Chhimi Tenduf-la: "The synopsis caused some debate" (Interview)!!!

     Chhimi Tenduf-la is a debutante author who got published with Hachette. His first book is named "The Amazing Racist" and it's getting a superb response from everywhere. While talking with the author, it was evident how much grateful he is to all the readers and supporters. He is also nervous about his future as an author. Do read what he has to say about India, Bloggers, Fame and his next work.

1. How has life changed after writing the first book? 

It’s much the same, except now my wife reads quite a lot, which she didn’t before. Not my book though. Also I have much more contact with India which is superb; I almost feel like I am there, and will be soon for a lit fest. 

It is also a little scary. Every morning when I wake up, I check if there are new reviews, and then read them with one eye closed in case they are bad. Thankfully, the feedback has been very positive so far. 

2. What was the first moment when it came into your mind of writing The Amazing Racist?

I know some very amusing characters in real life and, I guess, it came to a point where I thought I have to get some of these people down in one book before I forget. Two months, later I had the first draft of the Amazing Racist. It’s a bit of a blur really, as I don’t think too much about what I write. I just moulded a story around the characters.

3. Did you always have passion for writing or you just wanted to tell this story to the world?

Yes I always liked writing, particularly if I could make people laugh. I had a column in a magazine and have written a couple of plays. Maybe I am getting to the age that I should drop the attempts at humour, but I think it was fitting for this story as the real-life characters I based this story on all love a laugh. However, I guess like you as a blogger, I love writing as a way to relax, switch off, maybe even to keep my thoughts in order.

4. How did the character of Uncle Thilak  develop in your creative mind?

He is an amalgamation of many people and since the book has come out, most Sri Lankans who have read it tell me that they can identify with him because they have an uncle like him. In fiction, I love a bad guy with redeeming features which is what I was trying to get at.

The bits about his humour during his fight with cancer came from my father. He suffered from cancer for 13 years before losing his life to it, but he never stopped cracking jokes or living his life as normal. 

5. Weren’t you doubtful initially that starting the book on a lighter note and then changing it into a tensed and stressed story would disappoint the readers who picked it up considering only the synopsis?

This is a great question; the synopsis caused some debate.  We did not want to give the story away, so we could not refer to the second part of the plot, but at the same time, in hindsight I guess by just blurbing the first half of the book the story sounds quite generic. Yet, I wanted the story to be everyday life everyone could relate to, so it had to be quite a simple story.  

In general, readers have liked the switch in story in the second half to something which is a little different. To me, that was the crux of the story, and the first half was more about getting into the heads of the characters. 

6. How well do you think will your book pick up in India for Indian readers?

The response has been excellent.  I am not there to get the everyday feedback I get in Sri Lanka, when I bump into people – at least in person people have to say nice things. The press and blog reviews I have been getting in India have been fantastic and this suggests to me that the story is as applicable to there as it is to here.  My Tibetan father was actually an Indian national who was born and grew up there, so I guess part of my way of life is Indian anyway.

7. Are you loving the interaction you are having with Bloggers and Reviewers online these days?

I am absolutely loving it. This is really my first introduction to blogging. When I get a blog review, like from you, I then go through the full blog and find what you guys write about is fascinating; a wealth of information and a good way to get a finger on the Indian pulse as it were. I’ve learnt so much. I also think it amazing that you all find the time in your busy schedules to be so diligent about blogging. I have since considered starting a blog myself but don’t know, if like you, I can keep making interesting posts. Hats off to you. 

I have also been contacted by some newspaper reviewers who liked the book and that has been utterly brilliant too. I am not so confident about my writing so to get good reviews in the papers and on blogs really encourages me.

8. What is the next work we would be getting to read from you?

My next novel, Panther, comes out in July of this year.  It’s about a former child soldier getting a cricketing scholarship to an elite Colombo school. So it’s about fitting in to an alien environment, while hiding a dark past, and having to contend with physical and mental abuse, sinister school masters, war, first love, and rivalry. Most of all it is about friendship, loyalty and betrayal.

9. Any words for your readers who picked The Amazing Racist and liked it? 

I am unbelievably grateful. I think it is brave to pick up a debut novel, written by an unknown author from another country.  I hope the risk was worth it and cannot thank them enough for the kind words, support and encouragement. 

Sabi Shaikh: "I don’t let the criticism get to my head" (Interview)!!!

        Sabi Shaikh is a brand new author who got his book released early this year named "Via Delhi". Since the book has released, he is enjoying every big and small shot of fame he is finding in his way. While taking this interview, the happiness was clearly visible in his sentences. Do read to know what Sabi Shaikh feels about his life post-success.

1. Hello Sabi, when did it occur to you that you should write a book and get it published?

I’ve always had the habit of scribbling random stuff on paper right from my childhood days but to be honest I never really aspired to be a published Author. I guess I was destined to be one and it just happened.

