Prakash Vir Sharma's Blog, page 6

My interview with Kay MacLeod

http://kaymacleodbooks.com/interview-...

Author's Interview at book goodies

BG : What inspires you to write?
PVS : I get inspiration from real life situations. That's it.

BG : Tell us about your writing process.
My thought process starts when I am all alone in a train journey to distant place or stay there in any hotel. I often sit at river bank and draft roughly.
I started writing for news papers in the year 1990. I am now collecting and publishing.
Thanks a lot to self publishing plateforms.

BG : Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
PVS : I observe a condition to make a plot for my story, then I put myself in leading character and analyze various issues, write on a rough paper what happened in real life and what could be better in the same situation. It gives me a solid idea to draft the story.
As I have published two short story books so far, I think a social story must contain a solid message to society for betterment of whole community, while a love story needs effective dialogue delivery.

BG : What advice would you give other writers?
PVS : For aspiring authors I would like to suggest to connect with people on social media and It's easy to get words of mouth there.

BG : How did you decide how to publish your books?
PVS : I searched on Google and come to know about self publishing options which are less expensive and transparent too.
It's better option rather to rush behind traditional publishers.

BG : My suggestion for new authors is of self publishing and marketing through various online platforms like Kindle, kobo etc.

BG : What do you think about the future of book publishing?
PVS : The future of self publishing is bright because it costs less to author and so to the readers too.
I have tried many traditional publisher but feel cheated considering their packages.

BG : What genres do you write?
PVS : Literary Fiction, Self-help, Novel,

BG : What formats are your books in?PVS : Both eBook and Print.

Link to this interview

https://bookgoodies.com/interview-wit...

Author's interview on BRM

Featured Interview With Prakash Vir Sharma on BRM

BRM : Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
PVS : Born in a remote Indian village in 1973, I am presently living in Kolkata with my family.
I don’t have any pet but feeding to birds in the morning is my hobby and a routine.

BRM : At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
PVS : I was fascinate about reading inspirational stories and novel. As I grown, I felt that I can write for the society. I started writing in 1990 with some regional news papers.
My first co-authored book published in 2016.

BRM : Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
PVS : My favourite authors are great Indian authors, freedom fighters. I inspired by Rhonda Byrne’s “The Secret” and of course my wife inspired me to shape my thoughts in the form of books.

BRM : Tell us a little about your latest book?
PVS : My recent book “Life In Shackles” contains 14 short stories on social issues. It’s all about the plight of Indian women in our society. How she has been treated just like a commodity, I tried to elaborate her ordeal in this book.

Full on following link -
http://bookreadermagazine.com/feature...

Author's QA at goodreads

GR : What books are on your summer reading list this year?

PVS : Sorry, no plan for reading as of now because I want to continue writing the manuscript of my next book "उठ जाग मुसाफिर भोर भई"


GR : What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?

PVS : My struggle during my career while handling political situations at work place always inspired me. What a mystery greater than the people around you who use you for their own benefits and you can't recognize their misdeeds because they show themselves as your wellwishers and loyal to you.


GR : Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

PVS : Idea of my recent book "कठपुतली" is driven from current socio-political and relegious issues of my beloved country "India".
Further, I have written "Life In Shackles" to participate in Kindle StorytellerUK2017 award and I am happy to say that this book was on top on the basis of customer reviews, also featured in top 100 during first round of the competition. Everyday, it is being sold or read on Kindle's KENP or KOLL. This book is about the plight of Indian women and their ordeal.


GR : How do you get inspired to write?

PVS : As I have started writing articles for various news papers in 1990, self publishing given wings to my dream of being an author. My thought process starts when I am all alone and thinking on social evils.


GR : What are you currently working on?

PVS : Currently I am busy on manuscript of my upcoming books "उठ जाग मुसाफिर भोर भई" (a self help and motivational book) and "उपवन" (a poetry book).


