Category: Interview

Interview with Devdutt Pattnaik

Devdutt Pattanaik is an Indian mythologist and writer known for his work on ancient Indian scriptures. He has incorporated myth into human resource management. His books include Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology; Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata; Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana; Business Sutra: An Indian Approach to Management; Shikhandi: And Other Tales they Don’t Tell You; Shiva to Shankara : Giving Form to the Formless, in which he explores the layers of meanings embedded in Shiva’s linga, we discover why and how the Goddess transforms Shiva, the hermit, into Shankara, the householder; Leader : 50 Insights from Mythology uses myths and legends to arrive at wisdom that is both time-worn and refreshingly new, on what makes a good leader; and Culture : 50 Insights from Mythology a groundbreaking work that contextualizes mythology and proposes that myths are alive, dynamic, shaped by perception and the times one lives in.

He is the former Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers. He writes columns for Mid-Day, Times of India, Swarajya, Daily O and Scroll.in.

What catalysed your interest in this field?

Ans: It was just my hobby and nothing else. Writing was something that I used to do in my free time.

Which book do you consider as your best your and in what sense?

Ans: The one which I’m writing right now is the best, because I keep improving all the time. (Laughs)

What is your view on how does modern India view Indian mythologies and epics in general?

Ans: I don’t really have any views on this. Different people have different views, some people like it, some don’t like it, some people are glad to progress whereas some pope, are apprehensive about it. Different people have different views. But what is good about it is that we are at least exploring the past. Because at one time we stopped exploring the past, the big shift is that we are now open to explore new things in the past.

What does ‘religion’ mean to you?

Ans: Religion is a set of rules for people who don’t take responsibilities.

Your views on censorship in India.

Ans: Some people need censorship.(Smiles)

A book on mythology that you would like to recommend children.

Ans: My books,so that the children could read my voice of thought. I would like to suggest them – ‘The Girl Who Chose: A New Way of Narrating the Ramayana’.

Message for our readers

Ans: Read my books.(Smiles)

April 15, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Amrita Mukherjee, Author of ‘Museum of Memories’

Amrita Mukherjee is the author of Exit Interview published by Rupa Publications and Museum of Memories, a collection of 13 short stories, published by Readomania. Both the books are Starmark Bestsellers. She has worked in publications like The Times of India, The Hindustan Times and The Asian Age in India and she was Features Editor at ITP Media Group, Dubai’s largest magazine house. She blogs at www.amritaspeaks.com

Twitter handle: @amritamuk

‘We will talk with Amrita about her new book ‘Museum of Memories’

What is the story behind your book. Where did you get your idea for the book?

I had lost my brother to cancer in 2010 and when I moved back to Kolkata from Dubai in 2014, I started living in our parental home in the very same room which he and I shared as children. When I started rummaging through his things – the old Panasonic tape recorder, the desktop, the long-playing records – I realised everything had a memory attached to it. He was only 44 when he left us, but life has moved on so fast that all the things he held so precious could have found their place in a museum.
That was when the story Museum of Memories started taking shape in my mind and eventually the whole collection of 13 short stories was published as the book Museum of Memories by Readomania.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

In a house full of people where the TV is blaring all the time, a child is running around with his friends and people are constantly talking on the phone, the greatest challenge is concentration. But I wrote Museum of Memories sitting next to my sleeping son, under the mosquito net, typing away late into the night.
I wish I could go off somewhere quiet to write for a few days but that seems to be a distant dream.

What is your life mantra?

Live in the moment.

What is your writing process like?

It is very erratic. As I am struggling to concentrate all the time, I also have my phases when the words don’t come. But when it does, I don’t rest till I finish a piece.

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

Anyone who has read Museum of Memories says he or she could identify with the stories. The characters are varied and the emotions are very strong. Readers have said they have welled up or felt numb after finishing a story or felt elated or overjoyed by a twist in the end.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

1. Ability to hook the reader from the first to the last page.
2. Write in a language that is not too complicated.
3. Write from the heart.

What are your plans for next book?

I am writing a non-fiction. I want to start the sequel to my first book Exit Interview but haven’t managed yet.

What advice do you have for young writers?

It is always good to be open to suggestion from people who are into reading.