I’ve grown up witnessing inter caste love stories going for a toss due to a very stupid reason called Religious differences. Damn, I was a victim too. We somehow end up being a silent victim and the hypocrite Indian society always ends up on the winning side. They have destroyed more love stories than anyone ever could. I wanted to bring about a difference so I decided to be the change.  I started writing Via Delhi which is a one of a kind Inter caste love story. My motive behind this book was not to earn money or fame but to bring about a change in the mentality of those people who look down upon inter caste love stories. I quit my job to write this book and I have never regretted my decision.  Once I started writing everything else started falling in place and one fine day I ended up getting published. 

2. Tell us something about your first book “Via Delhi”.

Saifuddin Khan was a Sunni Muslim boy who was pursuing his MBA and resided in the city of Nawabs, Hyderabad whereas Mridu Bhattacharya was a Bengali Brahmin girl who was preparing for her BBA entrance exams and hailed from the beautiful city of Dehradun. Destiny strikes one day and they meet in the early morning in a very unusual manner. They become each other’s moral support in no time. Their bonding grew stronger as the days passed by and beating all the odds the inevitable happened, they fell in Love. Their unique love story stared at the Indian Samaaj right in the face as even today people and parents claim to be very open minded but the thought of Inter religion marriage makes them go numb and the first thing that comes to their mind is “Char log kya kahenge?” These Char log have killed more dreams than anyone else ever could. Saif’s parents had a broader outlook towards life but sadly Mridu came from a very conservative and narrow minded family. They were a modern day couple who always thought that Love is greater than or equal to any religion and were ready to fight the battle for Love in their own respective ways. The city of Delhi played a very important role in their lives even though they belonged to different cities.

Their love story was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride with a series of ups and downs. A twisted love story to be precise...

3. Are you planning to write its sequel or there’s already a fresh story in your mind?

           I have a fresh story in my mind and I have already started working on it. I don’t think there will be any sequels to Via Delhi. 

4. What difficulty did you face while writing this book as it was your first attempt?

          Believe it or not, my journey of Via Delhi was pretty smooth. Everyone around me was very supportive and it took me just around three months to complete my manuscript. I guess someone up there is very happy with me and made my first attempt to write a book completely hassle free.

5. What are your views about the Indian publishing culture after facing it all and getting published? 

Well there are good people and bad people out there. Some are eagerly waiting to cheat you while the others are readily available to help you if your work is good.  You don’t write a book everyday so you’ve got to be very careful in choosing a publisher.  I got a very mixed kind of a view when it comes to the Indian Publishing culture. I am not very happy with the way things work here nor am I very upset. I’m pretty neutral.  Maybe I’ll get wiser with more experience. And have a better understanding between good and bad.

6. How was your experience at World Book Fair recently? Any compliment by a reader there that will stay with you forever? 

The experience at the World book fair was phenomenal. I had never really expected that the event would be this huge. I had to pinch myself a few times to actually start believing that all this was indeed happening to me.  You know, when your signature turns into an autograph it clearly means that you have achieved something in life. I enjoyed signing autographs at the book fair and interacting with readers. The Authors Corner event was out of the world. That was the day when I actually felt like a little celebrity. It was my moment and I lived every bit of it. My parents were really very proud of me and nothing in this world gives you more happiness and satisfaction than seeing your parents proud and happy. 

Yeah I did receive a fan mail which I would love to share with everyone. 

7. What are your views about Gargi Publishers and Pulkit Gupta, its owner?

Gargi Publishers is currently the fastest growing self publishing house in the country and that is only because of Pulkit’s hard work, commitment and dedication.  He knows how to get the job done. I and Pulkit share a very good bond now and with time we have become very good friends too. I would take this opportunity to thank the whole team of Gargi Publishers for all the wonderful work that they have done for their Authors. I wish them all the very best for all their Future endeavours.  I am very positive that things are only going to get better from here.

8. How easy or difficult is it facing such exposure since your first release?

I never really thought that I would get this far. Everything still seems like a dream. I enjoyed every bit of the exposure, who wouldn’t? I have always been an extrovert so it was pretty easy for me to deal with all the exposure. In the beginning it was a little strange but then with time I got used to it. I still find it very funny when people address me as Sir.

  

9. How are you taking criticisms for your first book?

My Readers and my Reviewers. 

My book has been reviewed by many professional reviewers. Many have appreciated it while a few have shunned it.  They have their own parameters to rate a book and I respect that. But for me a common mans review is more important than a review given by a professional big shot reviewer because a common man will always rate your book keeping just one parameter in mind and that is Emotions. I read the reviews given by a common man with more interest as compared to a review given by a reviewer. I don’t let the criticism get to my head.  I will continue writing for my readers and if the reviewers are interested to read my book, they are more than welcome. 

10. Any words for your fans who liked Via Delhi?

Thank you from the deepest corner of my heart. Thank you for making me what I am today. Thank you for appreciating my style of writing. Thank you for making Via Delhi such a huge success. Thank you for all your reviews. Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. Thank you for making Via Delhi go Viral. 

An Interview with Harshita Srivastava, author of Bad Romance!!!