GR : What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

PVS : Success is never ending and failure is never final.


GR : What’s the best thing about being a writer?

PVS : Being an author is a better way to convey my own thoughts to community.


GR : How do you deal with writer’s block?

PVS : To deal with writer's block, I spent more time with my family, friends and colleagues, sometimes I prefer to go on tour and spend my time on social media to recharge myself with afresh ideas.
Life in Shackles

Author's Interview

A social worker who has stories to tell. Meet Prakash Vir Sharma…


JR: Tell us about yourself, and how would you describe yourself?

PVS: Born in Moradabad (India) in 1973, I am presently living in Kolkata, ‘the City of Joy’ , with my wife, son and daughter. I would describe myself as easy going, friendly and passionate for writing since my college life (1990) . My childhood was very strange, I grew up in two remote villages, no TV, newspaper, movies or even radio. It did give me a unique view on storytelling.


JR: When did you first realise you want to be a writer? Who spotted that talent and what was the first thing you do knowing that?

PVS: I came in touch with Late. Hari Singh Nirbhay, the owner and chief editor of a weekly newspaper “Shrambheri” in 1991. I was given regular space in his group publications. I then started to send my articles to various newspapers and got published in various states. Thus, I totally immersed myself in print media during my graduation. I have written hundreds of articles in various regional and national newspapers.


JR: Do you have any formal education in creative writing? Do you think formal education in writing is necessary?

PVS: Writing needs good command over language. I don’t think any formal education is necessary in creative writing. Since 2014, I am reading, learning and writing on Facebook. I’ve learned a lot about different aspects of the craft of writing from following the conversations on various social platforms. I believe everyone has a book inside them if they want to write one. However, for cartoons etc, one need to undergo a professional course and/ or training.


JR: Are you a full-time author? Do you have other activities as main source of income? How do you organise your schedule and time in writing a book?

PVS: My writing has only most recently turned into a potential full time job when I got an idea of self publishing. I have been writing forever, but only as a hobby. I would like to tell my readers that all of my books are written during my journeys to distant places, my stay in various cities in India. So far there are my two self published books “Kathputli” and “Life In Shackles”. Professionally, I am working as Senior Manager with India’s leading Steel company. Apart from that, I am an educationist and social thinker. I usually give 2 – 4 hours daily for my reading and writing.


JR: What made you decide to start writing something? What or who influences you?

PVS: As a social worker, I have seen people’s struggle for life, I have seen many committing suicide and at the same time many touched new heights of their career. I usually analyze various situations of life to decide what message I have to give to the society on a specific issue, and it gives me idea of writing. Further, my hobby of reading provides thoughts to my own mind. I can’t tell you how many stories I started and never finished. I have two incomplete novels, two motivational books, one poetry book, one book on current issues. There were too many ideas flooding into my brain for me to concentrate too heavily on any one. As of now, I don’t know how much I will successfully come up with.


JR: What is the greatest lesson you have learned and/or greatest achievement you have reached as a writer?

PVS: I started self publishing from an Indian platform in March 2017. Last month my second book “Life In Shackles” reached on top of Storyteller UK 2017 contest. I have author pages on goodreads.com, amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, its all what I have achieved within a short span of time. My book is in top 30k books on Kindle bestsellers. I would like to share my experience with aspiring authors that don’t rush to publishers, start with self publishing and POD.


JR: Do you have habits in writing? Any specific time and/or place to write?

PVS: I am not habitual in writing but definitely I am passionate about writing. The most of my write ups is written during trains, sitting on river banks and in hotel rooms where I stayed during long journeys. I use table only to shape my thoughts in the form of book.


JR: How long do you normally finish writing a book? What is the hardest part in the process?

PVS: I am writing since 1990. There are drafts of my thoughts, stories, novels, articles. That’s why I need 4 to 6 months to come up with a new book till the stock lasts. Still I have around 6 books in hand, which will be published soon.


