She Walks, She Leads which profiles twenty-six iconic women in modern India. These leaders tell their stories, up close and personal. Their relentless ambition to shatter the glass ceiling, their pursuit for excellence and the challenges that came their way – all of this is captured vividly in this exclusive anthology. Each chapter is based on extensive research and has never-seen-before photographs of these luminaries. The chapters are followed by interviews with their companions and close confidants who have seen them grow over the years. The women leaders profiled in the book come from different fields like banking, media, cinema, sports, fashion, philanthropy and industry.

Q & A

Q. What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?

A: The one book that I have given as a gift over and over again is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. One day he was a neurosurgeon treating the dying, and the next he was a patient with not too long to live. This book is an inspiring and uplifting experience because it is full of profound insights on mortality, what it means to be alive and what it feels like to look at impending death in the face and the meaning contained within these experiences.

Q. In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

A: Now, as I come to wakefulness every morning, I lie in bed with my eyes closed. I think of all the things in my life that I am grateful for—my family, friends, my writing, the books and ideas buzzing inside my head. I have found that feeling gratitude not only helps me to feel good at once, but it helps me live in the present and builds my strength to see me through challenging situations.

Q. In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?

A: What I find most distracting is the constant buzzing of smart phones. I don’t just mean my own but everyone’s around me. It’s hard to get through an interaction or a meeting without either you or the person(s) you’re with checking their phones. About a year ago, I started locking my phone in a drawer (the key was with someone else!) for the first half of the day. It was hard going for the first few weeks but the difference to my creativity and productivity was astounding! I’m a better listener and better at my personal and professional relationships. 

Q. When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)

A: Sometimes, when I’m working on a book, especially in the initial stages, I have trouble deciding on what I should do first—writing, outlining, conducting interviews or research—and end up feeling overwhelmed. What I find most useful when I’m feeling this way is to go the old-fashioned route. I physically clear my desk and ask myself what is the most important thing I wanted to accomplish that day. On a notepad, I take a minute to jot down my top priorities or tasks for the day. Making that list is like a totem – it always brings me back to where I need to go. 

Q. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?

A: Pain builds character they say and I consider failure a chance to recover, reassess and improve. It makes you better as a person, more empathetic, sensitive and opens your mind to seeking solutions in many different ways. When I was a young girl, my father shared his favorite Winston Churchill quote with me: “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” It is advice that has stood me in very good stead through the years.

The post #Book Spotlight: She Walks, She Leads – Women Who Inspire India by Gunjan Jain appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

THE MIND

Q. What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?

The Geeta. Taught me to crush fear and take action! It changed my life.

Q. In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Waking up early. Yoga and jaal neeti.

Q. In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approach

I decided to say NO to the good and mediocre so that I could say YES to the truly incredible and great.

Q. When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)

I meditate, go for a walk in nature and simply take a break. Then I return recharged,

Q. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?

I used to be a door-door to door salesperson when I was 16. I faced so much rejection, almost everyone banged the door on my face. But finally, people started buying. It built up my ability to bounce back and be persistent to achieve my goal. I’m super persistent and I won’t stop till I achieve whatever goal I set.

THE WRITING & THE READING

Q. How did you come up with brand The Happionaire Way?
It just came to me. The Universe spoke to me and it moved something within.

Q. What is the easiest thing about writing?
For me its as easy as sharing an idea or having a conversation with a friend.

Q. What motivates you to write?
The desire to change someone’s life for the better and share ideas that have an impact.

Q. When did you decide that you want to be a writer?
Ever since I was in school, I loved writing and sharing ideas. So it goes back then.

Q. How do you relax?
I love travelling, reading, watching movies and dancing.

Q. What would you have done differently if you could do it again?
Not at all!

Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
I am a prankster and very mischievous!

Q. Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again?
Yes I do. The Geeta.

Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s) / entrepreneurs?
So many. Steve Jobs, Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Krishna are some.