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been” – George Eliot

March 25, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Pragya Bhagat, Author of ‘Yarn: An Interwoven Memoir’

Pragya Bhagat is a spoken word poet and author based in Uttarakhand. She is author of a poetry collection, More Than a Memory, which has been called “a melodious autobiography. “Yarn: An Interwoven Memoir” is her second book.

You can reach her on –

Blog: pragyabhagat.wordpress.com | Facebook: facebook.com/PragyaWrites

Yarn: An Interwoven Memoir

“Naniji, tell me your story.”
What begins as a young woman’s question to her grandmother unexpectedly turns into a family saga. Compiled through family albums, home videos, journal entries, and interviews, Yarn follows the life of Pragya Bhagat’s grandmother, Shyama. Poignant and vulnerable, it is the extraordinary tale of an ordinary Indian family, its joys and fears, its silences and secrets.

We will talk with Pragya about her new book ‘Yarn: An Interwoven Memoir’ and other aspects of an author’s life.

What is the story behind your book. Where did you get your idea for the book?

Since I was a child, I was fascinated by my grandmother, I called her Naniji. In a world run by men, she was a woman who called the shots. All the memoirs I read were of important people, and in my world, Naniji was an important person. So I decided to tell her story, my family’s story.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

So many, but there’s one challenge I faced both in writing Yarn and in my writing in general. As a memoirist, I write personal stories, and I struggle with publicizing the personal. At the same time, doing so helps sort out the muddle in my head, it makes me feel less alone.

What is your life mantra?

Change is the only constant.

What is your writing process like?

Create something everyday. Then edit the shit out of it.

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

Yarn is the story of an ordinary Indian family. It carries beauty and ugliness and challenges and uncertainty and bittersweet memories.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

When I achieve success, I’ll let you know. Until then, all I can do is write.

What are your plans for next book?

I’m in the process of creating something, but I’m yet to figure out what it will become.

What advice do you have for young writers?

Whether you do it part-time or full time or as a hobby, make sure writing is a habit in your life. Also, carry a notebook.

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

“Perhaps in this world, it’s the good who do all the harm…Perhaps the best of us are sinners and the worst of us are saints.” – Graham Greene

March 18, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Piyusha Vir, Author of ‘Just Another Day’
Piyusha Vir turned to writing in 2015 and since then has been published in various magazines and websites including Readomania, SHEROES, Momspresso, WomensWeb, and LBB Delhi. When not writing (insane articles that defy all logic) or reading (books that she never seems to be able to finish), she is found day-dreaming about being the next JK Rowling.

You can reach her on –

Email: piyushavir@gmail.com | Blog: wanderingsoulwriter.com | Twitter: @PiyushaVir

Just Another Day

What is the story behind your book ‘Just Another Day’. Where did you get your idea for the book?

Just Another Day – published by Readomania, under their online imprint Readomania Shots – is a collection of 3 short stories about everyday life and how a random incident on what seems like a normal day may transform one’s life. The idea first germinated from a short story I wrote which eventually made its way into the book. It was then that we decided to have three short stories, each narrated over the course of 24 hours. It was a conscious decision to have a few themes that were common to all the stories.
One common thread is, of course, that the stories all play out within the duration of a day.
The second common element through all the stories is that they are stories of self-assured individuals – people, like you or I, who are confident in their abilities and thought processes.
The third commonality is the style of narrative – first person and conversational. I wanted to give it the feel of a conversation unfolding in someone’s living room – as it would be if the protagonist was sitting across from you and chatting.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

Writing itself is a challenge. I face a challenge at every stage of the writing process. I feel overcoming each of those challenges is a victory in itself.
To come up with each of the stories was a challenge. Before this, to have quit my hotel sales career to become a writer was a challenging phase.
I’ve realized each challenge is a step to something bigger and better, so bring on those challenges, I’d say. 🙂

What is your life mantra?

A simple enough one – To just do what makes me happy.

What is your writing process like?

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed,” Hemingway once said. I think that’s all there is to my writing process. 😀

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

It’s the first book that I’ve written, so it’s pretty special on account of that.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

Although I believe success is relative, and at each time a different achievement becomes the measurement of success, any writer should have a clear idea of what writing entails. It’s no shortcut to fame, and success has no formula.

