Preethi Venugopala's Blog, page 33

On Writing: Zeenat Mahal and Jazz Singh

Today on 'On Writing', we have the talented duo Zeenat Mahal and Jazz Singh, talking about their book 'Twice Upon a Time'.

A brief bio of my guests:
Zeenat Mahal was born in Lahore, Pakistan. She has published three novellas, and a short story with Indireads: Haveli, The Contract, She Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, The Walled City and The Accidental Fiancee. All of her books were in the TOP 100 BEST SELLING titles on Amazon, and two of them are still in the TOP 10 BEST SELLING titles. She Loves Me He Loves Me Not reached number 1 on Amazon Asia bestsellers. Her books were covered by Kitaab International, Bravebird Publishing LLC, Dear Author, The Sunday Observer, Readomania, and many bloggers and newspapers. She was also interviewed by the BBC and Sunday Observer Srilanka, among others. Her short stories have appeared in on-line literary magazines like Running out of Ink and The Missing Slate. Zeenat has a creative writing degree from London, and when she isn't writing, she's reading.
Click here to buy her books 

FOLLOW ZEENAT MAHAL: WEBSITE  AMAZON   FACEBOOK LINKEDIN GOODREADS




Jazz Singh who lives in Delhi, India, started out by working in the fashion industry and ended up in media. Always a reader, a hidden desire to write resulted in her becoming a published author. Her stories are simply told and set in the milieu she is familiar with. Click here to buy her books


FOLLOW JAZZ  SINGH: TWITTER AMAZON GOODREADS 
Welcome to ‘On Writing’ Zeenat Mahal and Jazz Singh!

JAZZ & ZEENAT: Thank you for hosting us. Happy to be here.

Both of you write under a pen name. Is there any reason behind that?

JAZZ: Well, I was looking for a name that would have recall. I figured Jazz is as jazzy as it gets! Initially, there was no intention of hiding behind it, but then I began to enjoy the anonymity. And I quite like it that way now.
ZEENAT: Lol. Mine was simply that I write more than one genre and readers tend to associate a certain kind of story with an author and if you, as a writer want to expand your oeuvre and write something different, they get disappointed because it’s not what they expect you to write. Look at it this way: Readers are ‘consumers’ and you can’t falsely advertise your ‘brand’ and expect them to stay loyal to it.
Do tell us about your writing journey.

JAZZ: Adiana Ray (Rapid Fall) introduced me to Naheed Hassan at Indireads who was looking for writers in the genre. Once I started writing, there was no stopping me. I fell in love with the whole process and find it’s something I enjoy immensely. My first two Only a Dream and Against All Odds are published online by Indireads.
ZEENAT: Well, it began with an old friend of mine writing to me about Indireads and how she remembered me scribbling away my first novel in school. So I wrote to Indireads with a sample of HAVELI and Naheed liked it very much. She published Haveli and The Contract in 2012. I was doing my MFA in creative writing when the two novellas were e-published.
Describe the differences in your styles of writing? I would like if you analyze each other’s style.

JAZZ: Zeenat has a more serious approach. She puts in so many details that I feel I should too in my stories. Her characters are more nuanced, her stories have many layers and there’s a nice balance between her plot and characters. Also, intentionally or unintentionally, her work is rich with social content.
ZEENAT: That sounds really wonderful, thank you Jazz. I actually always thought of Jazz as being a writer with a purpose. All her books so far have been about latent social issues. Class distinction, betrayal and forgiveness, and now Sunshine Girl in Twice Upon a Time is about materialism versus idealism. Jazz’s heroines are very modern, strong and independent women. Her heroes are practical and pragmatic. I’m a huge fan because she writes about everyday romance without frills and rainbows. That’s a difficult thing to do.
Why did you choose to compile two novellas in one book? What makes Twice upon a Time special?

JAZZ: We’d been chatting and Zeenat mooted the idea. I thought it was great. We both write furiously and love the whole process of writing and developing our stories and discussing each other’s work. This seemed like a natural progression and was born of those interactions. We decided individually which of our stories to put out there. Quite by coincidence, it turned out that both novellas are about orphans, but that’s not why we put them together in one book.Twice upon a Time is special because it’s a labor of love! Both the stories are kinda cute if you ask me.ZEENAT: They most certainly are! Jazz and I are both novices at self-publishing. This is our version of holding hands and jumping into unknown waters. Lol.

What kind of a writer are you? Do you plot the entire novel/story or make it up as you write?

JAZZ: I write around a theme and build the story around a central idea. Everything else comes after – the plot, the character, the setting…. Only a Dream was about betrayal, Against all Odds was about class divide.In Twice upon a Time Aanya is an orphan. So then I asked myself: how did she get orphaned, how does she earn a living, where does she live, why and where does she meet Gaurav, what brings him back to her time and again. Her character and his, too, developed from the dialogue that I had no control over. The conversation between them took a life of its own.ZEENAT: It’s always characters with me. Sometimes it begins with a conversation between two characters and I just start writing as they talk and then one thing leads to another. Sometimes it’s one character, and her/his thoughts and feelings that just come pouring out, like with Fardeen, in She Loves Me He Loves Me Not. It was his anger and feelings of bitterness after his accident that got me started on that story. With Yours Truly, in Twice Upon a Time , it was Zoya and Sheru’s confused feelings for each other.
Do you have a favorite place to write or a scheduled time to write every day?

JAZZ: No, not at all. I don’t have a particular spot or time for writing. I write when I get time. That can be any time and any place at home. By and large, it’s in the evening after I get home from work when dinner etc is done. When most people watch TV, I write.ZEENAT: Sigh! I wish. My home is overrun by a six-year-old. He finds me everywhere, any time, any place. I try and get as much done as I can while he’s in school, which sounds easy doesn’t it? It’s not. Writing is a hard business and you need to be disciplined.

Apart from writing, what are your other passions?

JAZZ: Reading. Meeting friends. Travelling.ZEENAT: I love cooking, travelling and entertaining friends and family at home.
Do share a favorite quote from your respective novellas.

An excerpt from TWICE UPON A TIME: Sunshine Girl by Jazz Singh, when Gaurav and Aanya meet for the first time.She looked delighted at what she perceived to be a compliment but said woefully, ‘No, not a child anymore I’m afraid. I’m eighteen, almost nineteen. She squared her shoulders with pride. ‘I’m an adult now. That’s why I had to leave the orphanage.’He groaned inwardly. A child. She may have turned eighteen and be deemed an adult officially, but she lacked the maturity for a business proposition. He was dealing with a child and she had stalled his project.


Twice Upon A Time: Yours Truly by Zeenat Mahal
‘You are not leaving me here all alone, Agha!’ Zoya exclaimed, wide brown eyes reflecting her disappointment. Shehryar squinted against the afternoon sun. He needed to get back to his latest adventures which hinged on being seduced by the pretty girl next door and Zoya was being a pest as usual, hogging up his time. ‘Leaving you alone?’ he asked irritably.  ‘What are Baba and Moor Jan then? Decoration? I’d rather you leave me alone, though, Bambi? And while you’re at it, make it a habit will you?’


Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?

JAZZ: I can’t really answer that. But I’d say: never say never. There are some subjects that are easier than others, some that one enjoys reading and writing about, versus others that one ignores. Who knows when a mindset changes?

Zeenat: Ditto. Can’t add to perfection.
How important is marketing for the success of a book?

JAZZ: Vital. Unfortunately. It’s a pity that writers now have to be so involved with marketing their books, because most writers I know – genuine writers – would prefer to get on with what they love to do viz write and leave the marketing to those who have an aptitude and inclination for it. Some people are naturals at marketing and I’ve come to envy them.

ZEENAT: I totally agree with Jazz. Marketing is very important and how you do it even more so. I love to interact with people online. The best part for me is talking with my readers and fellow writers. I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful writers just celebrating each other and our love of reading and writing. It’s like a big support group and we tweet about each other’s books, and interviews and so on. I think that’s a sort of marketing too without having to virtually bludgeon people about our books.
What is different about your books?
JAZZ: I write romance. So there’s nothing different about that. My stories are about the world as I know it. This means there are more characters in them than most in the romance genre would have. My books are populated with interfering friends and family. This is typically the Indian way and my books are set very firmly in this milieu. Also, my stories have an urban flavor with the concerns and the attitude to life that working women have.
ZEENAT: I write sweet romance. I write what I would like to read, so my books are about Pakistani families, boys and girls falling in love forever after; Lahore; our wonderfully rich and diverse culture, our problems, our laughter, our idiosyncrasies, our history, and loads and loads of romance. Also, I like feisty, strong female leads and male leads who are tough enough to fall in love with intelligent independent women.
What are the three tips you have for readers aspiring writers?JAZZ:  1) Write  2) Just write  3) Go on, just write
ZEENAT: That advice is pure gold. Follow it. Read books on writing. It helps, and I tweet a lot about the books that have helped me and other writing advice. Last, edit with a cold heart.
 Thank you, Jazz and Zeenat. That was quite interesting. Wishing you both success in all your future endeavors.

Thank you so much Preethi for having us!
I am sure, dear reader, you wish to grab their book now.Get it here: CLICK HERE to BUY
That is all for now folks!
Until next post,

Newbie Corner: Saranya Iyer

Today on Newbie Corner we have the adorable and talented author Saranya Iyer who shares my love for Jane Austen.Let us learn more about her through this chat.
Welcome to Newbie Corner Saranya!
Follow her:   Twitter    Facebook
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing?
I am an avid reader and have to read anything before going to bed. Else, my head starts to spin. But I don’t like signing up for a challenge saying 30 books to complete in a month, book marathon etc because for 2 reasons. I am a very slow reader. Secondly I love to relish what I am reading and not run to finish it soon like I am in some race.  I am learning to write creatively in my each post and love the landscape it offers while on my journey. I worked with MNCs for few years and quit to engage myself in my passion called Teaching. And I am loving every bit of it. I am currently an academic tutor and Spanish trainer.
How did I begin writing? Hmm, it was early and the sun had not long risen, but the sea was glassy and the sky was blue. The birds whispered to me and voices inside my head grew heavier and heavier till it reached my fingers. The impatient fingers started typing and there the journey began. Whatever I said did not happen at all. Jokes apart, I love to write poems and often play with Tamil words to form a meaningful verse. I used to read it to my family and friends. They appreciated my words and their pat acted as a motivational force. Then running behind the career happened. Everybody ran so I also did the same. Then the MBA days came. I kept a journal beside me to note down each and every aspect. The expressive writing paved the way to pour out the feelings and emotions that I went through in that two years. Then the blog bug hit me. I used to write whenever I can and loved the way it acted as an outlet to my thoughts. Seriously it was a stress reliever in those days when we breathed presentations, walked case studies, and laughed assignments. As I was an Editorial committee head, I had to churn out creative exercises using words. The name in the college magazine brought in a whiff of creative air that still envelops me and I am tightly holding on to it. Then a casual chat with my friend and partner in a content writing firm developed into my first book ‘Plantain Leaf- tales of south India’ . Following that, I never turned back. Being a member of Jane Austen book society, I got an opportunity to write on Pride and Prejudice (my favorite book which I can read n number of times and still can never get bored) in the magazine ‘ Timeless Austen’ written and compiled for her 238th birth anniversary.
“ Writing is like an art. As you find your soul in the curves of the sketches and loveliness and subtleties of the colors in the canvas, you find your soul in the deepest meanings of words”
I write poems, Drama and Tragedy, period fiction though I am learning to write non–fiction and humor. I love reading different genres as it gives a perspective to hone your writing skills.  In my first book ‘ Plantain Leaf – stories from South India’, I had written a romantic saga which mixes an element of tragedy but In my second book ‘ A little chorus of love’, the story is a period fiction and tells us about the situation in that period.


Who inspires you most and to whom would you dedicate your creative growth?
It is one and only Jane Austen. She is the top of the mind recall. I still recall those days where I used to read Emma and Pride and Prejudice under the covers holding the torch light in the dead night when only ghosts and monsters met and had a party. I kept the Jane’s books below the subject book to pretend that I was studying when the parental units went past my study table. Whom did I kid then? But Jane Austen’s works have kindled my passion towards literature and classics. It made me understand that writing about human nature, which is often covered in the literature, requires thorough homework and research. She is the one who shaped my writing skills and increased the quality of my writing.
What kind of a writer are you? Do you plot the entire novel/story or make it up as you write? In the beginning, I used to follow the structure. I would write an outline about my story and shape my characters, plot, conflict, and end. That worked for me. But one story I wrote which has appeared in my published work did not follow the routine. The kink in the routine made it more creative and each day appeared to me as a surprise when I formed a different angle to the story. So I have been in both the worlds and each of them has thrown benefits to my storyline.
Do you have a favorite place to write or a scheduled time to write every day?
Have you seen the latest Nescafe commercial? “Woh Roz subah Coffee lagana aur lag jana.” Like that, I don’t follow any routine. When Ideas come, I have to note it down and that comes as a blog post or Facebook post or a full -fledged story. The day job which is currently earning me the bread, cosmetics, clothes, pizzas, etc. do not give me proper time to organize and follow the schedule. I get more ideas during night or wee hours of the morning. I can write anywhere ranging from rickshaws (I get most of the ideas during traveling in a rick), office corridors, weddings, dance class etc. I love the way bloggers maintain a scheduled time for writing and I am trying to adopt that culture. Wish me good luck.
Who are your favorite authors and what is the genre that you like reading most?
There are many authors who have influenced my writing skills. Among foreign authors and poets, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, William Wordsworth, W.B. Yeats, Paulo Coelho, Charlotte Bronte, Oscar Wilde and Harper Lee. Among Indian authors and poets, the list would be Arundhati Roy, Chitra Divakaruni, Anuja Chauhan, Indu Sundaresan and Jayashree Mishra. I will always go for Psychological thrillers and mystery when it comes to selecting a genre. But not always one would want to read the same genre so I love reading classics doused with drama and romance, poetic saga, and fiction that revolves around travel.   