Q. Are you working on anything at the moment? When can we see your next work?
Oh yes, lots….soon!

The post Author Interview: Yogesh Chabria appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

Written by Tanuj Lalchandani, Treasure Trove of Zodiacs is a 176 pages colourful journey to know yourself and deal with your relationships in a better way. This journey of self-discovery will help you make peace with yourself and others in your life.

Author Interview

Q. Which books have greatly influenced your life?

A. Shiv Mahapurana has had a major impact on my life. It is the book which led me towards the world of spirituality. It made me a much calmer person. The way Lord Shiva guided Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to create the universe made me curious to read other scriptures like Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Durga Saptashati. In the form of Ardhnareshwara, Lord Shiva, along with Ma Parvati symbolizes the balance between the male and the female. This balance is essential for maintaining harmony in the world.

Q. In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

A. Taking care of my health has greatly helped me. I have started eating healthier. Jogging and cycling help me keep fit as well as stress-free.

Q. In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?

A. Thankfully, I have started saying no to the negative people around me. Once I realized that a lot of people were around me solely due to their selfish interests, I decided to not devote my time and knowledge to them. I started focusing on myself and my work. That is how I could come up with the book.

Q. When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)

A. I travel or listen to and chant mantras. Both traveling and mantras help me refocus. They reinvigorate me and I am able to make a fresh start.

Q. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? 

A. I am extremely thankful for my failures. They have made me who I am today. They made me stronger and gave me the motivation to strive for better things. I have a lot more focus and am determined to achieve greater heights, both personally as well as professionally. I have complete faith in my good karma and I know that if I have done nothing bad, no harm will come my way.

GOODREADS |  TWITTER | FACEBOOK | MEDIUM

The post #BookSpotlight: Treasure Trove of Zodiacs appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

David Impey’s latest book The October Men is written exquisitely. If you always wanted to read a book on time travel but never had the heart for going into many details. I recently had a chance to interview him.

Q. Hi Mr. David Impey, and thank you for agreeing for this interview. Tell me a little about yourself and your background?

Hello there and thanks for taking the time to read ‘The October Men’. I’m much obliged to you for that.

My background is a bit tangential in that I have spent most of my career working in the life sciences industry mostly in commercial roles. These have involved trying to translate fairly complex technical concepts into everyday language for consumption by the general public, the press and the scientific community as well (they aren’t usually the most articulate of people!).

I have been a writer since way back. I wrote my first novel when I was 13. And set fire to it when I was 14 – my critical faculties had developed sufficiently during that year for me to appreciate quite how awful it was. I got my first article published in a yachting magazine when I was 17. And I’ve been contributing articles and columns to various magazines, journals, and websites since then.

I also developed a TV format on how drugs work which was eventually picked up by a small cable channel in the US.

Q. Congratulations in your book, The October Men. Very thought-provokingly told. What led you to pick a theme based on Time Travelling?

It was two things really. The first was my musing on why there seemed to be a sudden glut of World War 2 documentaries in colour and then chatting about these musings with a friend of mine over a few glasses of wine.

It struck me that, if people were able to go back and get colour footage and return to the present, then what else could they do? The novel sort of spiraled out from there.

Q. I see you your writing style is excellent and it is what kept me going throughout the novel. What is the easiest thing about writing you find?

Thanks for the compliment. I’m not sure that ‘easy’ is the right word. The key thing is planning out the story in advance. I use a rather complex set of spreadsheets and diagrams to make sure that the whole thing flows, despite being told from multiple viewpoints, and to make sure that certain characters don’t end up being in totally different places at the same time. As happened at one stage in the draft – I had to go back and do some serious re-writes to amend this.

Once the plan is there, then I have a fairly vivid mental image of what is occurring – I also try to write about places I have visited in the past and can see clearly – and it becomes a lot more straight-forward to write.

Q. What motivates you to write?

There isn’t a simple answer to this one. I suppose I wanted to see if I could actually do it.

I was a bit nervous about making an ass of myself so I had a friend, who is a published author, read through the first draft of the first 50 pages. I asked her to put me out of my misery if I was deluding myself and she was adamant that it was worth persevering with.