 Harshita Srivastava has been a Blogger since a long time and recently, she published her second book. We found an opportunity of asking her how has been her journey from a Blogger to a published author. Do read to know why her latest book is garnering huge compliments and praises. 

1. Hello Harshita, how has been your experience of switching from being a Blogger to an Author?

Ah! A bit on the sore side. As a blogger, I enjoyed more liberty and freedom of thoughts. I was my own celebrity. I did have a duty towards my readers like I do even now but there was less pressure. Now that the stature has increased, there are added responsibilities. Sales figures, promotions and events have taken a big part of my brains which has left little space for my creative thoughts to swim around freely. That being said, I wouldn’t say that I don’t enjoy being an author. It is my dream come true and the path has definitely become easier since the day Pulkit Gupta came my angel publisher.

2. What do you enjoy most- writing blogs or books? No Diplomacy please!

I like writing stories, doesn’t really matter if it’s my blog or book. However, yes, bringing out a story in the form of book is a tedious task as compared to posting up a blog post.

3. What motivated you to write “Bad Romance”? 

I had been in search of a story after the release of my debut work, One in a Million. While my first book was on a lighter note, I did not want this one to be on similar grounds. I wanted to write something different. I wished to talk about reality, the dark side of our lives, the part we never discuss about. The idea was to bring a character that goes beyond the convention. Fortunately, Kritika came into my life at that point and helped me grow my plot. Gradually, things began to shape up and the story picked up speed.  I researched a lot on victims of emotional abuse, what they grow through and what it takes to conquer the same. The year 2013 and half of 2014 saw me completely engrossed in this story. However, here I’d like to say that Bad Romance wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a few people in my life. 

4. Was it difficult in writing few personal moments of a girl publicly and still trying to sound innocent and genuine? 

Extremely difficult. I had a lot of audience to answer to. I was stuck in the conflict of doing justice to the story or fearing of the consequences such writing could bring about. I am glad I chose the former. Initially I was too hesitant but then after listening to the plot, one of my friends, Pratyush Prakash told me that unless you give your all to the story, you can never be a true writer. Since then I never looked back.

I have faced opposition for what I wrote, being told that it was a publicity gimmick but I have taken it all in the stride because I know that I have spoken for a hundreds of silent hearts. My writing is a struggle against silence. However brutal it may be, it is always honest. 

5. What would be your reaction if you are been treated by your boyfriend like Vikrant treats the protagonist of your book in Bad Romance?

It takes a lot of courage to fight for yourself, to go against a person you love yet hate at the same time. A victim of emotional abuse is too trapped and way too difficult to understand. What revolves in your head and heart never matches. When you’re committed to a man with split personality, you cannot even take help from outside because the picture there is altogether different. It’s extremely exhausting to decide when one minute the man abuses you and the second minute becomes the most lovable man. 

I believe even I’d have needed a lot of strength within to go against a guy like Vikrant. Ages back I learnt something from life, “You and only you can get yourself out of the misery you lie in.”

I tend to implement it every time life throws me its ball.

6. What did you personally went through while writing that rape scene?

Writing the book has been a real depressing task for me. I shut myself in a flat all alone for two months straight to bring this book’s first draft. Every day, I suffered migraine attacks for this book. Every single scene I wrote in this book is a result of extreme control over my thought process. I began to see the dark side of life, I began to think like Kritika, incorporating her ways of life in my life so as to write exactly how she felt. 

Writing the rape scene was a herculean task. I have no idea how many rape stories I had to read. Every victim had their own story and each story was enough to give you sleepless nights. Our country houses a number of rape victims inside marriage or relationships and a few have been courageous enough to speak about it. If they wouldn’t have talked about it, the writing of that scene would have been impossible.

7. What has been the best compliment you have gotten for Bad Romance?

Once I got a mail saying ‘Bad Romance’ motivated a girl to get out of emotional abuse. She profusely thanked me for giving her the strength she thought she never had. What else would I have asked for! If you have contributed towards the betterment of someone’s life, you have definitely succeeded as a human being.

8. Do your parents read your book?

Reading is a habit that my parents had inculcated in me since childhood. My mom and dad are voracious readers. My dad is a scientist and devours books like anything although he’s not into fiction reading. I have never found my Mum without a book in her free time. My mother has read me since I was a kid and she continues to do so. I still don’t know if my dad has read my books or not though I have been told that he picked up my debut novel one night after everyone had slept 

9. What are you thinking to write in your next flick?

It’s too early to say something but yes, there’s a travelogue I am working on (all thanks to my association with a travel portal) and then there’s a another compilation wherein I’ll talk to all the significant and insignificant people of our lives through the written word.

10. Any words for your fans who liked Bad Romance?

It took me a lot of efforts to bring out this book and I am really thankful to all of you for appreciating a story that was so dark. I know we often look for happiness but this book brought around a part of society that people don’t wish to talk about and mostly brush it aside. I am so glad that you put your trust in my words and gave me a stature I had never dreamt of. I am nothing without you guys. Thank you!