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Seriously, speaking I don’t know what am I going to wear or eat after 2 days so 10 years is very long time to visualize. But there are dreams and aspirations which cloud our mind which we want to attain in few years. So let me quote mine:
a) I see myself teaching in a college in next 5 yearsb) In next 10 years, I would be writing for a larger audience as I wish to be a columnist in some national daily.c) I would have read many books and would be making to read list.d) I see myself traveling to many new places in and outside the country.e) And last but not the least (as this one would be taking a priority) I see myself running behind a tiny attractive human in order to get her/his homework done.

 Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?
I would never write about lies. Who would write a lie? You may ask but lie comes in various forms. A simple one is; say if you want to endorse a fairness cream in some website and they want you to write a blog or write up to endorse their product. Then I don’t think I will be game for it.
How much important do you think marketing is for the success of a book?Writing a book consumes your heart and soul so taking the book to the right audience is essential in order to give respect to your writing. Marketing one’s book is very important and necessary as it is a large and competitive market. So more the visibility, more it would act in favor of one’s book. And moreover, a number of reviews and feedbacks raises the morale and acts as a motivational force for every writer.

What is the message that you want to convey to the readers through your writing?
I like writing about human nature and sensitive issues that connect human beings. So emotions and the subtle nuances of those emotions are very important to me. So after I write anything, I read it myself before pressing that publish button. I want to make sure that as a reader does it make sense to me, does it reach my heart and does it strike the right chord with me. I believe every emotion can tell us so many tales. So listen to them, assimilate them and embrace the emotion. I don’t believe in writing over-optimistic posts like we can be happy all time irrespective of what we are going through. Life can never be like that and it is impossible to have that notion towards life. As music has Arohanam and Avarohanam (ascent and descent), our life too has ups and downs, and so is the case with feelings. And in order to become strong, we need to face the feelings that we are going through and act upon it. So the readers should feel that and I try my very best that my intangible voice in writing reaches them.
Thank You Saranya! That was so interesting. Wishing you the very best for your future endeavors.
Buy her books here: Amazon.in amazon.in
Amazon.in

That is all for now folks!
Until next post,

Newbie Corner: Niranjan Navalgund

Today on Newbie Corner we have the chess champion and author Niranjan Navalgund. An interesting combo, right? Come, let us learn more about him.Welcome to Newbie Corner Niranjan! Follow him: Facebook     Twitter      Chess Blog    Fiction Blog
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing?
 Greetings to you and the readers of Tulips and Me! I’m Navalgund Niranjan. I’m a chess player and an ardent reader. I also write in leisure. Thanks to my parents, I cultivated the habit of reading at an early age. It helped me to foray into writing as well.  My journey of writing began when Amma started giving me prompts. I used to write a bit on the prompt and send it to my great grandfather. We exchanged several letters; he sent me the corrected versions of my essays along with a personal letter. I will always cherish those moments.

Whenever I wrote something, my parents read it enthusiastically. They gave me the required time and attention. From 2008 to 2013, I mainly wrote about chess. I have a blog which is 8 years old – www.beingchesstastic.blogspot.in. Recently, I started writing short stories and Readomania gave me the first break. I participated in a short-story writing contest. My story ‘Hide & Seek’ was published in their anthology titled ‘Chronicles of Urban Nomads.’ Two more stories attained their places in anthologies:  Authors Press India published my story ‘OKAY’ in their anthology ‘As a Beginner for the Beginning’ and Author’s Ink published ‘Magic of the Mask’ recently. B-Tweets Poster

The next big thing to happen was a short film  - ‘B-Tweets’
Please follow the updates here: https://www.facebook.com/btweetstheshortfilm

I have also experimented a bit with Japanese poetry. Shloka Shankar taught me the basics of haiku. I will always remain grateful to her for introducing lovely forms of poetry. I tried Concrete haiku recently and a reputed journal published it:
http://www.underthebasho.com/2015-issue/concrete-haiku/1552-niranjan-navalgund.html
What is your favorite genre in writing?
I think this answer is subject to change. At the moment, thrillers fascinate me. I have observed that I am elated when I manage to write a decent thriller. It is a challenge to write a thriller; you have to outplay the reader or at least come close…  
Who inspires you most and to whom would you dedicate your creative growth?
My Parents! They are not only creative themselves, but they also encourage creativity to flourish. My parents are poets, they both write. I owe them everything.What kind of a writer are you? Do you plot the entire novel/story or make it up as you write?
If you would have asked this question a month back, my answer would have been different. Just recently I wrote a novella that involved a lot of planning. If you count that as an exception, I am a writer who goes with the flow.  I don’t plan so much; I am no Dan brown. Do you have a favorite place to write or a scheduled time to write every day?
I have written most of my stories at home and I don’t have a schedule for writing. I write only when I am inspired enough to.
Who are your favorite authors and what is the genre that you like reading most?I have a long list but, Paulo Coelho, Agatha Christie, and Mitch Albom top the list. I like reading thrillers and new age philosophy.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?I can only answer for the present. As of now, I see myself finishing this line and going to the next question.  
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?Fanfiction, probably!
How much important do you think marketing is for the success of a book?
Marketing is very important for the success of a book. You have to get your book to the reader- that is the only way you can give yourself a fair chance. I believe that creativity is the key. If you manage to reach people in different ways, there is a greater chance that you will be read and appreciated.
What is the message that you want to convey to the readers through your writing?
I love carving stories that have different layers and I’m very happy to have written stories that have such a flavor. Stories like that mean differently to different people. There is more than one way to interpret them. All in all, I have always tried to give a message to the seeker, leaving a part of myself in everything I write…..
For those who want to read my writings, check out my blog:
www.niriwrites.wordpress.comThank You  Niranjan. That was a wonderful chat! Wishing you the very best for your future endeavors.Buy his books here: Chronicles of Urban Nomads