Having said that, a writer should have three things which would help them in their journey to becoming a better writer with every subsequent attempt at writing.
- A love for reading
- An ability to make an impact through words
- A desire to learn and improve
What are your plans for next book?

There’s only one plan – to write it. Hopefully soon!

What advice do you have for young writers?

Young writers? How old do you think I am?!

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

‘Write the story you wish to read.’
March 17, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Alisha ‘Priti’ Kirpalani, Author of ‘Out With Lanterns’

Alisha ‘Priti’ Kirpalani lives in Mumbai along with her husband, two daughters, one cat and over a hundred board games. From full-length novels to blogging to micro-fiction, she is known for the impeccable language and insightful nature of her writing.

She is the author of ‘Out With Lanterns’ a genre-breaking novel about the discovery of life, love and everything in between.
and
‘A Smattering of Darkness’ a collection of short and shorter twisted tales dealing with the human psyche.
She was acknowledged as a top writer in Feminism for her blog on Medium. https://medium.com/@alisha_k.

Out With Lanterns

You venture out into the night, armed with lanterns, looking for yourself. You navigate this path ridden with complexities, questions and undefinable emotions. And sometimes, if you’re really lucky, you might just find love.
‘Out With Lanterns’ is a genre-breaking novel that traces the delicate, yet intricate nuances of human relationships. It is not just a story about love. It is a tale about the tumultuous journey life sends us on.
Karin Mehra, a mother of two, is happily married to Raoul. Yet she feels empty and getting older adds to her alienation, stirring up trouble in her mind and marriage.
In a chance encounter, she meets the younger and charismatic Aksh Soni, a successful writer, who is in a complicated, long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Sia. Drawn towards each other, despite all that is at stake, Karin and Aksh lose themselves in a secret world of their own.
The choices facing them are difficult. Should they hurt the ones who love them for the beguiling promise of an ideal relationship sizzling with cerebral chemistry? The shades of life and love are not black and white. There are no heroes and no villains. Are these boundaries too heavy a price we pay for being but human?

We will talk with Alisha about her book ‘Out With Lanterns’

What is the story behind your book ‘Out With Lanterns’. Where did you get your idea for the book?

“You venture out into the night, armed with lanterns, looking for yourself. You navigate this path ridden with complexities, questions and undefinable emotions. And sometimes, if you’re really lucky, you might just find love. “
These lines best describe the story of Out With Lanterns.
The idea for the book came to me overnight but I had met the characters over a long period of time, in most of the men and women I knew.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

Balancing a family life and the life of an author is a tough act. Something always seems to come up just when inspiration is flashing. Finding time mentally and physically, was the most challenging part of the process.

What is your life mantra?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

What is your writing process like?

I write late at night, into the wee hours of the morning. It’s the time I am most productive.
I have an unconventional structure to my seemingly erratic process. I usually have my ending figured out and often written, before I write the beginning. Finally, I flesh out the middle to get the story to its final destination.
Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Anything special about your book ‘Out With Lanterns’ that you want to share?

Out With Lanterns’ was written with one mission in mind. I wanted to write a book that I would want to read and reread, if I was the reader. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride into the minds of men, women and their search for identity while conforming to the dictates of relationships around them. The challenge was to create a fair and delicate balance of the male and female perspective and the workings of their inner selves. There is no judgement on the actions of any characters, just a recognition of the dilemmas of being human.
Language, structure, imagery and literary devices are a hallmark of my writing and I have played around with many elements in this novel, including an epistolary format peppered with chapters.
This novel is a result of passion; passion for the written word and for the universal human condition.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

Persistence, patience and promotion. Then pray that Lady Luck is on your side.

What are your plans for next book?

I have an interesting short story collection in the making. A celebrity autobiography is on the cards too.

What advice do you have for young writers?

Stay true to yourself. Have a unique voice. Your book should be a reflection of you as a writer, not an inspired version of someone else.

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

A writer without interest or sympathy for the foibles of his fellow man is not conceivable as a writer.
– Joseph Conrad

March 16, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Rachana Gupta, Author of ‘Happiness ki Khoj’

Rachana is a Happiness Coach and Author of the book – Happiness ki Khoj. Rachana bid adieu to a successful 16-year corporate career to pursue her dream of enabling people to experience real happiness and celebrate life, here, now!
She has established her secrets of real happiness in three ways – personal experiences, deep observations of social behaviours and extensive scientific research around the world. She has made a life-long commitment to share these secrets with people especially moms. She believes that a happy mom leads to a happy child giving rise of happier generations ahead.
Rachana loves to interact with people and make a life-changing impact in their lives.