Q. When did you decide that you want to be a writer?

I’ve been entertaining dreams of being a writer since I was a kid, if I’m honest. I was always making up stories on the way to school. I’ve finally got round to it.

Q. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

Obviously, I love getting a good review; it’s like being told you’re a fine parent. As for bad reviews, I suppose I take it a bit personally, although I am quietly satisfied if I elicited some sort of response as long as it’s objective and not a grandiloquent critic trying to get a laugh at my expense.

Q. What do you prefer: Pen or Computer? And how do you stay organised (any methods, systems, tools you use)?

Computer. I’m a much faster typist than writer and, besides, my handwriting has deteriorated since the days when I started using PCs as standard.

As for organisation, I file everything and anything I can on the hard drive. I’m a lousy librarian so filing systems don’t come naturally to me. That said, putting ‘The October Men’ together was not too onerous in that regard

Q. How do you relax?

I am a very keen musician. I have a recording studio which I use to write and record material for use as soundtrack music as well as commercial release. I also very occasionally play live with other musicians. I used to be a singer but I hate my voice so I leave that sort of thing to people who are talented.

I love listening to music – especially classical – whilst doing the crossword. In addition to all that, I occasionally play cricket and I enjoy walking my dog Dino.

Q. What would you have done differently if you could do it again?

Oh gosh. That way madness lies.

Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I tend to compartmentalize my life a bit so people from one part don’t really get to know much about the stuff from another part. To some extent, I feel that I’m rather forcing myself on them if I keep bouncing up saying “Oh yes, I also do that… and that… etc.”

So people from my life sciences / commercial side of things were very surprised to hear about the book launch.

Other than that, I don’t have any deep secrets that I keep hidden from the world. I just don’t tell everybody everything either.

Q. Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again?

Yes. Sometimes, the books one reads as a child take on new detail and significance as an adult. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was one such and ‘The Wind in the Willows’ made me sob twice (Mole getting homesick and ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ being the two episodes).

The one book that I would read again and again is probably ‘The Sixth Day’ by Primo Levi or ‘1Q84’ by Haruki Murakami. Both very philosophical and which reveal themselves through repeated study.

Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s)?

JP Donleavy, E Annie Proulx, John Irving, Alistair Maclean (his early stuff was brilliant!)

Q. Are you working on anything at the moment? When can we see your next work?

Yes I am. I have just been taken on by a literary agent (thanks Helen) and she immediately asked me to draught up the plot for a second novel and the first 50 pages. Which I have just done. As for when it will come out depends largely on the success of ‘The October Men’ and the speed with which Helen and I can get a publishing deal for the follow-up. As for when: this time next year..?

Author’s Blog | Publisher Website | Goodreads

The post Blog Tour: David Impey’s October Men and Interview appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

The post Author Interview: Angel A. appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

Q. Hi Mr Haggag, and thank you for agreeing this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I have spent nearly three decades in the corporate business world and I am currently working as a senior executive in the hospitality industry managing a group of hotels. With direct experience in many different aspects of business, including sales, marketing, revenue management, and administration. Having worked in Germany, the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, my global experiences have encouraged me to formulate my thoughts into written documents in business, management, history that I see may be beneficial to the younger generation. Eager to bring enhanced cross-cultural awareness to today’s business leaders.

Q. What led you to your book, “Legends over Generations”?
The deep admiration of the historical legends and masterminds of the various life aspects and how they have helped us grow better understanding of the world we live in was the core drive for drafting the idea of this book. In these Legends, we’ve seen inexplicable abilities that helped us define our existence and human life. Their names are engraved in the sands of time for their work in the welfare of mankind with different inventions that have made our lives easy, enjoyable and successful. The following chapters commemorate the greatest personalities we’ve ever seen who changed the world.

Q. What is the easiest thing about writing?
Identifying the core idea of the book and setting its overall structure is the easiest part for me. Once this is clear in mind, I can then go forward and draft down the main points that show and clarify the idea to my readers. Whilst I do this, I keep my target readers at the front of my mind.

