1. Please provide a brief overview of your book.
Abhimanyu, or Abhi, as friends preferred calling him was a young energetic boy, blessed with a sharp mind, stout physique and a pleasing personality coupled with a killer smile. His so innocent and infectious smile was compelling enough to steal any one’s heart. Abhimanyu’s father was a dynamic army officer, a para commando to be more precise, and a constant source of motivation for Abhi. Abhimanyu passionately aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps one day. To add to the linage, even his late grandfather, Col. Indrajeet Singh, recipient of Param Vir Chakra, laid down his life serving the motherland during the first war between India and Pakistan in 1947-1948. Discipline, passion and patriotism, it all ran amalgamated in Abhimanyu’s blood. Abhi was loved by one and all. He couldn’t have asked for more happiness. Life was a bed of roses for him where everything seemed to work only in his favor. But as they say, you can never take anything for granted in this uncertain life to last forever. One fine morning, Abhimanyu’s life suddenly took an abrupt turn and he found himself into a never-ending roller coaster ride. One after the other, his life plans went up for a toss, leaving him numb and exposed in front of the destiny that demanded nothing but complete surrender. True to his high spirits, Abhimanyu took these challenges head on, refusing to kneel down. Every time when he assumed the challenge to be over, destiny tossed a new teaser towards him unfurling myriad obstacles at every juncture. Destiny tested his endurance to the hilt with no respite in the horizon. He learned it very early in life that ‘Time’ knows no emotions and shows no mercy either. The brutal whip of fate can peel off every little joy of life, in a rather ruthless manner. Still, relentlessly chasing his dreams, he refused to give it up in exasperation. He fought every battle like a true soldier… but was he able to defeat his destiny? Let’s tread this unplanned journey that encapsulates the unrelenting fight of Abhimanyu to achieve his goals and the love of his life…Aditi.
2. Why you wrote on this topic and what is your inspiration for writing?
Until last year, writing a fiction novel was the last thing that could have come to my mind amidst the daily rigmarole of life. It was only after tons of encouragement from my wife Neeta that I got motivated enough to present this story in front of my readers. Although, my kids Anvi and Aditya strongly believe that I have an incessant access to exhilarating bedtime stories. Their love filled goodnight kiss only comes after I extensively stretch my imagination to paint a story that can captivate their extraordinarily short ‘attention span’. I am thankful that they had been patient enough to sacrifice their share of stories for this period to let me complete the novel.
3. What is your life’s philosophy?
A Poised mind and readiness to share with others are the true essence of life. Keep it simple and live happily as we all will be nothing but stories in the end.
4. What was the most challenging part of your journey as an author?
Editing …..ha ha
5. How was your experience with your publisher, Onlinegatha?
My journey with online gatha has been very satisfying as an author. They helped me at every single step during the publication process to get my book…the unplanned to my readers. The online gatha team is very friendly and supportive yet very professional when it comes to delivering on their promises. They are very transparent in their processes and dealings. I would especially like to appreciate their creative and editorial team without whom it wouldn’t have been possible to get such a fantastic response for my book. Way to go team.
6. What was the most challenging part as an author?
To communicate complex emotions in simple words.
7. How did you overcome those challenges?
You have to work on it several times before you get the correct mix of words to communicate the exact feeling.
8. Have you ever faced writer’s block?
Oh yes, several times.
9. If yes, how did you overcome it?
I took a break, I never pushed myself to complete the book for the sake of completing it. I wrote only when I had a smooth flow of thoughts.
10. Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive.
Ability to sit at a stretch for many hours.
11. Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself.
When my carefree outlook for life goes overboard.
12. One tip you want to give the beginners of writing area.
Lots of patience.
13. Share one of the best memories while writing this book.
Meeting an old friend after 20 years for getting some necessary details for the book.
14. What will be your next concept?
A motivational story for the youth.
15. What are your top three getaway destinations?
Shimla, Dubai, and my balcony.
16. Share a quote that inspires you the most.
If you believe, everything is possible.