Author Interview!

 

Book Name - NOTES TO THE BELOVED

Author - Meenu Mehrotra

1. When did you first realize that you want to be a writer ? 

Ans- I have been writing since I was in Class VII  and growing from there I wrote several articles over the years but the need to become a fiction writer surfaced later- around 2006. 

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

Ans- It depends on what kind of book one is writing and how long or short it is. I finished writing NOTES TO THE BELOVED in 3 months but working on the second draft and the third draft takes time- anything close to 6 months for an 80 k plus book including the 2nd and 3rd draft with a gap of a few weeks between each draft. 

3. What comes first, the plot or characters?

Ans- Both happen simultaneously. 

4. Does your family support you ?

Ans- Yes, my family honors, appreciates & supports me as a writer.

5. Does this pandemic influence your writing in any way?

Ans- I feel the pandemic helped me find my real voice as a writer. I feel I have found my own unique space as a writer with this book. It's the one that reflects the true me and one that I am in sync with at all levels. 

6. What made you choose this kind of theme and plot for your book?

Ans- I wanted to express whatever I was going through my life at that point in time and also realized that love & intimacy is a universal theme that runs in the lives of each and everyone and my book can provide a guiding light to others as writing it helped me navigate the labyrinths of my heartscape.

7. How do you come up with the titles to your books?

Ans- That's an interesting one - I lean more towards poetic titles I guess and I feel the title comes to you once you are patient with yourself and let the thought/idea reveal itself rather than forcing it. Once you know for whom the book is meant, and what is it that you want the book to accomplish, the title reveals itself although sometimes it's about writing many titles before you find the right one. 

8. Which was the hardest part of your book to write?

Ans- There was none, to be honest. This book just flowed out of me.

9. Describe your writing space.

Ans- I have this writing table in my room which is my sacred space for writing. Once I have finished writing the first draft (which is longhand and written sitting up on my bed &  as soon as I wake up) then the 2nd and 3rd draft are written on this writing table on my laptop. 

10. How do you handle writer’s block?

Ans- The best way is to go back to life, the normal everyday things, and let life happen. The more one tries to fight the writer's block, the deeper it grows.

11. How many hours a day do you write?

Ans- When I am writing a book, then it's an hour a day. Otherwise, the time is flexible.

12. How was your experience working with Locksley Hall Publishing? 

Working with Locksley was easy . They were able to publish my book on time and as scheduled. The quality of the book, the book cover design is excellent and the whole vibe of the book is very positive and good. We were able to establish a good working relationship and that has helped me in being honest with them and airing whatever concerns I have faced during the publishing process which is a very organic part of getting a book published. Having said that, the entire team has worked hard on the book to create and design the book just the way I wanted it . I am thankful for everything that my publisher has done to get the book published.

13. What value did the literary agency 'Book Bakers' add in your journey of publishing your book?

Book Bakers has been the chariot that has helped me take my book out to the readers in the most organised manner . Working with an agency brings with it it’s own advantages and with Book Bakers, the process of finding the right home for my book became fairy simple and easy. It’s very essential for the book to be understood and appreciated by the agent for it to be sold further to a publishing house and Suhail was always encouraging and inspiring & focused on approaching the right publishers who would honour the book the way it was written and publish & promote it to the right audience. Collaborating with Book Bakers has helped me immensely to network with the right target audience and promote my work as a professional writer. It’s always great to have a reliable companion on one’s journey of getting a book published .

14. Do you have any suggestions to help a budding writer become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Ans- Self-discipline is a must. One must write daily as a ritual.

- Enrolling in a writing workshop is priceless. It helps you open up as a writer and discipline you. It will also familiarise you with the techniques, and nuts and bolts of writing which is essential to learn.

- Write. Write. Write and one has to write badly at first to write well.

- Reading loads of books is another way to refine your writing.

- One must write from the depths of one's heart. The mind must not interfere with the writing process.