As a Beginner for a beginning



ALCOL - A Little Chorus of Love

That is all for now folks!
Until next post,
Much love,

On Writing: Ganga Bharani

Today on 'On Writing', we have the charming and talented author and blogger Ganga Bharani Vasudevan.
Ganga Bharani works as an IT developer with an MNC but writes following her passion for creativity.She has two award winning short films and two books titled 'Just you, me and a secret' and 'A Minute to death' to her credit. She was awarded the 'BEST URBAN CHENNAI BLOGGER' by Ecovme and Urban Tree.Welcome to ‘On Writing’ Ganga.
Follow Her: Facebook    Twitter   Blogger
How did your journey as a writer begin? Do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book? What led you to write ‘A minute to Death’?
My dad used to place newspapers that called for opinion pieces on my table when I was a school- kid. I kept ignoring him for a month. Later, out of pity, I picked one up and sent my entry for a photo caption contest. The next morning my caption won and I saw my name printed in the newspaper. The feeling of seeing my own name in the print can’t be explained. That’s when I started writing.I wanted to become a filmmaker. But it was a distant dream for a middle-class girl like me. So I found a short cut to reach cinema from home; I started writing books.There is no reason to anything I do. If I feel like doing something, I do it. If a story line occurs to me I immediately start writing it and it develops with twists and turns as I write.
What does your writing process look like? Do you have any strange writing habits or rituals?I don’t force myself to write ever. But if I sit down to write, I write for hours together. I forget if it’s morning or afternoon. One the story stops governing my mind or takes a break from possessing me, I stop there.Talking about strange habit, I try to experience the emotions of my character before writing it. This is one reason I don’t write horror much.
‘A minute to death’ features a cop Rohan and a writer Riya as the protagonists. Do you have a cop as a friend who inspired the character of Rohan?
I don’t have any cop friend, unfortunately. No inspiration as such for the character Rohan. But if we talk about Riya I can tell you she is a part of me. Even Febbon is a part of me. Febbon’s aspiration is mine. Riya’s thirst to learn is mine.
Who is your favorite character among all the characters you have created till now and why?
No doubt Riya. She emotes what I would have if I were here throughout the book.
What is special about ‘A minute to death’? How much was the writing process different from ‘Just, You, Me and a Secret’?
A Minute to death was written after I had signed a contract for ‘Just you, me and a secret.’ Both these were written as blog series before they were made into a book. I wrote my first book on my blog in 2011 before I started to work with TCS. During my training days, strangers (co-trainees) would recognize me and tell me they enjoyed reading it.But ‘A Minute To Death’ was written when I was depressed. I had signed the contract for my first book and had no idea how long it would take for the book to come out. Two months passed and there was not much progress with publishing. I was so frustrated and depressed. I thought I should write a powerful story on my blog to quench my thirst for readers and that’s when ‘A Minute to Death’ was born.
If ‘A Minute to Death’ was made into a movie, who would you like to play your characters?
If it’s made into a Bollywood movie, I would like to see Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor as the leads.In Kollywood, Nazriya and Surya would be the best fit.
How important do you think marketing is for the success of a book? What is your best marketing tip?
Marketing is the key aspect of publishing these days and unfortunately, today it’s the writers’ responsibility. Marketing is not asking people to buy the book or forcing it on them. The best way to market your book is to make people know what’s there in the book and to make them want to buy it. If 50% of the people buying the book are disappointed with it what’s the point in selling so many copies?
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? If yes, what is it?
Horror. I will try my best to avoid this genre. If I do so, I might die out of fear.
What kind of scenes is harder for you to write than others? How do you manage it?
Anything without suspense is hard for me to write. I can’t write a plan linear normal scene.Say for example if a boy hugs a girl and kisses her on her lips I can’t describe it very well. But if I want to create a suspense in the introduction of, say, a photographer I will describe the above-mentioned scene very well and later reveal it’s a camera.               What are the three tips that you have for readers of this interview, who are aspiring writers?
1) Don’t listen to anyone and try to copy their style or success path. Do what your heart says.2) Don’t consider yourself a celebrity after you publish one book. Publishing a book is no big deal today. Try to become good writers than best-selling authors.
3) Please don’t write your story as a book as long as you are not Abdul Kalam or Osama bin laden. Your story should have something for readers to take away. Plain love story just to impress your loved ones can’t become a book. Wonderful Ganga. That was an interesting chat. I wish you the very best for all your future endeavors.Buy her books by clicking the links given below.

Paperback
eBook A minute to death: Amazon     Flipkart

That is all for now folks.
Until next post,
Much Love,

On Writing: Sonia Kundra Singh

Today on 'On Writing', we have the gorgeous Sonia Kundra Singh.
Sonia Kundra Singh hails from Hyderabad, a city that nurtured the writer in her.  She has a Masters in English Literature and has worked as an IELTS trainer for some time before turning to writing full-time She has authored three romance novels LOVE ME IN THE END, HOPELESSLY IN LOVE and A SOLDIER’S LOVE STORY. Her short story has been featured in an anthology- MOONLIT MATINEE.   She has also contributed as a short story writer for children in the very prolific magazine Chandamama. Besides writing, she loves to travel and explore new places where she draws her inspiration. Music holds a special place in her life.  She is also a part of Simply Give Foundation, a Non-Profit organization. She supports and promotes awareness for Autism and often volunteers for various awareness causes and events. She is also an enthusiast blogger.
Welcome to 'On Writing' Sonia. Follow her: Twitter    Wordpress      Blogger

How did your journey as a writer begin? Do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?
In college, I was a Gold medalist in English and honestly, I never expected that! I used to scribble a lot at the back of my notebooks- scenes after scenes. And when at home, I just typed it all. I wasn’t a very social back then. My professors greatly influenced me and my dad motivated me to write if that’s what I wanted to do. There was no pressure of becoming so and so in life. Hence, writing became a natural stress-free process for me. Love Me In The End, began with a lot of expectations. That was my first book and received a lot of criticism because it was not a typical college romance and the hero was just so flawed!  
But the publishing scene in India was at its best place and as I started writing my second novel- Soldier’s Love Story, I didn’t bother what was expected of a book because while writing you cannot actually bother what ‘other’s would think about you. You have to follow your heart.It was refreshing when I actually found my second received so enthusiastically. Hopelessly In Love just happened. I was writing a novel on a love triangle and a hero that was plagued by his own notions than believing the truth-the publishers loved it. My novels are as much about the hero as it is about the heroine. But the only reason for me to write each book is to spread love and hope of that one true ‘someone’ out there despite the ups and downs.

What does your writing process look like? Do you have any strange writing habits or rituals?
I have a habit of jotting down my plot in points. Sometimes I don’t even use what I write. And I buy pretty stationary for it. My desk is always cluttered with pocket size books and pencils and sometimes I don’t write for days, just plan everything out. And that works well for me when I actually sit down to type it all. I know what I want to write and I am never stuck. I am good with writing late in the afternoons because I am done with taking care of my kid. Sometimes I don’t have a choice to write on a whim because being a stay at home mom, you write whenever you can.
All three of your novels are romances. Is romance your favorite genre in writing? Is your next book also a romance?
Yes, I started out writing Romances being a die-hard fan of ‘Happily ever afters’ and I would definitely love to write more of them. I have begun to experiment with short stories on my blog that is dedicated to travel and short stories. It certainly has given me a lot of artistic freedom because I really get a lot of readers there. There are two genres I would love to write on- Psychological thriller and chick-lit. I am working on the life of army wives and their struggles and it’s shaping out quite well.
Who is your favorite among all the characters you have created till now and why?
I love all my characters. I have tried to make each and every character different from the other because while writing a romance, you tend to get carried away with similar characteristics. Although Ranjeet- the hero, of my second novel A Soldier’s Love Story is close to my heart. He is deeply committed, caring, a dutiful son and a passionate man. He is not perfect and battles with his battered ego and his love throughout - now that’s a great package!
You are an avid reader and reviewer. Do reviews help you to write better?
Reviewing helps me read and document my reading list. It also helps me know a little more about the writer behind each book. It helps me build my vocabulary and I try not to get influenced by their writing style because it’s easy to do so when you have so many good ones out there. Mostly, it’s a hobby and getting to connect with the writer on a personal level is simply a bonus. I also plan to promote books that are worth a read and do not accept just anyone for a review.
Who inspires you most?
There are just so many writers that have inspired me. Diana Palmer, Betty Neels, Judith Mc Naught, Julie Garwood among a few I read and re-read. Also when I write, I always have music playing in my ears. And it sets the right kind of mood of a scene. I think great music and reading inspire me the most. Traveling with my partner is another part of my life that has given me a fabulous experience about life and people.