Few words about ‘Happiness ki Khoj’

‘Thoda Hai, Thode ki Zaroorat Hai’ sums up the nature of happiness. You’ve this subtle feeling that you are happy but you also feel the potential to be a lot happier. But you don’t know how to unleash this untapped potential within you. This book shows you how not to settle for just being happy but learn the art to celebrate life, right here, right now!
Book provides you a sparkling new perspective on: –
1. What is real happiness
2. How happiness is linked with family, friends, health, success, money & recognition
3. How to be a happy mom that leads to a successful and happy child
4. Secrets of the happiest people around the world that live for 100 years
5. Real people, Real stories, Real lessons

In this interview Rachana talks about his book and writing experience apart from her views on life and happiness.

What is the story behind your book. Where did you get your idea for the book?

Over a decade, I have consciously established my understanding of real happiness in three distinct ways – personal experiences, deep observations of human behaviour and extensive research across the world. As a Happiness Coach, I wanted to share this rich learning & insights to enable people to understand where real happiness comes from. The book is all about real people, real stories and real lessons on happiness.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

I have faced multiple challenges in my life and I think challenges are good stimulators that push you out of your comfort zone and make you propel in the right direction. As an author, this is my first book and a self-published one. So there were plenty of challenges during the entire process of getting the desired output, but that’s the phase I have also enjoyed the most.

What is your life mantra?

‘Celebrate life, right here, right now’. The fun part is Now, not later.

What is your writing process like?

My writing process is fairly simple – I sketch out a mind map of the big picture first and then look at the content that needs to flow in and fit seamlessly. I write every day, at the same time for at least an hour. There are times when your thoughts are overflowing and you are itching to sit and write it down, while at certain times even though you know what needs to be written, but the hands simply don’t move. At such times, I zoom out, take my time to tune back in and then start writing.

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

I am immensely proud to be a woman and a mother and this book is aimed at women, especially Moms to value what matters to them the most and become self-reliant on happiness. This book is not another self-help book, but a book that has a great element of fun, simple and powerful stories that will inspire women and Moms to lead a healthy and happy life.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

First and foremost, an author must thoroughly enjoy the process of writing and the journey of creating something that will make an impact on others. Because only when you enjoy what you are doing can you create something that others will enjoy. An author should also be a great story-teller and the stories and the way it has been presented should keep the reader enthralled and engaged in the book.

What are your plans for next book?

I am not sure about the next book, but basis the reader’s responses and feedback of Happiness Ki Khoj, there are plans to develop specific booklets ( short stories) that are easy to read and retain.

What advice do you have for young writers?

I would only tell them to ‘read a lot and write a lot.’ There is no substitute for reading and the more you read, the better you will be able to identify and develop your individual writing style.

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

‘Nothing can dim a light that shines from within’– Maya Angelou

March 1, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Rajat Pillai, Author of ‘Yoddha: The Dynasty of Samudragupta’

Rajat did an MBA from IMI (Delhi) while actively pursuing interests in theatre, acting, dance, short-films and martial arts. His first historical fiction novel Chandragupta : Path of a Fallen Demi-god (2011) about the first Mauryan emperor went on to become a national bestseller and was translated into Marathi in 2015. His next novel was a psychological thriller The Dead Woman Writing(2014) which topped the thriller and paranormal lists on major ecommerce websites. Rajat lives in Mumbai and is working as senior program manager in the technology division of a leading financial institution. In 2017, the motion picture and web-series rights for ‘Chandragupta’ was acquired by India’s top film production house.’

‘Yoddha; The Dynasty of Samudragupta’

‘Yoddha; The Dynasty of Samudragupta’ is a gripping historical fiction set during the period of the Gupta empire. The thrilling and complex situation faced by king Samudragupta and his son Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

We will talk with Rajat about his new book ‘Yoddha; The Dynasty of Samudragupta’

What is the story behind your book. Where did you get your idea for the book?