JR: Do you have professional editors to furnish your books? If you do, any recommendation you would like to share to fellow authors?

PVS: I do not have any professional editor. I write the dialogues myself. I use various styles to make my work interesting and simple to understand by everyone. Foe better editing, I would suggest to read the work repeatedly. I simply follow Smashwords style guide or Createspace formatting guidelines.


JR: How do you think you have evolved creatively?

PVS: Playing with words is my hobby. I change my style of writing in every story, sometimes it seems like a novel and sometimes it’s just like a memoir. It works because the readers don’t feel bored like in case of a fixed storyline.


JR: Do you ever face Writer’s Block? If you do, how did you overcome the situation?

PVS: No one is exception. Writer’s block is a natural phenomena. When I feel a situation like this, I stop writing and use to go on a tour, sometimes I get myself fresh on social media, that is an ocean of thoughts. Though, it is better to take a break and to spend some quality time with family members, colleagues and to enjoy get together.


JR: Do you have professional designer to design the cover and/or interior of your books? If you do, any recommendation you would like to share to fellow authors?

PVS: Yes, I take professional services of my best friend Mr Basant Goswami, and that too free of cost. However, I discuss the theme with my family members and facebook friends. ”First impression is the last impression” – hence it is advisable to have an appealing book cover.

JR: How do you involve in promoting your books? Any marketing technique you can share?

PVS: I promote my books myself through social media, my blog and author pages at goodreads and various amazon author pages. Hard work is the key to success, you just type my name in google and see the magic of hard work I am doing. LOL


JR: Give your thoughts about traditional publishing Vs. self-publishing?

PVS: I am in favour of self-publishing because it doesn’t need piled up inventory and huge investment.


JR: How many books have you written (published and non-published)?

PVS: I have co-authored two books (Mahakate Panne and Pratibimb), two of my books are published independently (Kathputli and Life In Shackles), at present I am simultaneously working on two books (Uth Jaag Musafir Bhor Bhai and Upvan), still there are 4 – 5 books as rough draft.


JR: What genre that you normally write, and what draws you to this genre? Do you always write in the same genre?

PVS: I love to write analytical articles on social and political issues to create awareness in general public. But I write poems, stories, self-help, motivational topics too and sharing my own experiences is my hobby.


JR: Of all the books that you have written down, which book that you think the best one? And what do you think readers will find most appealing about this book? What’s the “real story” behind this book?

PVS: It depends. Success needs multidimensional approach. One need an appropriate cocktail of advertising and promotion. Only writing and publishing is not enough. However, getting words of mouth is not an easy job, yet my first book made its presence from social media to print media. My second independent and self published work “Life in Shackles” is featured in StorytellerUK2017 International Contest.


JR: Any other works in progress?

PVS: Yes, there are two books, I am working upon. I am sure that my inspirational, motivational and self help book will be available in first half of 2018.


JR: What advice would you want to give to an aspiring writer?

PVS: My advice is not to stop writing in any circumstance. Doesn’t matter whether you will find a publisher or not. Lot of options are there now a days. Put your best efforts in every book, definitely you will be a bestseller one day.


JR: How can readers discover more about you and your works?

PVS: Readers may reach me through google search, through goodreads and amazon author pages, facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Google plus, wordpress, or through e-mail : prakash2484@gmail.com

Life in Shackles

किसान आंदोलन - 1

जब मैं किसानों के प्रति सरकार की उदासीनता, किसानों द्वारा आत्महत्या, किसानों के पास खाने भर का अनाज न उतपन्न होने जैसी समस्याओं को पढ़ता और सुनता हूँ तो लगता है कि या तो बिग बाजार, स्पेंसर, रिलायंस फ्रेश आदि में बिकने वाले दाल, सब्जी, मसाले और फल नकली हैं या फिर किसी किसान के खेत से चुराकर लाये गए हैं।

