Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi Guys! So, I’m a happy-go-lucky kind of person. That is the best way to describe me. I am your typical MBA grad who has started writing books. I did my MBA from a premier B school and now I am working with an MNC. Writing is something that I have always enjoyed. I used to write as a school kid and I have penned down a lot of stories since then purely out of fun. “Beauty and the Vampires – One Girl Holds the Future of the Blood Empire” is my first full-fledged novel. It is an attempt to write a “Vampire Saga.” This is the first book in the Saga and I am currently writing its sequel.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Beauty and the Vampires”?
The key challenge was completing it on time! I started writing it before joining my B school. So, I had got admission into this premier MBA college and I was very excited. I also had a couple of months left before joining. During that free time, I started writing this book. My aim was to finish it before starting college which I did.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I would say I have my own style of writing but I read a lot of fantasy/romance. I believe whatever you read; you end up writing about it. So, I have read the Twilight books, watched The Vampire Diaries and even read a couple of vampire books on Wattpad. All of these inspired me to write fantasy genre with my own storyline.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I am a spiritual person at heart so I’d say Vrindavan is my “go-to” place. I love Vrindavan’s spiritual energy and it is one place that gives me power. Apart from this, my favourite destination is Srinagar. I have stayed there for 3 years as a school kid and I loved it to the core. The place is exceptionally beautiful.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Not at all! Writing comes naturally to me. I can just sit and start writing anything on paper. Only if it is non-fiction, I think I would require time to research the topic but with fiction, I am completely spontaneous.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Beauty and the Vampires’?
3 months. I was absolutely free for those 3 months and originally this book was published on Wattpad which is a platform for readers to read any book for free. I got a lot of positive reviews from both Indian and international audiences so that’s why I decided to get it published on Amazon next. I had to remove it from Wattpad.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
So right now, my book is only available on Amazon (Indian and international marketplaces). It is available in eBook format and I’ll be focusing on its paperback version next. The bonus is that right now, the eBook is available for just Rs 49 for a limited period of time. So, this is a good time to grab your copy at the cheapest price!
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Beauty and the Vampires’?
I specifically got the cover designed. I had changed 2 book covers before this. I was very particular about it as a cover is the first thing that a reader gets attracted to. I wanted my 3 protagonists to be on the book cover so that the readers can get an idea of who the characters are and what do they look like. That helps a reader in connecting with the story and he gets an idea of what to expect if he buys it. The title is inspired by a kids’ fairy tale called “Beauty and the Beast.” My story has a beauty, a girl, who is an important character and she is surrounded by blood-sucking, menacing monsters called Vampires who are nothing less than beasts. It is an interesting tale that tries to explore the relationships of everyone involved in a setting where suddenly, humans are not at the top of the food chain, Vampires are!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to put myself in my target audience’s shoes which I feel is not very difficult to do as my target readers are females who love romance and fantasy just like me. I have a couple of ideas in my head and I try to create something new every time. I try to explore different settings, different kinds of relationships and try to bring something new to the table every time. It is fun doing it.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
The most valuable advice was “to write for the reader.” I think readers are kings and one should write keeping that in mind. For me, my readers are very, very important. There’s nothing that gives me more satisfaction than the fact that the readers liked my book.
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