‘Yoddha: The Dynasty of Samudragupta’ had its genesis when I was reading various books and stories from ancient India history. I was always fascinated by the Gupta empire and kings. There was a certain episode in documented history which I believe was not explored much. I was a time when the empire, the royal family and allies were all in a state of turmoil. The difficult and complex situation Samudragupta and Chandragupta Vikramaditya were in was unprecedented. I felt that it was a thrilling tale full of twists that I wanted to write about. That is how this book was born.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

The challenge in this story was to maintain the philosophical depth, character nuances and relationship perspectives in a narrative which was free flowing and fast. There is so much happening in every page, in every paragraph, in every line that balance had to be maintained by concentrating on perspectives around the fast paced core plot. As an author, after the success of ‘Chandragupta’ and ‘The Dead Woman Writing’ the challenge was to write a book which matches the reader’s expectations and hopefully tries to surpass it.

What is your life mantra?

My purpose is to inspire people with tales from the past on leadership, strategic thinking, crisis management and patriotism. The larger objective being to make every Indian feel proud about our history, culture and heritage. My personal life mantra is that peace of mind is more valuable than anything else.

What is your writing process like?

All throughout the day when by myself, I am thinking about the subject matter of my manuscript. After office I am free only post dinner, so I write late into the night. Sometimes I take a late night walk to ideate and continue writing. I make use of as much time as is available during weekends to review and revise.

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

When I read about the Gupta empire I stumbled about this episode during their reign which was not only a period of uncertainty and turmoil but had so many mind blowing perspectives. As I researched more and the story evolved, I could see that it was rare that one episode in history has so many elements like suspense, romance, horror, bromance, battle strategy, philosophy, leadership , treachery, thrill, conspiracies and sharp twists all in the narrative. It’s a complete package.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

The three qualities that are important for an author are:
a. Be sincere and honest with the subject matter, the readers are quick to catch anything that is not from the heart.
b. Work hard on your craft and constantly strive to improve it
c. Always move outside your comfort zone of the tried and tested, because that is where the learnings are.

What are your plans for next book?

I am obsessed with India history and for sure most of my upcoming books will be historical fiction inspired from episodes in Indian history. I will also write in the psychological thriller genre.

What advice do you have for young writers?

Some thoughts to ponder over for young writers:
a. Try not to do what everyone else is doing or safe choices which people advice you to pursue. Be true to yourself and your art.
b. Do take extra care on the editing and the quality of the manuscript.
c. Focus on selling and differentiating yourself in the marketplace when naming and branding the book.

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

‘When life takes you to rock bottom then there is only one direction left to move and that is to move up.’ That is the theme of ‘Yoddha: The Dynasty of Samudragupta’.

February 12, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Sreemay Rath, Author of ‘Covetous’
Sreemay Rath, a sixteen-year old Oriya boy now residing in Mumbai is creating a sensation in the literary circles with his fourth book, Covetous. The book released by Blue Rose Publishers has been ranked among the top Amazon bestsellers.

We will talk with Sreemay about his new book ‘Covetous’

What is the story behind your book ‘Covetous’. Where did you get your idea for the book?

So, I got my inspiration to write poems for my book ‘Covetous’ by observing people a lot. Personal experiences and ordeals have played a major role in deriving the yearn to write poems for this book.
Be it something that drenches the soul apart, depression or an incident that happened with a dear friend that has troubled me. So, it would be safe to say that I derive my work out of life’s own ordeals.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

Writer’s block is one, judgemental society is another. However, the most prominent difficulty is convincing a publisher to publish your work traditionally. In today’s time where every other publisher is looking to make money, there are very few who choose to promote art as well.

What is your life mantra?

To not be badgered by what other’s think of me. To write to oneself and oneself only.

What is your writing process like?

I choose a cozy corner and take some time to get settled, i always have a kettle of rustic black coffee to keep me awakr while writing. Once I get into a flow, I write about 10 wholesome pages. Normally while writing the book, it took me a total of 6 months to come up with “Covetous.” I used to write, edit, erase and rewrite atleast 5 times before being satisfied with my work for the book.