How important do you think marketing is for the success of a book? What is your best marketing tip?
Marketing is great if you can do it and are ready to spend from your pocket. What I did to promote my novel was to promote it at book fairs. You get to meet a lot of readers there who want to try out new genres. Then, blogging and connecting with others on social media greatly helped sell my books. Organizing book giveaways and contests are other ways which give a book a lot of attention.
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? If yes, what is it?
No, I don’t think there is a subject I wouldn’t like to experiment with. But I am not cut out to write a non-fiction or a sci-fi. The subjects do not interest me as much.
What kind of scenes is harder for you to write than others? How do you manage it?
It’s always when the hero and the heroine cannot resolve their issues because sometimes I get a feeling that they really do not get along and need to find other people. But then romance is not about that, it’s about working out through the differences and coming out a winner. Romance is all about optimism in the end.
What are the three tips that you have for readers of this interview, who are aspiring writers?
1) Write as if no one’s going to read it. Then edit, edit and edit!2) Build a stro3) Marketing is as important as writing these days. So don’t be shy to put your book out there!
Thank you, Sonia. That was an interesting chat. Wishing you all the best in all your future endeavors.
Check out her books here:
Hopelessly In Love: Amazon, FlipkartLove Me In The End: Amazon, Flipkart, InfibeamA Soldier’s Love Story: Amazon, Flipkart, Infibeam
That is all for now, folks.Until next post,
Much Love,

Newbie Corner: Tanaya Nath Parashar

Today on Newbie Corner we have the talented poetess, Tanaya Nath Parashar.
Follow her: Webpage
Welcome to Newbie Corner Tanaya.Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing?
I guess I was 13 when I heard my cousin reciting a poem that was a political satire written by him. I was so inspired that I tried my hand at writing poetry and since then I have never stopped writing.  There has been just one change that now I am more inclined to writing short stories. But poems have always been my first love. I have a blog that can be found on http://www.factfiction.in/  and have self-published a book that is a collection of my poems. The e-book can be found at http://pothi.com/pothi/book/ebook-tanaya-nath-deep-watered-words-0 . I will be putting up the book for sale on online sites soon.
What is your favorite genre in writing?
I majorly write romance and realistic fiction, sometimes dark fictions, and erotica as well. I find writing a poem and short stories easy though I haven’t yet tried writing a novel.

Who inspires you most and to whom would you dedicate your creative growth?
It all started with my cousin, so I have got to give him the credit. Then my school buddies were always there. I had a constant support from my family, especially my grandfather. I have been married for three years now and my father in law still keeps asking me if I have written something new. But most of all I dedicate my creative growth to my husband. It was him who turned me into an Author from a writer. He has always been the first reader of my writings.
What kind of a writer are you? Do you plot the entire novel/story or make it up as you write.
I am a ‘go with the flow’ kind of writer. I think of a theme and an opening line. Then the rest of the story follows on itself. My fingers do all the thinking.
Do you have a favorite place to write or a scheduled time to write every day?
Not really. I write where and when I feel like. Sometimes it is past midnight as well or like 3 in the morning. I am crazy that ways. The idea hits me and I am on it right away.
Who are your favorite authors and what is the genre that you like reading most?
The list is long. I usually read anything printed in the form of a book. I am an addict when it comes to reading. I love reading Danielle Steele, Harold Robbins, Agatha Christie, Barbara Cartland, Irving Wallace, Jeffery Archer and some Hindi language writers as well like Premchand, Anita Desai, Rabindra Nath Tagore, R.K. Narayan, the list goes on and on and on.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I see myself with you again, giving interviews, but not in a newbie corner.
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?
I can’t touch comedy or political satire. I don’t have that flair in me to write any of them. I tried many times but in vain. Otherwise being a true writer, there is no topic I would want to leave untouched.
How much important do you think marketing is for the success of a book?
Immensely. Today’s market is all about marketing. Be it a commodity, a service or a book, their success depends majorly on how well marketed they are.
What is the message that you want to convey to the readers through your writing?
Reading is a habit that not only entertains but also enlightens. Get in the habit of reading quality writings. I will not ask you to follow my blog or buy my book. But I would say at least take a look and then decide what you want to do with it. If you do like it, appreciate, because for a writer, appreciation from their readers is priceless and they inspire them for writing better.
Thank you Tanaya for coming on Newbie Corner. All the best for your future endeavors.
Buy her book here. Buy book on Pothi

Amazon.in
Until next post,
Much love,

Newbie Corner: Kirti Garg

On 'Newbie Corner' today, we have the teen-wonder and talented author, Kirti Garg.Welcome to 'Newbie Corner' Kirti.
Follow her:   Gmail         Twitter 
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing?People know me as Kirti Garg and I’m a girl in my mid teens. I’m currently pursuing my higher secondary education from BBV, Pilani. Having great interest in computer programming, I aspire to be a software engineer. I have a great interest in exploring new places and learning about different cultures.It was when ‘Deergh Sharma’, a close friend of mine discovered a spark in me to write that I actually began writing poems. So, all the credit of what I’m today goes to him. I’m now a budding writer whose works have been published in online magazines including ‘Salis Online’ and ‘Sniffers’. My works have been published in compilation namely ‘Raksha Bandhan-An Anthology’ and have been selected for publishing in ‘Snowflakes of Love’, ’31 Crimes’ and ‘Colors: Different Shades of Life’.
What is your favorite genre in writing?I generally write poems and prefer to metaphorically elaborate my views. My writings revolve around nature and its beauty while giving a social message.  At times, I also write about love, friendship, and companionship.

Who inspires you most and to whom would you dedicate your creative growth?The only name that deserves the credit behind my creative growth is Deergh Sharma. I’m highly thankful to him for bringing me to this wonderful world of writing. I just can’t imagine what I would have been, if in case, I wouldn’t have come across him. He’s my inspiration and my mentor. My poem ‘Embellishing Love’ that is soon to be published in ‘Snowflakes of Love’ is my gratitude to him for finding in me a potential to write.
What kind of a writer are you? Do you plot the entire novel/story or make it up as you write?I compose poems and my poems describe me. While I’m sitting idle, some two or three lines start arousing in me the intention to write that poem. And that’s how; the whole poem comes into being.
Do you have a favorite place to write or a scheduled time to write every day?I prefer to write in the lap of nature amidst the green beauty or under the serene night sky.  I’m also comfortable writing in my bedroom with the peaceful environment. All thanks to my brother and sister for providing me that space while I write.
Who are your favorite authors and what is the genre that you like reading most?In particular, there’s no one whom I would say as my favorite author. I appreciate Preeti Shenoy for her unique characterization and Sidney Sheldon for her amazing suspense.In case of genres, I prefer reading love, romance, satire, crime, mystery, and suspense.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?What future holds for me is something I’m totally blank about. However, I’m looking forward to seeing myself in more anthologies and writing newspaper columns. For now, that’s what my goal is. Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?I cannot think of any one particular subject that I would avoid being an author. If I find myself capable of writing about that particular topic, I would just do. I wouldn’t limit my imaginations and would let them flow with the ink of the pen.
 How much important do you think marketing is for the success of a book?No matter how wonderful book an author has written, if he doesn’t market it well, it’s not going to get appreciated. It’s not going to reach its readers on its own.Marketing is like the oxygen for a book. It makes a book breathe and reach the larger number of audience.
What is the message that you want to convey to the readers through your writing?While I write, I pen down my pure imaginations. Even if my piece of writing doesn’t give any message to the public out there, I make it sure that it doesn’t harm the society in any way. However, my writings speak volume about nature conservation, women empowerment and society development.

