Nisha Gandhi Fofaria is a professional content writer and an English teacher. She is passionate about writing. She has been writing poetry and stories for over a decade now. She has been teaching for more than a decade now. She is an MBA in Human Resources and Marketing, from Bangalore University. She is as much a Bangalorean as Mumbaikar. She adores these places, and enjoys her personal life with a loving husband and a naughty four year old.
About the Book : “Love Me, Forever”
In times where romance has gone amiss, and commitment has weakened, Love Me, Forever is a soulfully enriching love story where love and commitment are not only alive forever but also set an example as to how true love prevails when everything is gone. One of the most touching aspects of the book is how it brings various human emotions to the fore and connects a chord with the readers.
The love and the relationship shared by Samaira and Kevin are sure to connect with readers in its sheer simplicity and realistic ways. In our walk of life, we have sure encountered many like Samaira and Kevin. Love Me, Forever lends a soul to the concept of TIMELESS LOVE.
We will talk with Nisha about her new book “Love Me, Forever”.
What is the story behind your book. Where did you get your idea for the book?
Having been an avid reader, my imagination has always helped me think more and more about the things I read. In recent past, I read many stories, articles and write-ups about personal loss. As a subject, loss and heartbreak interest me. I decided I wanted to write about it. So, the idea of this book, “Love Me, Forever” – my debut novel, comes from various sources in general and not one in particular.
Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?
The biggest challenge I have faced is, the emotional attachment that I ended up building with the characters of my own story. As I said, this is a story dealing with loss of a partner, a loved one, therefore I felt emotionally drained penning this. Also, I was writing this on a public forum where readers followed the story. So, I had a deadline to meet, on an everyday basis, because the readers followed the story religiously. Delays meant lost readers, which I did not want, at any cost.
In my life as an author, there are quite a few challenges. Apart from the fact that I juggle between various roles like that of a mother, teacher, professional content writer, there is always a challenge of performing, and performing well in every role. Some days, I am happy being the average mother and teacher and content writer, but then I sit back and introspect – Is that why I took it up in the first place?
I am also thoroughly critical of what I write, despite being mighty optimistic. That makes it all the more challenging, because you are not competing with the world, but yourself. However, the feedback from readers and followers reinstates that self-belief and the challenges are then resolved.
What is your life mantra?
“Live in the present”. I do have goals, ambitions and future plans. However, I am a person who does not delve much into over-thinking. The more we worry, the more we make it difficult for our own selves, trying to analyze situations which do not even exist. Therefore, I strongly believe in living for the day.
What is your writing process like?
To be honest, I do not follow a set process. I follow my gut, my instincts, and go with the flow of my thoughts. I sometimes write it down on paper, then edit it, put it in the soft format, edit it some more, and the final product is then ready. However, there are days when there is no paper or pen involved, and no editing happens, because it seems just fine. So, as I said, I am not really a process-oriented person, but rather spontaneous.
Anything special about your book that you want to share?
“Love Me, Forever” has sold about 80 copies in 4 months. I have received excellent feedback for it from friends, family and readers. Some of them have been absolute non-readers but have completed the book in a few hours and in less than 2 days. That speaks volumes, and I feel elated. ‘
It is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress website. It has been rated 4 and 5 stars across these channels, and even on Goodreads.
According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?
Being an avid reader is a must. A person who does not read, cannot do justice to writing.
Also, a writer has to be a very keen observer of his surroundings. I strongly feel, everything around us has a message to give to us. We need to have an eye for detail, and an ear for what the environment speaks to us, without words.
What are your plans for next book?
I have a few stories penned down. However, I haven’t given publishing a thought. I hope to go that path again, but I want “Love Me, Forever” to do well, first and break some records that I have set in my mind. As I mentioned earlier, I am in competition with myself, not anybody else. Therefore, I want to achieve a target that I have set for myself, before taking the plunge again.
What advice do you have for young writers?
There are a lot of writers in the market today. It is quite easy to get lost in the huddle. Try to hold your own, and be creative and original.
Always seek candid feedback. Do not vie for good reviews alone.
Accept feedback gracefully – positive and negative, and work on it. Don’t let the positive comments get to your head, and don’t let the negative comments break your confidence.
Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.
“Every day might not be a good day, but there is some good in every day”.
Beautiful story. I usually don’t read love genre but this one was a varied experience. A simple story with a soul. Very nice read. Brilliantly scripted. Looking to more from you… Congratulations, All the best and keep writing