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

The special thing is, the book is based on personal ordeals. It connects with people of my age which is why I feel my age bracket will appreciate the book a lot.
The most unique thing about the book is that I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. Once you enjoy doing a task your passion lies in, the task become all the more memorable.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?
- Never plagiarize.
- Don’t bother about what other’s have to say.
- Reread and edit extensively.
What are your plans for next book?

I plan to pivot towards writing fiction for poetry is tough to sell in India for the time being.

What advice do you have for young writers?

My only advice for young writers is to read good authors/poets. To not be swayed by micro poets who are merely commercial profiteers of their work.

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

“There isn’t much to writing, you should sit in front of a typewriter and bleed”. – Ernest Hemingway
February 10, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Tarun Poddar, Author of ‘Love Turns Back’

Tarun Poddar Serves Boeing International as Head of Operation, formerly he has served many Global Leading Company’s Like Cognizent and Sonata Software. He has also served Indian Startup Sanmax as Managing Director and Europe’s largest Energy Company Vattenlfall as independent Director.

Graduated From Delhi University and Masters from World’s Best and Reputed Stanford University Mr.Poddar is the Youngest Executive in Boeing’s South India Division.

He is a Well Known Personality of Nation and well versed with Technology Up-gradation and a very Good Speaker, Motivator and Debt Investor, also holds the membership of NASSCOM and ASSOCHAM. he has been awarded as India’s Most Youngest Executive by Unikuniverse, IT Interactor By Prabhat Khabar, and Youngest Executive at Boeing India.

Within a very Small Age Mr.Poddar has been the Roll Model of Thousands of Youngsters and Young entrepreneur Across India and the Globe.

We will talk with Tarun about his new book ‘Love Turns Back’.

What is the story behind your book. Where did you get your idea for the book?

I always have been in corporate world, but few incidence of my life forced me to write this Novel. Book is based on my true love life story. While being in to that period i have learnt that love means sacrifices, “ If someone tells she doesn’t care, that means she mean it. Three females of my life completely changed my living, first made me a cook, second made me a singer and third made me an Author. The story is very interesting and inspiring for youngsters.

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

The bigger challenge for me was to make my story live to the public, but i dare to bare this, while in my writing time my heart which got hurt many times use to cry, regular threat of the people not to use their name and story forced me to stop writing but i have a simple Philosophy “ Ignorance is the best way to continue your Move” helped me to complete this Book

What is your life mantra?

I believe in creating, not copying. I have been a self motivated person and i know how to stand when you fall down. My Enemies are my biggest Friend who always keep me realizing that I have to go to the Top, I Don’t have to stop myself.

What is your writing process like?

I love writing on something true and stable. First i analyze then i experience and then i draw the story.

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

Most special in this book is the character of Harshita, Shivani’s Sister and the character of Monika. That makes you learn that, “ We should not judge a book by it’s cover, because story may surprise you.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

An Author must have the Power of observation of situation, ability to analyze and can dare to experience the situation

What are your plans for next book?

As my life’s incidence and accident increasing ,I have planned to write the second part of the Book soon.

What advice do you have for young writers?

I would like to say that Writing is a skill to express your feelings, don’t write to be the best seller, write what can touch People’s heart.

February 9, 2018
Exclusive Interview with Veena Nagpal, Author of ‘RADIUS 200’

Veena Nagpal is an Indian writer known for her genre bending fiction featuring love, passion, intrigue and boldly etched characters exploring vital issues facing humankind.RADIUS 200 is her fourth novel.

Her earlier novels include The Uncommon Memories of Zeenat Qureishi (Tara); Karmayogi (Jaico) and Compulsion (Sterling). She has also written four books for children. A passionate environmentalist, she has conducted more than five hundred environment workshops for school children in the NCR region.
She loves travelling. “Must have inherited gypsy blood from somewhere,” she laughs. She is also an avid photographer and dabbles in oil painting.

RADIUS 200, a novel.

The story of a fragile love caught in the crossfire between two nuclear nations warring over scarce water resources.

What is the story behind your book ‘RADIUS 200’?

Radius 200 is about love and longing and about celebrating the capacity of the human spirit to survive all possible odds.

It is a ‘what if…’ military thriller/military romance, placed in the year 2040 and 2060.