Thank You Kirti for coming on Newbie Corner. Wish you all success!

Do buy her book, folks. Buy it here
Until next post,
Much love,

On Writing: Deepti Menon

Deepti Menon has always believed in the power of the pen. Having done her post graduation in English Literature and her B.Ed. in English, she had the option of teaching and writing and did both with great enjoyment. She started writing at the age of ten, long before she acquired a Diploma in Journalism. She also had the advantage of being an Army kid, and later an Army wife, and loved the idea of traveling around India, meeting new people and acquiring new skills.She firmly believes that much of her personality was honed during those travels.
In 2002, her light-hearted book, ‘Arms and the Woman’, depicting life as seen through the eyes of an Army wife, was published by Rupa Publishers, Delhi. This was written mainly to reveal the warmth and camaraderie within the great institution. She is now working on her second book that is a work of fiction, and not-to-be divulged yet!



 Welcome to ‘On Writing’ Deepti Menon.
‘Arms and the Woman’, your first novel came out in 2002 and was published by Rupa. You are now coming out with your next novel which is a thriller. You have been published in more than 12 anthologies and the number is increasing every day. But, why such a big gap between your novels?
Hi, Preethi, thank you for featuring me on your blog. It is an honour.Why did I delay for so long before I wrote my second book? I worked as a freelance journalist for a number of years, doing enjoyable interviews, book and theatre reviews, and various pieces in magazines and newspapers. Then I meandered on to the genre of short stories, which devoured me completely. I have spent a long time in writing this book, almost twelve years or so. It started as a short story, and then grew onto a novella. But it proved to have a mind of its own. Finally, it emerged in its full form, and even then, I needed to keep pruning it and adding on to it. But I do not intend to take this long with my third book!
You are on the winners’ lists in many online story-writing competitions. From where do you get inspirations/ ideas for your stories?
As they say, life happens! And explodes like a volcano, releasing ideas and inspiration in its wake. Ideas are everywhere; all you need is to recognize them. When I was in an auto the other day, we stopped at a signal, and I suddenly caught sight of a middle-aged lady, sitting on the pavement, combing her long grey hair. She would comb the whole length, and then remove the hair from the comb. I waited for her to flick it down on the ground. Instead she twisted it round her finger, clump by clump, and then wound it around her big toe. There was a readymade character for my next story!My close relatives are petrified that I might put them in my next book. So most of them tiptoe around me as though they are treading on broken eggshells! My husband and daughter have often been the protagonists of my stories, but they definitely prefer that to being featured in my humorous pieces.
What kind of a writer are you? Do you plot the entire story or write it the way the story takes you?
I am a spontaneous kind of writer. Somehow, I can never plot the entire story. I get the germ of an idea and then thrash it around, like a dog with a bone, till it falls into place. I love the idea of a twist in the tale, and once that twist arrives, I know my story is done.


In your latest Anthology ‘A little chorus of love’ your story is about an Alzheimer's patient. And it is a love story that defies disease and time. Are those characters completely fictional or are they someone you know?
Yes, my story was about an Alzheimer’s patient. So many touching movies have been made on the subject. But the story is one moored in reality as I heard about a family that went through the all the trials that I have described in my story. Of course, I did add a few fictional details, but the story was already there in my mind, for a change.
You have contributed to the Indian edition of Chicken Soup for the soul series, an international best seller. Tell us about it.
I had already been published in a couple of Chicken Soups. It was then that Raksha Bharadia, the Indian editor of the Chicken Soup series came to Chennai to conduct a workshop. She was an interesting and effective communicator and told us what was expected in a Chicken Soup story.  That was the impetus for me to get a few more stories published in the forthcoming titles. In fact, I had three stories in Chicken Soup for the Indian Bride’s Soul.
For your new novel, what is the target audience? How long did it take to finish writing it?
Hopefully, 16 to 90! :)  I would love to have as many people read my novel as possible.  Like I said earlier, this novel took a long time to write, as it kept evolving over the years.
Is there a particular book that you have read and wished that you had written it?
There are so many of them. I would have loved to write Rebecca, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Palace of Illusions, The Great Indian Novel, Ancient Promises and all the books of PG Wodehouse, Agatha Christie,
Are you a full time writer? What other works are you currently working on?
I was a freelance journalist for a number of years, but now I am enjoying being a full-time writer.  Last month was interesting with a Tornado Giveaway in which I was a blogger. It was amazing sharing the spotlights of almost 700 books and getting in touch with all the authors. I take part in short story contests and do some editing and reviewing as well. I want to start work on my third book too. There is this germ of an idea which is turning particularly contagious! :)
You have associated with various publishers via various anthologies. Which publisher has impressed you the most?
I have associated with various publishers, but the one website that I have been frequenting most is Readomania, run by the intrepid Dipankar Mukherjee, who is an amazing organizer and publisher par excellence. I am proud to have been part of all Readomania’s anthologies so far.
What are the three tips you have for readers of this interview who are aspiring writers?
1. Look upon the world with rose colored spectacles and take in the best view.2) Read, write, water liberally, prune and keep the weeds away. Keep the enthusiasm going! “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” RW Emerson3) Enjoy your writing! Be ruthless when you edit! There is no place for weak writing!
Thank you, Deepti. It was an interesting chat. Wishing you the very best for all your future works. 
Click on the below links to buy her books.

Arms and the Woman21 tales to tell Mango Chutney Chronicles of Urban NomadsChicken Soup for the Indian Bride’s Soul  Crossed and Knotted Rudraksha A Little Chorus of Love Once upon a time (Mystery Anthology) The Second Life Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneurs Soul  Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul Relationships   

That is it for now, folks.
Until next post,Much Love,

On Writing: Dr Roshan Radhakrishnan

Anesthesiologist Dr. Roshan Radhakrishnan believes in the healing power of love and laughter, but practices medicine just to be on the safe side. A dog-lo

           Follow Him:      Twitter     Facebook       Blog
Welcome to ‘On Writing’ Dr. Roshan. You are a full-time doctor and an award-winning blogger whose posts go viral and have written more than 36 short stories for various anthologies. Tell us the truth; do you have a time-turner similar to the one that Hermione Granger used in Harry Potter?