Q. What motivates you to write?

Conveying the accumulative experience that I have gained throughout my academic career and the cross culture environment that I have been exposed to. Passing this knowledge to young generations who I believe are in need of such direction to help them accomplish their goals and enable them to face the everyday challenges that life brings.

Q. When did you decide that you want to be a writer?
Very recently, I reached a stage in my life whereby I realised that happiness for me, is giving back whatever knowledge I have accumulated over the years.

Q. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Having the fact in mind that there is no limit for us of learning something new, I take the bad reviews as a new guideline either to adjust my direction or to add something new that can help me produce and perform in a better way.

Q. What do you prefer: Pen or Computer? And how do you stay organised (any methods, systems, tools you use)?
Actually neither. My all-time go to is always a PENCIL HB2. This is the tool I feel most comfortable and relaxed with and it helps stimulate my thoughts.

Q. How do you relax?
When I see positive progress in accomplishing the preparation of my books, I feel relieved and satisfied.

Q. What would you have done differently if you could do it again?
For my first two non-fiction books, I would have created a more intense and structured marketing plan.

Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
Working out for me is a must. Out of all of the workouts that I do, jogging is the greatest help in focusing my mind on the coming chapters and keeping me focused throughout my writing journey.

Q. Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again?
Yes definitely. I rarely re-read novels but I go back to my all-time business favourites again and again. Such titles include: Blue ocean strategy, Good to Great and Built to Last.

Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s)?
Jim Collins

Q. Are you working on anything at the moment? When can we see your next work?
Yes I am. I am in the process of writing my fourth book which I foresee to have the title “The Bright and Dark side of the Greatest Empires”. The core idea for writing this book is to give a strong highlight on the evolution and the development of human behaviour starting from the early ages and the tendency of countries to acquire resources, land and economic influence outside their boarders in order to expand their size, power and wealth using military force.

The post Author Interview: Ashraf Haggag appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

Q. Hi Ms. Priyanka, and thank you for agreeing this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hello, Amandeep! My pleasure to be here again. I am Priyanka from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh (India). I currently live in Kuwait. I am an author, and a blogger; love to play guitar and do some poetry as well. My hobbies are traveling, reading, jogging, and watching movies.

I have two books to my credit – It’s Never Too Late and the latest, The Shadow of Darkness. Both books are being received well by the readers.

Q. What led you to your book, “The Shadow of Darkness”?

My first book – It’s Never Too Late. ‘The Shadow of Darkness’ is actually its sequel but a complete story in itself.

In It’s Never Too Late, I have shown how my protagonist, Maya, suffers a great deal by the hands of two sadistic criminals. In the process, her five year old daughter, Sejal, too gets harassed. Later on, Maya was able to release her clutch on the past but for little Sejal, it was impossible. She just could not leave behind the horror of the night! She was afraid of strangers, could not go outside and play, skipped school for months, protected her new doll fiercely while she was supposed to be playing with it, had hard time in eating and digesting food. In short, Sejal’s childhood was spent under the constant gaze of trauma.

In my first book, I put focus on Maya and magnified how with mental power, you can overcome physical strength. But for Sejal, I had to tell her story. How could you not show a little girl’s trauma in growing years? And that’s how the idea of ‘The Shadow of Darkness’ was seeded.  But why the term childhood trauma?

Childhood trauma is an invisible monster, it never leaves you. A child can grow but the trauma memories stay intact and affect the person in so many little and different ways that if help is not offered on time, the person in conflict may have to live with the painful memories forever. Although those memories do not go away completely yet with help on time, it certainly gets easier to deal with upcoming challenges.

The book also focuses on love and hope. It’s hard to overcome traumatic memories. The help and support of family and friends can open up new possibilities of healing and a bright future.

First book talked about crimes against women. Second one is about another sensitive issue – Childhood Trauma and creating a meaningful life despite of all the darkness.