What if a nuclear powered neighbouring nation was to ‘steal’ an entire river from under our eyes?
What if a top-ranking Indian General was to take a unilateral decision to strike back, thereby triggering a cataclysmic reaction?
What if, in the aftermath of the nuclear attack, India was left with a devastated Exclusion Zone, 200 kilometers in radius?

And what if your love was stranded inside the Exclusion Zone…

Where did you get your idea for the book?

When something about the world he/she live in, disturbs or nags so much that it doesn’t let him/her sleep, a writer sort of just erupts into writing

This book?

Not many years ago, I saw a small video made by none other than ex-President Abdul Kalam. The video graphically depicted what water scarcity could do to human life. The images stayed in my mind.

Experts started predicting that the next World War would be over water and that Asia was a major Flash Point. China started building the world’s largest dam at Medog, 30 kilometers from the Indo China border, to divert the waters of the Brahmaputra to its own lands. Once the dam becomes a reality China can flood India or starve it of water at will.

All these facts started nagging me, churning my imagination…

The way I see it, each one of us lives in a small world of out own – a kind of limited circle – a sort of a daayara within which we must operate… in fact for a long time the working title of this novel was Daayara.

Then there are also those larger circles that represent the life of nations, the life of this earth we live on.

I find it fascinating to imagine what happens in the space where these little circles – each with its own baggage of emotions and relationships – intersect with the larger circles; when individual concerns – unexpressed loves, unfulfilled ambitions – collide against the larger forces at work in this world.

This combination of water scarcity, a possible water conflict between two nuclear nations and in India, the spectacle of politico-military relationships slithering down a slippery path leading to growing restlessness among the Defense Forces (I belong to a fauji family), started nagging me.

I just had to explore how human relationships would work out in this extreme scenario.

RADIUS 200 is the result of this exploration

Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

I was dealing with a military theme. I had to be credible, get my facts right. For example the strategic weapon I was going to choose for blowing up a dam, had to be technically feasible. So, yes, it was a huge challenge and I had to do a lot of research.

Having done my homework, I was also very fortunate in getting professional advice, which I have duly acknowledged, in the book.

An author’s life is always subservient to life as a human being. All every author really wants is to be able to write, write, write and in her spare time read, read, read…

It doesn’t always happen. Life intervenes with its persistent demands. Family matters. Illness – sometimes life threatening.

One of the biggest regrets is the long hiatus between my first two novels and the next two. Life intervened.

What is your life mantra?

Live NOW. Now is all you can be sure you have.

What is your writing process like?

Creative writing is something magical – out of just twenty-six alphabets and a fistful of punctuation marks you create a whole new universe.

The skill and craft of writing is, of course, painstakingly honed over years of practice.

To me, characters are most important. I like to know them, their back-story, and their idiosyncrasies as intimately as I can. Somehow, after that the characters start taking over – walking, talking, doing things the way they want. They just hijack the story.

Another thing that is important to me is the lay-off period. Once I ‘finish’ my manuscript I shove it into the deepest recesses of my desk and let it lie there for at least six months.

When I return to it I can better separate the wheat from the chaff.

Then begins the most important phase of the writing process – the rewrite.

Anything special about your book that you want to share?

I’m not too sure, but I think Radius 200 is perhaps the first Military Thriller written by an Indian woman.

In fact at the paperback launch of the book at JLF 18, one gentleman actually questioned how I could take on such a theme. What did I know about matters military?

And I do not see a single reason why I should restrict myself to ‘feminine’ themes only. I am ready to stand up and claim the androgynous space on behalf of all women writers.

According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

Curiosity, acute observation and the stamina to put in hour after lonely hour at your desk.

What are your plans for next book?

One is in the lay-off stage. Another half written and a third in the planning stage.

I really do not know which one will take birth first.

It’s too early to divulge the theme.

What advice do you have for young writers?

Oh, if I had any advice to give wouldn’t I have taken it myself?

Jokes apart, people say write what you know – I disagree. I would say write what fascinates you, keeps you awake, write what you need to figure out. Writing is a journey of discovery – of the world around you and yourself as a person.

Write, write and write.

Don’t wait for inspiration. Inspiration has to find you at your desk before it can make its way to you.

Until you have spent 10,000 hours writing, don’t even let the suggestion enter your mind that you are a writer.

In the meanwhile
Read, read and read. Start with RADIUS 200…

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”
–Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums

February 9, 2018