Soul Cosmic by Himani

Q1. Tell us something about yourself. Also, you have a different name. Tell its meaning as well?

1. I am from Assam but a Dilliwala at heart, having spent a decade in the capital. People often think I studied history or literature but I did my graduation in Economics and chose to be a writer.

The meaning of my name is ‘heart.’

Q2. How is it to be a full-time writer?

1. Being a full-time writer is challenging but fun. Most importantly, it is not enough to only write the book but promote and sell it as well. 

Q3. Where did you get the idea for you latest book, “The clash of Hari Hara?”

1. The Clash of Hari Hara is based on a Krishna vs Shiva war that took place after the Kurukshetra. It is a legend in my home-town of Assam and I have grown up seeing sites associated with this war. I also knew, outside Assam people are unaware of this bloody war and decided to do a book.

Q4. What inspired you to write books?

1. I have always been a writer since childhood. I always wanted to write stories. After my education, I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and creative – writing is a perfect combination of the both.

Q5. Mythology books are generally based on real characters. Tell us about your books and the inspiration behind them?

A. My latest release The Clash of Hari Hara has Krishna and Shiva as the main characters. It’s a story of why the Gods went on a war against each other. Well, the war happened because of one of Hinduism’s greatest love stories – so, there is the exemplary lovers – Usha and Aniruddha too in the book.

Q6. What kind of research goes into your books writing?

1. As a mythologist and spiritual person, I do have read ancient Hindu texts and I try to understand things. So, mostly the reading of ancient texts is my research.

Q7. Which character in your books you are most connected with and why?

A. Among all, I am most connected with Shri Krishna as mentioned in my latest book. I find Krishna’s teachings practical and solution-centric.

Q8. Are there any authors or books that inspired your writing Journey?

1. Well, a lot – I started off by reading authors like Enid Blyton who made me realize the power of fascinating world of stories as a kid. Then on I read various authors across various genres over the years. And every book, every author, has been an inspiration to write until I wrote my first novel in 2019.

Q9. “How did you develop your characters in the book?  

1. For me developing characters’ mean making them believable, relatable, and raw. Even though I write mythology or otherwise high fantasy – my attempt is to always give the character’s human touch.

Q10. Why did you choose to write mythology books and not any other genre?

A. I started off writing mythology as before my first novel, I had read the Gita. Reading the Gita delved my interest into ancient Hinduism and I became a God-loving not God-fearing person. So, I felt there are so many stories, ideas, and ideals that I can share through stories from ancient Hinduism and hence, I decided to write in this genre. However, now I am also expanding to other genres – true crime and true paranormal.

Q11. What was the most surprising review you got from your readers which made you smile?

1. Well, there have been many such instances. But one reader bought 7-8 more copies of The Hari Hara book after reading the first. He liked it so much that he wanted to gift the book to many.

Q12. How do you handle negative reviews?

A – If it is a critical but genuine review, I note down – I even reach out to thank. But when it is merely trolls or a biased negative review I decide to ignore. Such people don’t deserve any attention.

Q13. How do you connect with your readers?

A – I love being connected with my readers. There is actually a note to my reader in my book and I want to know my readers. I usually always engage on Instagram DMs.

Q14. Any advice to new writers and message to your readers?

A – My advice to new writers – be serious and disciplined about writing if you want to do a book, do get a literary agent (mine is The Book Bakers), hone your speaking and marketing skills and be mentally strong.

And to my readers – if you love reading, suggest reading more to your friends – show them how fun stories and books are!

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Amazon Book Link: https://amzn.in/d/79gGM1E