Q. What is the easiest thing about writing?

Thinking about it! Getting those thoughts on paper is the hardest.

Q. What motivates you to write?

Daily life.

Q.  When did you decide that you want to be a writer?

When I saw my first book in hands. That day I felt there are chances this process could go on forever.

Q. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

To stay prepared for both.

Q. What do you prefer: Pen or Computer? And how do you stay organised (any methods, systems, tools you use)?

Computer, of course. Because of the daunting process called Editing. Writers have to edit for so many times that if it wasn’t for computers, the impending apocalypse would have doomed the earth ages ago.

Thankfully, the technology helps us to save trees and earth.

In line with organizing my writings, I always have an outline of my story. Till this time, I had the beginnings and the climaxes nailed right into my head before I started writing both of my books. It was the part between them that I had to work on munificently. In fact for ‘The Shadow of Darkness’, I had even hired a professional editor to fine tune the manuscript.

For my blogs (I have two – one in Hindi and another in English), I pick a topic and lace around ideas to make it work for readers. I love blogging. I’d also like you to write a post for me since your blog is much appreciated.

Q. How do you relax?

Relax? Let me cherish the word for a second for it’s hard for me to do this exact thing these days. Now that my book is out, I work seven days a week. If I am not typing, I am always thinking what next? If I am not thinking, I am typing my next move. If I am neither typing nor thinking then I am probably dead.

Fortunately, I have a family who plans a fun movie night, cooks Maggi for me, takes me out, fights and talks with me, and motivates me. Every week I cook special dishes to get them into thinking that I am the best ally they can ever imagine. Some friends here invite us over for dinner and day outs and vice versa. You see! Even if I don’t plan, I have lovely people around who love me unknowingly and fuel me enough to keep going.

Q. What would you have done differently if you could do it again?

Nothing, I guess. Because life is not a story on computer where you can press Undo and do the magic. And if you can’t change anything really then why to fret over which part sucked?

It’s better to look ahead than to refocus the fuse of the past.

Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I am not sure what can surprise the one reading this. May be this interview being given by a yet-to-be-a-bestseller author to oh-so-famous blog? 

Q. Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again?

Nope. With due respect, I have not re-read any book till to this date. There is always another, more inviting than the one I just finished. But the finished ones stay in my heart in the ways they have managed to touch me as a reader, inspired me as a writer, and fuelled the dedication to do something grander every day.

What can be the other best option to relive a book again and again if not this?

Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s)?

Influence/s is a better query to answer. My father is on number one. It’s because of him that I believe in giving my best. It’s because of him that I am a writer today. It’s because of him that I am happy today. He is super proud when he learns my books are doing well. He encourages me to keep practicing on my guitar which is a big deal for me, his concern. It’s his genes that push me to give the best beyond my best.

My mother and my husband. They are my strongest pillars and the best Exit plans. Whenever I feel cornered by an issue or something, they are the ones I usually turn to. Each day, they make me realize the wonders and magic of relationships through the way they love and care for me.

My son. He is my life. He gives me the energy to go on.

Paulo Coelho. One day, I want to meet him in person.  His writings are such a huge influence on me.

Q. Are you working on anything at the moment? When can we see your next work?

Yes. Third one is in the progress and you will get to see it when I find a good publisher.

Check out my NEW Book for Bloggers and Book Bloggers

The post Author Interview: Priyanka Baranwal appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

 

Published: December 2017 by Parallax Press

I recently, got a chance to have a QnA with Maia Duerr, the author Work That Matters.

Q. What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?

Two books that have informed how I move through the world are Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, and Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer. Sometimes I give each of those as gifts to dear friends, knowing what a difference they’ve made in my life! Both those books invited me into an experience that was deeper than the words on the page. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind was not actually authored by Suzuki Roshi (in the sense of written word) — it was taken from transcripts of his talks over the years at San Francisco Zen Center, and lovingly edited by his students. So the immediacy and intimacy of his teachings is transmitted in the pages of the book. In Parker Palmer’s book, he gives a very honest account of his life’s story, particularly in relation to his vocation. Both books gave me a sense that it is the darkest periods of our lfe that are actually the biggest gifts to us, if we can learn the practice of being present to them and learning from them.