भैया ! लोग चाहते हैं कि सारा ज्ञान एक पोस्ट या कमेंट में ही मिल जाये। अगर ये सम्भव होता तो इतने कोर्स और किताबों की क्या जरूरत थी?
"प्रोडक्टिव और नॉन-प्रोडक्टिव लोन" अपने आप में विस्तृत और गहन अध्ययन का विषय है।
"बिगड़ने में कम समय लगता है और सुधरने में ज्यादा" यानि बिगड़ते हुए 70 साल हो गए तो सुधार कितना समय लेगा, इसकी कल्पना किये बिना ही तत्काल वांछित लाभ के लिए हिंसक आंदोलन को किसान के नाम पर जायज ठहराया जा रहा है।

आप समझना ही नहीं चाहते कि आरक्षण, गरीबी, किसानों, मजदूरों का नेतृत्व करते करते लोग राजनेता बनकर मलाई काट रहे हैं और आप आज भी उन समस्याओं से घिरे हुए हैं फिर भी राजनीति की वकालत कर रहे हैं। पहले विश्वसनीय नेतृत्व लाइए तब आंदोलन और राजनीती की सोचिये।

एक होता है livlihood
दूसरा profit

एक है सीमित संसाधनों का समुचित उपयोग
दूसरा असीमित विकल्पों का अनुचित उपभोग

एक है संघर्ष
दूसरा षड्यंत्र

ऐसी बहुत सी चीजें हैं जिनमे हम सब अपनी मति अनुसार सेलेक्टिव होकर अर्थ का अनर्थ करने लगते हैं।
सरकार को चाहिए कि सारे आंदोलनकारी किसानों को घेरकर उनके घरवालों से जमीन के कागजात मंगाकर चेक करें कि कौन किसान है, कौन नौटँकीबाज?
कौन आजीविका चलाने वाला किसान है और कौन व्यापार करने वाला?
कौन जरूरतमंद है और कौन मलाई मारने वाला?

ए सी में बैठने वालों को गरियाना शगल बन चुका है। लोग ये समझने को तैयार नहीं है कि आंकड़े कहाँ से आते हैं, एनालिसिस कौन करता है, प्रोपोजल कौन बनाता है और नीति कौन बनाता है !
क्यों न उन सबकी भी जन्मकुंडली खंगाली जाये जिन किसानों ने अपने बहू, बेटे, बेटियां नकल कराकर पास कराए, फिर आशा, शिक्षामित्र, लेखपाल, प्रधान और ग्राम विकास अधिकारी बनाने के लिए जमीन बेचकर, महाजन से कर्ज लेकर रिश्वत दी। आज ये लोग घर बैठे वोटर लिस्ट, जनसंख्या, कृषि संबंधी आंकड़े सरकार को भेजते हैं। इन्ही धरतीपुत्रों की वजह से फसल मुआवजा 5 रूपये का चेक मिलता है और मरे हुए लोग वोटर लिस्ट में रह जाते हैं, जीवित व्यक्ति गायब रहते हैं।

मैं तो इस निष्कर्ष पर पहुंचा कि कांग्रेस राज "रामराज्य" था, कहीं कोई समस्या नहीं थी, बड़ी समस्याएं इमरजेंसी लगाकर सुलझाई जाती थीं और छोटी मोटी आतंकवादियों और घोटालों द्वारा !
भाई ! अगली बार कोई सरकार नहीं चुननी, जादूगर चुनना है।

यहां इस देश में टेबलेट (कड़वी दवाई की गोली) नहीं बुलेट (बंदूक की गोली) ही चाहिए क्योंकि अगर आप हिंसक है तो लोकतांत्रिक सरकार से गांधीगिरी की अपेक्षा अनुचित है।