Hi, Preethi. Glad to be here. If I did have that device, you can bet my first priority would be noting down winning lottery tickets and then going back in time to find those darn tickets!! Seriously though, it isn't easy, I admit. You sometimes have to go through 54-hour shifts where you are on call and in the hospital and by the time you reach back home, all you want to do is crash in bed. I usually keep updating ideas for various posts and stories on my Evernote app and then when I find the time at night or in between cases, work on them. So when I finally reach home and turn on my laptop, the synced version of what I had written on my mobile is waiting for me on my laptop.

What among the three gives you maximum joy? Blogging, healing or writing?
Though the "blogging doctor" tag seems to have become synonymous with me, I would honestly place blogging third on that list. I remain primarily an anesthetist - one who relieves your pain. Writing and blogging are extensions of that goal if you think about it. Writing is cathartic and relieves my own stress while blogging allows me the chance to make you smile and think, hopefully relieving your own stress.

Do you plot stories or write it the way the story takes you?

I think plotting is essential for a novella or novel. For me, as a short story writer, I do start writing with a glimpse of what the theme of my story is but then work in various elements as I write. For example, in The Ballet which was published in Indireads Voices, Old & New, the initial idea was just a conversation between two sisters and how certain events in one sister's life affect her. Them practising dance at home was just meant to set a stage for the story but then as I wrote it, I started researching on ballet and our own traditional Indian dances and incorporating elements of each into it for each sister. In the end, the dance became the perfect metaphor for the entire conversation right down to the very last word which bonded not just the two dance forms but the sisters themselves.

Your post ‘Why I would not allow my child to become a doctor in India’ created ripples worldwide. What were the most serious and most hilarious reaction/ outcome to that particular article?

I never expected people would give it as big a reception as they did. Frankly, I thought I had done a much better job with a previous article "Doctors, defend thyself" from 3 years ago. But I am grateful to the doctors and readers who chose to take the time to read such a long article and opine on it before sharing it. It is because they did so that people and the media finally picked up on it. I anticipated the usual 300 footfalls for the blog post and was actually already preparing my next blog post on a random review of a movie when I started to get an inkling this time around people had actually started listening. By the end of the month, the post had over 2,00,000 hits and this was not counting the remaining sites like BBC, NDTV, ScoopWhoop, DocPlexus, DailyRounds et al who had shared it at their sites too.
As for reactions, that is a bit more worrying.The numbers are there for all to see. Nearly a 1000 doctors opined across various forums (most of which I linked to at the site) and if you sit to count them, numerically 75% agreed with what I said. You would think I should be rejoicing since I was proven correct, but the fact is it is a very scary scenario. They all saw their past, their present and their possible future as doctors in India and that scared them. If the people within the system feel that it is not worth encouraging the profession to the future generation, then active steps must be taken to remedy this. But all we see are more and more regressive steps (decreasing funding for key health programs like TB, increased incidence of violence against doctors, blackmailing them into working in rural areas without giving them the facilities or equipment to actually save lives).
The best reactions came from quite a few IMA bodies who were very grateful that someone belled the cat. Most importantly, I now see so many doctors finally standing up and speaking openly in various social media forums. A year ago, there was nothing like this. They were accepting violence and corruption silently. Now they know that their voice can bring about change.
The weirdest response I got was from someone on Reddit, I think. He felt that all doctors were useless unless they discovered how to bring patients back from the dead! We doctors sat and discussed this in length actually - one part of us wondered if it was a personal tragedy that made him say so, but there was a less flattering response too, wondering if he was expecting us to start a zombie apocalypse! Anyway, if you must know - we do bring people back from the dead. When you see us doing CPR and eventually using a defibrillator on him, that is us kick-starting a heart that has stopped beating.

You have contributed to the Indian edition of Chicken Soup for the soul series, an international best seller. Tell us about it.
"The God Complex" is special for various reasons. It was my first published story and for it to be in the Chicken Soup series was truly amazing. More importantly, it was based on a patient whom my colleagues and I had treated; a young man who had been in the prime of his life before an accident brought him to death's door. Many had given him no chance of survival, but we still fought the odds for over a month watching him slowly regain consciousness and start to respond. There is an underlying theme running throughout the story about the attitude of doctors like us who start to believe we are Gods when we manage to beat horrible odds. But then again, life has its own ways of reminding us where we stand, doesn't it?There is a short epilogue here I would like to add - the impact of this story on my hospital department. If ever you needed proof on how your words can make someone’s day better, this is it.

As a doctor what do you think about the power of words? Do you think writing is cathartic? Can stories heal?
I encourage doctors to write. The truth is there are so many doctors who write way better than me but sadly, their profession consumes them. They see it as an activity for which there is no time to spare. But for me, writing is truly a cathartic process. My whole life journey across a decade is chronicled in these online posts and I can look back and see so many moments where I have reached out for support during a moment of personal pain and invariably, found a word of support and encouragement from a reader somewhere across the country or even further. It is a unique family in some ways - people you perhaps may never meet in your life who find solace in your words and conversely provide you the same, without expectation of anything in return (Except maybe a Like on our Facebook page. * cough cough * here is mine ,  just in case you want to follow it! * cough Cough *)
As for stories, yes they do strike a chord too. I make it a point to take screen shots of heartfelt comments I receive for stories I have written from readers. Till date, I must have at least 200 lovely comments from so many people I never even met for whom my story struck a chord in their personal lives. It serves as a reminder to me on what I should aim for with my stories, instead of just looking to increase the "published stories" count.
Buy them from here.


Among the stories that you have written, is there any one particular story that is close to your heart?
Damn. How do I choose just one? Well, while "The Ballet" definitely required the most research and gave me a lot of satisfaction,  "Heartstrings" from 'Love Stories that Touched my Heart' continues to get me comments from readers even today (literally, today as I write this!). "Harry's Bluff" from the highly underrated "Ten Shades of Life" was one story I enjoyed writing because of how I could play around with the characters and keep the reader guessing till the end.
I think I would personally choose "Father of My Son" from the Urban Shots series. That story is one which is less about me as a storyteller and more of a reflection of what I am in real life. The fact that most readers personally spoke about that story while reviewing the book was heartening and inspired me to keep writing back when I just had two published stories.
From two stories to 36 in less than 4 years covering a dozen genres has been a dream come true but it would probably not have been possible had I not received the support of readers who wrote in to say they loved the story. So there's some advice for you all - if you like just one story in an entire anthology, rather than insulting the whole book or every author, seek out the one good author and compliment him or her. Make someone's day special instead of ruining it.

Are you working on any new story now? When are we going to hear about that novel that you are penning down?

Oh boy. That is one major regret and possible failure from my part. I have been at it for literally years now. I guess I just feel at some level I may not be the best man for a full-length novel. There is even a wonderful and unique theme in my mind - I just don't know if I'm the right person to write it. Sure, I have 36 short stories but am I good enough for a full-length novel? I don’t know.
Plus, I really would like to have that long break where I could focus exclusively on the story but that is a luxury beyond my grasp presently with the work schedule of a doctor where I spend most of my life inside an operation theatre with patients of all ages from 1 day old to 95 years old. It is tough to switch the mindset from critical health care to author and back.