Q. In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

 Well, as a Zen practitioner, I don’t often think any more in terms of ‘improving’ my life. It’s just this, what’s right in front of me, and there’s no more ‘improved’ version of me to get to. It’s about being present to all of who I am and what’s in the world around me. So I can’t quite answer your question the way it’s asked, but I would say that my meditation practice has been the foundation for living my life in a more intentional way. And when I’m able to do that, every part of my life feels more authentic and meaningful. 

Q. In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?

 I’ve gotten a lot better at saying no to requests for my time that don’t feel fully aligned with my “Core Intention” (as I call it in the book). I’ve learned that just because I’m good at something does not mean I should be doing it! This has taken many years to realize. It can feel good, on a superficial level, to have people ‘need’ me and ask me to do certain things, like helping them organize their passion projects. But I began to see that was draining energy away from focusing on things I really wanted to do or create — such as writing this book. There’s actually a whole chapter in the book devoted to “Valuing Your Gifts and Time” where I write about the importance of learning how to say ‘no’ in a positive way. One way to do this is to buy yourself time before giving the other person an answer to their request. If you have a tendency to say ‘yes’ quickly, tell them that you’d like a day (or week, or other period of time) to consider their request before you decide. Then make sure you go through a process of connecting with your own vision and values to see if their request will support that or detract from it. Another great book I’d recommend on this topic is “The Power of a Positive No” by William Ury.

Q. When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)

 This can happen a lot! I try to do frequent check-ins with my body to notice when this is happening… if I have a physical sense of being very scattered, I will stop and take a few intentional deep breaths, inviting myself to re-connect with my body and breath. Sometimes after this, it helps to go out for a walk so that I can ‘change channels’ and get a new perspective on whatever has left me feeling overwhelmed or unfocused. This almost always helps. I find those more physical interventions actually help me more at this stage of my life than cognitive ones (like asking questions).

Q. How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?

“Favorite failure” — that’s a good phrase! What comes to mind is the experience of losing my job about 10 years ago, around the same time that the U.S. economy went through a major recession. This was a very scary experience, and it was also hard to come to terms with being laid off from a job at an organization I’d worked at for many years. I sent my resume to numerous other organizations and got nothing back. Crickets. I felt like a failure! But that experience that created the conditions for me to start my own business and do everything I could to learn how to make it succeed. These days I don’t really think of anything as a ‘failure’ any more — I might experiment with offering a workshop or course and have no one show up, but now I think of it as a learning experience! I really try to take everything as material for future success… if something didn’t work, it’s a gift because I get to see what factors didn’t work so well and make adjustments for another try. Life is all about constantly listening and re-aligning to the current reality — which always changes!

Read my Review of Work That Matters by Maia Duerr

About the Author:

The post AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Maia Duerr appeared first on Confessions of a Readaholic.

Pages: 124, Kindle Edition

Published: 2017

Book Blurb

Very often, the most interesting stories are those that are not told. They need to be felt, heard with the heart and mind, deciphered from between the lines. Saudade, in essence, is a collection of 9 short stories centred around the lives of people from different walks of life, shaped by circumstance and traditional conformance.

These tales are subtle, but can change the way the story ends. As with Che Guevera’s Legacy, where a young boy is forced to come to terms with the reality of political idealism. In The Inscrutable Case of a Lilac Saree, Zuhara Ammaye, bogged down by the loneliness of old age, struggles with the reality of her predicament. The shocking tale of sexual abuse of a young boy in My Name is Arif Mushtaq and I am Gay, where happiness is finally found and yet horrifically lost. Or the paranormal powers of a young woman in Beevitha and the mysterious events that unfold.

All the stories are set in Kerala, imbuing the Islamic culture and way of life of the region with the subtle use of language, an understanding of local politics and a sensitivity to tradition.