सभी राज्य और केंद्र सरकार को इस्तीफा देना चाहिए ताकि किसान सेल्फ हेल्प ग्रुप बनाकर कोऑपरेटिव स्टोर्स चला सकें। मनमाने दाम पर बेच सकें ताकि कलुआ का गेहूं भूरे 100 रूपये किलो खरीदे और भूरे का चावल कलुआ 150 रूपये किलो ! अपना क्या है अपुन तो धनिया, मिर्च, टमाटर, आलू, पपीता, केला, गेहूं, धान अपने खेत में और लौकी, तौरी, करेला अपने बूंगे या बिटौड़े पर उगा लेंगे। पापड़, सिंवई, बड़ी तो चारपाई पर भी सुखाये जा सकते हैं।Prakash Vir Sharma

A Gift for all

Dear friends/readers and fellow author's at goodreads and Amazon !
On 17th June'17, being my 22nd marriage anniversary, I am very happy to gift you my previous works "Kathputli" and "Life In Shackles". Kathputli is in Hindi Language while Life In Shackles is written in English. Both books have 14 short stories on various social issues in Indian context. There are 9 stories which are same in both the books. As of now, both books are in their updated version. Paperback is available at price but Kindle edition will be free on that day.
In exchange, I would like to request you write a review on that particular website of Amazon where from you will download it and it would be more beneficial for me if you write the same review here on goodreads too.
May God bless you all !!

With warm regards

Prakash Vir SharmaPrakash Vir Sharma

Being an author is really a tough task

What happens when someone writes a book, usually he gets rejection letters of renowned publishers until unless he doesn't want to pay a hefty amount for publishing. If you spend, they will make you bestseller within a fortnight.

Then, the author goes for self publishing. Publishing is not an issue but the marketing is. "Words of mouth" is a great strategy. In my case, I distributed approx 200 free copies of my first independent work "Kathputli" and asked my facebook friends to read it and write a post or to make the cover page their profile pic for few days. To my surprise, hardly 20 friends came forward, online 4-5 posted reviews on goodreads, only 6-7 friends posted on Facebook, only 20 made their profile pic out of those max changed it that evening itself.

I started adopting some more strategies and Kathputli was a news in print media. I am of the opinion that in India people don't care for a free gift, don't try to understand author's ordeal. They want Hindi to grow but never get bothered to recognize author's efforts. I don't know what treatment an author gets in European countries but being a Hindi author is just like to finish the dream.

"How I got ISBN for "Kathputli" .... In next blog.
Thank you all for reading me.

Interview with Prakash Vir Sharma

What are you working on next?
My next book will be "उठ जाग मुसाफिर भोर भई"
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
With my family, friends and on job.
What is your writing process?
Collecting the facts and analysising without any prejudice.
What's the story behind your latest book?
There are 11 stories on various social issues to ignite hunger for one's thought process.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I usually search them on net through key words, tags.
What do your fans mean to you?
I love my fans since they are inspiration for me. They are always there to motivate me with their valuable suggestions.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
To donate some time for humanity and to thank the nature to provide me an opportunity to live peacefully in her lap.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
मजबूरी
How do you approach cover design?
It is designed by my best friend Basant Goswami, who is a professional designer.
Who are your favorite authors?
Rhonda Byrne
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Android phone
When did you first start writing?
I started writing on current affairs in some daily an weekly Hindi newspapers during my graduation in 1991.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I am from a very small family with high moral values but lacking on resources. I was passionate for being independent earner to support my father. I have meet more than lacs of people, seen their way of working and finally reached at the point that to be successful in life one should enhance his/her interpretation skills, develop own logic on the daily life situations. It's the only thing which is essential to become a star, a catalyst for others. I love to read experiences of others, their philosophy and evaluate people around me on my own psychological scale.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I have seen lot of people playing with emotions of others. The players always enjoy the game but the ball always faces a hit. It is pain ful for me to see them in such worst conditions which they can avert if they are knowledgeable enough and capable to face the challenges.
The stories are all about that and based on my deep thinking.
Published 2017-02-18 on smashwords.com