What are the three tips you have for readers of this interview who are aspiring writers? (You can give links to article you have written about writing as well).
You are in luck. Dr. Danny Simon just posted the tips I had shared with him on how to write a good short story. So it is not 3, but 10 tips you get!

Thank you, Roshan. :) That was an enlightening and interesting chat!

It was great chatting with you as well. Have a great day, everyone.

Go ahead and buy his books folks, the doctor is an amazing raconteur.

That is all for now folks.

Until next post,

Much love

Newbie Corner: Thiru Waran

 Today on Newbie Corner we have a nineteen year old who loves writing romance. Let us learn more about Thiru Waran through this lovely chat. 
Welcome to Newbie Corner Thiru Waran!


Tell us a little about yourself. How did you begin writing?
 I am Thiru Waran, a regular Bangalore, or as some may say Bengaluru based nineteen year old, for whom writing a book was always a fantasy. I always did wonder though, as to what made an author write about and portray his or her characters in the unique and yet so special way they did. I always made an assumption that a particular character or an incident written in the book was inspired by their own life. Much of which is true, to a certain extent at least. I never really thought that I would end up writing a book, even though it was one of my childhood fantasy. What made me write it, was rather an awkward occurrence of many events. This book was actually inspired by many real life incidents, some of which are my own. Everyone knows about the strict pre-university college life (11 and 12thgrade)  and how important it is for the long run. But no one really knows or cares about, the many ways some private education institutes have grown to take advantage of things. This was my main inspiration to write the book “In the shade of a dark cloud”.   
What is your favorite genre in writing?
I love writing romantic books. I mean, who doesn’t?? After all, I am a firm believer that every broken heart has a story to tell. A story that is not like a fairytale, but a story that has loads of emotions riding on it. I believe this are the kind of stories, that will make you laugh and even remind you of the time. That you spent with your special someone, it need not be a grand date. But something that is rather simple, like having a ‘Khulfi’  on the side of the road, while having your special someone by your side, and failing to realize that the clock had gone well past midnight. And these are the stories that can make you laugh wholeheartedly, and yet you find yourself crying when you are half way down the book. These are the kind of books that can truly touch and even win people’s heart.
I love to portray my characters with a slight shade of grey. There is no such thing as a perfect love story, if it is. Then one has got a lot of depth left to explore. I like to portray my characters with a dark past, as we all know. It takes a lot for a person to overcome the darkness of their past, and they would hope to have someone, that could truly understand them. And yet, stay by their side. However, in life it is really hard to find someone like that, and those who did must be the luckiest souls on this planet. Love is not when having a hot and sexy girlfriend, who stays by your side only when you are successful and  happy or A smart and handsome boyfriend, that likes to show you off as a piece of trophy. Some may feel that I might be too young to talk about true love and all, but according to me. True love is when people refuse to give up on each other, and staying with each other no matter what may be the situations. After all, two broken people, completely different from each other. End up finding similarities in between them and they try to fix the other, without caring much for themselves. Now that is the kind of love story that can actually make people to hang on to their hope.

Who inspires you most and to whom would you dedicate your creative growth?People can get inspired by many other people or incidents that occur in their life. For example, a kid that wakes up at 5.00 in the morning and goes for cricket practice, will consider Sachin Tendulkar as his biggest inspiration. I believe that, even then smallest of things can inspire you to create big changes in your life. The incident that occurred during my days in a very well reputed pre-university college, acted as a major catalyst to my writing. I always do consider my lectures, who had always told me that I was useless and worth nothing in life. As one of my biggest inspirations. It is not like, what they did was for my greater good or anything like that. But, they did serve as a force that made me break my so called ‘boundaries’ and fight hard for the things I want in life.  
I would dedicate my growth to my Sister, trust me when I say this. It is not easy to have a brother like me around, and my loving sister does an amazing job, at well….. Being my sister. She is someone that has always been with me, during my good and bad times. And unlike most people, my bad times are like ‘LEGANDARY’bad times. My sister is my pillar of support. My friends, that have always understood me, and stood by me when the going got tough. They are the kind of friends, that can drive anybody crazy, but the love they show. Can never be expected, even from a girlfriend. I am sure, we all have our very own special someone, irrespective of your age. It would be my honor, to dedicate my growth, to my special someone. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be with her. But she gave me a new purpose in life, and I hope she is proud of me someday.    
What kind of a writer are you? Do you plot the entire novel/story or make it up as you write?
I am a kind of writer that works on the basic plot of the story first. The basic plot of the story, eventually gives the book a firm foundation, that is very much necessary.  Except from the basic plot of the story, I tend to travel along with my characters and make it up as the novel progresses.
I find this way, to be more fascinating. Because, it tends to create a strong bond between the author and his/her characters. Isn’t it special when you laugh along with the story line and put yourselves in the shoes of the characters and end up thinking, on how you would have reacted to the same particular situation?
Do you have a favorite place to write or a scheduled time to write every day?

Who are your favorite authors and what is the genre that you like reading most?
I have a long list of my favorite authors, some of them are the people I look up to as a source of my inspiration. Dan Brown, is my most favorite author. I think I would have read “ The DA VINCI CODE” for about  three times I guess.  Many Indian authors, such as Durjoy Dutta, Ravinder Singh and Sudeep Nagarkar.  Are also my favorite and they always reminds me that, behind their fame and success is a long persistent tale of hard work, that not many would have heard of. I love to read mystery novels, the kind of novels. That always makes you want to turn over to the next page. And I love reading Romantic novels, that slows down you reading speed and makes you travel a journey along with them.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Well, Apart from finally getting a degree in Marine Engineering and working in a reputed shipping company. I would like to see myself as a people’s author. The kind of author who doesn’t have a complex style of writing. But rather whose books can be read by everyone and whose books rides high on emotions and makes people enjoy the journey of reading my books.
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?
As of now, I would never want to write a supernatural thriller. Even though I am mad of series such as ‘Supernatural’ ‘Sleepy Hallow’ etc. I don’t think I have learnt the art of writing down a supernatural thriller yet.
How much important do you think marketing is for the success of a book?
 Yes, of course marketing is really important for the success of the book. If I am not wrong, the people and the general public are the judges to the success or a failure of a particular book. And Marketing is the key, in which we can make sure that our book is available for a larger number of people to play judge.
What is the message that you want to convey to the readers through your writing?
 For all my readers out there. Most of writings are based on never ending hope. Yeah I know, many of you people may feel hopeless some time, most of the time or all the time. And some may feel it is not worth to hold on to hope. Hope maybe of just four word. But, just like love. These four words means a lot. It is really easy to lose confidence in yourself, it is very easy to lose hope in some situations. But never let go of it, it may seem really tough and there maybe no other solution for your problems. But there is, you just need to look in the right direction and you need the right person by your side to show you the way sometimes. So never lose Hope.
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Wonderful,Thiru Waran. It was fun knowing more about you. Wishing you all success in creativity and life.
Until next post,
Much Love,