Q n A

Q. Saudade is your latest book. How did you come up with it and why the title?

It’s interesting how something as unusual as a word can have such powerful effect on us. It’s like the butterfly effect you know. I remember the first time I read Saudade in an English translation of the poem ” Saudade” by Pablo Neruda, it simply left me in awe. It kind of filled me with a completeness , as if giving meaning to this expansive emotion I used to have and that which I couldn’t quite express in any of the languages I knew. Saudade – An intense emotional state of nostalgic longing for someone, something or someplace that no longer exists in our life. The presence of an absence. It could be of people we have loved and lost, childhood memories, a certain music, the monsoon rain, smell of spices. It could be  of a memory that didn’t even exist in the first place. I guess with “Saudade” it was love at first read for me. And it’s been my muse and inspiration ever since.

“Saudade” – My collection of 9 short stories , most of which are based in the North Malabar region of Kerala, revolves around 9 characters from different walks of life, bound by social and traditional conformism. Faultlines exist in the heart of every man. These are stories that we often don’t talk about or are reluctant to talk about,but they do exist. Saudade is the running thread in most of these stories.

As someone hailing from North Malabar, I am fascinated with the social, cultural and political climate that exists in the region, which is quite unique. People there  are passionate about everything –  their love,  food, music,  faith, politics, you name it.  I have tried to weave some of those glimpses in the narrative.

Q. What do you think is the most difficult part of writing a book?

Discipline and consistency. As writers we often bank on our creative muse to magically appear for words to flow through us. But most often than not, muses have their own moods and agenda!   The trick is to discipline the mind and tame the muse. I think it took a long time for me to realize this. It took me 4 years and 3 months to complete Saudade. It was only in the last leg of writing, that I made a concerted effort to be professional and clinically devote my time and focus to complete the book.

Q. Which is your favourite genre of writing and why?

I think my favourite genre will always be about human emotions and relationships. I love people- observing , understanding, analyzing them, why they do the things they do..Their emotions, passions, triumphs, failures, loss,grief…how dissimilar we are and yet so similar at the core of it. I don’t think one need to look any further for inspiration. It could also be because of the fact that I am a poet at heart.

Q. What mistakes did you commit past when you began your career as a writer that you don’t want others to commit?

Not being disciplined enough. And after you finish your manuscript to edit it a dozen times or more until you start submitting to publishing houses. I cannot emphasize on this enough.

About The Author

Husna is a writer, poet and freelance content strategist. She is a dentist by profession, with a journalism degree. She abandoned a lucrative career to follow her dream of being a full time writer. Her first book, My Lyrical Symphony, an anthology of eclectic poems, was published in 2008. Husna currently resides in the picturesque coastal town of Cochin, Kerala, in southern India.

Are you interested? The review will be posted 30th December. 

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Q. Hi Mr. Manoj Jain, and thank you for agreeing this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

By profession I am a businessman running my own export company, a business I started after I completed my studies at IIM Ahmedabad. I have always wanted to write and I finally made the plunge, writing during my business travels. Besides my business and travels, I keep busy with my ongoing psychology studies as well as learning Spanish. I believe that a person should constantly learn and grow oneself.

Q. What led you to your book, “Ramona”?

Soon after Balraj was published, I started to get many messages from my family, friends and readers. Many expressed that they wanted to know what happened to Ramona and to Balraj’s family once he left. While most people enjoyed Inder’s metamorphosis into Balraj and his subsequent journey, they felt that Ramona had been given some kind of a raw deal and her story too deserves to be told.

As I started writing Ramona, a friend remarked that there are many women who, just like Ramona, somewhere got stuck in life without growing to be their own person, even if due to dissimilar circumstances. So I decided to write Ramona to show a way out of this grind, as Balraj had done.

