inspired from real life incidents, the best romance book of the year award winning novel is all about friendship, hatred, lust, justice and emphasizes on true love.
Alok is a nerd can be the best of friends. Rohit, although aimless in life is amongst the girls’ favourite. Aisha, the eye candy of the college is a perfect example of beauty with brains. Kriti is shy and reserved but could be the girl a guy would actually love to date. Neha can be a guy’s best friend or a worst nightmare.
What if their predictable lives come down like a house of cards? Would they still stand upright? Would they fight back or get lost into a void of pain?

MY REVIEW :

Have you ever read a book that you did not want to put down?
If the answer is no, then read UNTIL LOVE SETS US APART by Aditya Nighhot, a medical student, currently pursuing MBBS from one of the premier medical colleges of India.
The first thing one notices is the attractive and novel cover of the book. The blurb, the title, and the cover create an impression in your mind about the book, but the plot of the story, which is about four friends that later, after a trip to Goa, become a group of six, is nothing like you could have ever imagined.
This book is sure to take you down memory lane of your college days. The author has portrayed the characters, incidents quite beautifully, and the narrative is simply brilliant.
The book tells us the story of the friendship between Rohit and Alok. It also tells us the story of how love blossoms between Rohit and Aisha, how they both overcome the obstacles of parental opposition, etc, and just when they are set for marriage, an ordinary day, meant for shopping, turns their life upside down and spirals it out of control  
The unexpected turns, changed situations, and how happiness turns into disaster will shock you. The book promises to take you through a range of emotions to make you laugh, cry, feel angry, and be shocked- all at the same time, which makes it perfect material for a Bollywood blockbuster.
In one word, the book is UNPUTDOWNABLE!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Aditya, aged 21 is a medical student, pursuing MBBS from one of the finest medical colleges of India. He is the bestselling author of the Romance-Thriller Novel ‘In the Blink of An Eye’ – now to re-release under Fingerprint Publishers. The book won the Best Romance Book of the Year Award and was the number one bestseller on Pustakmandi.com and amongst the top 50 bestselling novels on Amazon for a long time.
Aditya’s debut novel U n Me…It’s Complicated!!! was originally written as a hobby with limited copies printed for friends, family, and a few close readers. But, the positive reviews he received encouraged him to write another novel. He is currently working on his next.
He is also a screenwriter, a professional photographer, an avid reader and is fond of music. As a twenty-one-year-old student, he feels that he can connect to the emotions of the youth and tries to express the same through his books.
Aditya enjoys interacting with his readers via his book and social media and always responds promptly. Connect with him on social media networks.
Instagram: @adityanighhot

RATING : 5/5



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