I have been passionate about story telling even
when I was in school. I remember how much I loved sitting with my friends and
entertaining them with stories that I would make up on the fly. This passion
grew with the passage of years and by the time I was in the 8th grade I knew
that I wanted to be a writer. It was of course duly pointed out to me that
writers usually starved. Despite that, with every passing year my love affair
with writing continued unabated, first I wrote for my school magazines, then
the NDA and IMA journals and various Defence publications, and finally I
started writing books. And now, here I am, completing my sixteenth one. Writing
for me is also a catharsis... the most sublime form of expression.
What do you find most challenging
about your writing?
Honestly, I find writing the most liberating
and energising thing ever and don’t see any challenges in it. Yes, sometimes
life can get too busy and one has to work hard to create the time required for
it.
How do you keep coming up with
material / content for your story?
My primary source of new material is that I
keep a sharp eye open and observe everything happening around me – there are so
many stories being played out that coming up with new ideas is hardly a
problem.
Any specific tips you have for new
writers who want to make it big in the world of published books?
Always separate the WHAT (you wish to tell)
from HOW (you are going to tell it). This will make your story so much for
engrossing, realistic and easier to write. Also, very importantly, write in
your own voice – trying to imitate someone else is never a good idea, since it
is our viewpoint which makes us unique – and that it what the reader is
interested in.
What’s the best thing a writer can
give to his readers?
That would depend on the genre you write in. If
you’re writing fiction then the biggest thing you can give your reader is a
fun, thrilling and engaging ride. If you are writing, say a self-help book,
then try to pass on practical, and easy to implement wisdom
A lot of people are interested in
writing for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people
interesting in making money from writing? What are some realistic expectations
in regards to what can be made?
I am not sure I am the best person to give
advice on this, however my suggestions would be
1. Know your audience
2. Write your best story
3. Ensure your publisher does
a good job on the publicity and promotion
4. Explore social media to
sell – if you have the time and energy for it.
Also fair to point out that my primary focus is
always 1 and 2 above…J
What motivates you most in life?
Trying to build up the list of people who will
cry (and remember me fondly) when I die.. J
What was the most challenging moment
in your writing content development process and why?
For me, none. If one has the passion and the
discipline (and I have an abundance of both), then there are no challenges.
What is the story behind the name of
your book?
My next book is titled POUND OF FLESH. It is
the third book of the RAVINDER GILL series; the first was WEAPON OF VENGEANCE
and the second was ASSASSINS.
Five adjectives that describe you?
Adaptable.
Broken
Curious.
Caring.
Sharp.
What books would you say has made the
biggest impact good or bad on you?
That would be CHITRALEKHA by Bhagwati Charan
Verma, THE STRANGER by Camus, CATCHER IN THE RYE by JD Salinger and THEY SHOOT
HORSES, DON’T THEY by Horace McCoy – they all helped enhance my view of life,
and taught me how to observe with an open mind.
Do you get easily provoked by
positive / negative comments?
No. I don’t really care what people say or
write about me – positive or negative. My sole endeavour is to live my best
life and ensure that my intentions are always clear and honest.
Do you plan to write more books, as
every author dream it is?
I am always writing – and my plan is to come
out with one book every year.
What genre attracts you the most and
which genre you avoid?
I love the military action thriller genre the
most. It requires a huge amount of research, major technical construct and
domain knowledge. Hence it is one of the most challenging genres that I have
encountered. I love that challenge. Strangely enough, when I did start writing
in this genre I was told by many people that Indians did not really write
military action thrillers. I always found that hilarious since the Mahabharata
is definitely a fantastic military action thriller, and last I checked had also
been written by an Indian…:)
Your Views on increasing plagiarism?
Don’t do it – it’s a stupid idea and takes away
your major strength – your unique voice.
.jpg "BOOK REVIEW - “IT HAPPENS FOR A REASON” BY PREETI SHENOY")