Q. What is the easiest thing about writing?

The writing is the easiest and fun part. The editing and the re-reading of the book is the tough part. The marketing part is the toughest and the part I used to shy form…but over a period of time, I have less resistance to book readings etc

Q. What motivates you to write?

Writing a book for me helps me express many things: what I have seen, what I have learnt, what I want to share, some thoughts, feelings. When I write a book, it takes a lot of energy and I become inward looking and quieter and more withdrawn. But when it comes out, it feels like one has given birth (accompanied by the post-natal depression )

I am glad I have written books- not only is it a realization of my dreams (that seems less important to me now), it has helped shape me and become myself. It is helping me to complete myself.

Q.  When did you decide that you want to be a writer?

I knew as a child that I wanted to be an author. I wrote several short stories in my teens and early twenties. I have been writing poetry forever. By the time I entered the world of business, I reconciled that I would now never write a book. I lost confidence seeing the beautiful way the modern authors expressed themselves. When I was in my late 40s, my nephew suggested I write a blog. Once I started to write for the blog, my son encouraged me to elaborate on it, consequently the story grew and became my first novel.

Q. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I must admit that I keep checking reviews to see them. Good reviews make me preen (just a little) and bad reviews do sadden me… it was much more acute in my first and scond book. By the time I wrote Balraj, I was more confident about the book and its reception and the reviews seemed to matter lesser and lesser.

I am fortunate that I do not have to depend upon writing as my livelihood. I write because I want to and I am very happy I did. If others enjoy or benefit from the books then it makes me happy.

Q. What do you prefer: Pen or Computer? And how do you stay organised (any methods, systems, tools you use)?

I tend to write on the computer, lying in bed on my stomach and typing furiously. When I am travelling in the car or flight, I often type the stories on my phone on nortes and then email myself the part so I can save it.

I am always nervous that my computer crash, I will lose the story written so far, so I email it to a friend every time I write so I have a copy of what has been written to date. I also do keep notes of thoughts on the book in point form to include and build on as the book progresses but these are fewer than I should

Q. How do you relax?

I like to go for a walk every day, do yoga when I am in Mumbai. Meeting friends over a coffee  and late night gossip session is another perfect way for me to relax.

Q. What would you have done differently if you could do it again?

Alas, too many things…I would have done many things differently but then that is what growing up is all about I suppose.

Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I am 52 years old although I feel forever young. I enjoy my life a lot. I am married (24 years ago) to a wife who balances me. I tend to not have too many filters so say and do things that cross a limit- my wife helps me with this problem.

I have two children, who are my life and biggest weakness. They study out of Mumbai- to make up for their absence, I got a Golden retriever puppy (a childhood dream that materialized) who helps fill the void and lets me survive my children’s departure.

I am always struggling to lose weight- I work out and do yoga but I always seem to put on weight – I probably eat wrongly despite a wife and a sister and friends who are qualified nutritionists. I love to smoke and I give up for a long period of time and get back on it especially when I am writing. I do not enjoy alcohol as much and drink with close friends to get drunk on special occasions. I am blessed with being part of a big family with close relationships with my sisters and their kids as well. I have many friends and they are part of my heart and life, they make life fun.

I love art, reading, theatre, movies; I am not fond of watching TV or celebrity news.

Q. Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again?

I love to read books again and again. Books that I have read several times over include Animal Farm, We the Living, Fountainhead, Kalki, Myra Beckinridge…what one reads in the book changes with every passing age and one discovers a new side and facet to the book and its charachters with every read.

Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s)?

I have grown up reading and this is an impossible questions. Different authors were favourites at different times of ones life . During my teenage years, I devoured Ayn Rand and Richard Bach, and as an adult enjoyed Gore Vidal and Alexander McCall Smith. Of course one always loved Maugham, Hesse, Wodehouse and there are just too many. Each author has its own place in a readers life.

Q. Are you working on anything at the moment? When can we see your next work?

I am working on a rather difficult cook- its called DYSTOPIA and deals with issues on growing up, adolescence and coming of age. I am really happy with it. I expect a lot of response as it covers many different ideas and should resonate with all readers. I hope it will release in the first few months of 2018.

~ Find me on ~

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