Soul Cosmic by Himani

An Interesting Session with Author Raj Singh for his Debut book “Breakup before Love”…

Let’s start our chat with Basic Question:

Q1. Tell us something about yourself?

Well, first I’d like to tell you that “Breakup Before Love” is not my debut book. It is the second one. My first book is “Anna Hazare – Adhoori Jeet Ke Nayak” (Hindi) which I had written when I was in final year of my graduation.

Now, coming to the introduction. I was born and brought up in Gaya, Bihar and did my schooling there but later I moved to Hyderabad and completed my graduation in the Spanish language. Currently, I’m working with Amazon India as a Spanish language resource.

 

Q2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

In fact, I never planned on becoming a writer. But during my college days, I used to write poems and blogs. Most of the things I used to write in my blogs were inspired by the things happening around me. Gradually, I made a habit of writing on a daily basis,  and coincidently in those days Anna Hazare’s movement, demanding Jan Lokpal Bill, was going on, so that time the idea of writing a book on Anna Hazare and his movements emerged and I began writing and by the end of 2012 the book was complete. So, when I look back into my past, I can say, it was the moment when I decided to try my hand in the writing field.

 

Q3. As Title is concerned. “Break-up after Love” sounds chick lit. Why did you choose a chick lit for your debut book? Do you think readers will love to read this book”?

Now, it is clear that “Breakup Before Love” is not my debut book. Now coming to your question that why did I choose chick lit story. To be honest, I don’t want to stick to just one or any particular genre. But, as far as a genre of this book is concerned, I chose it because I’ve witnessed it like a hot cake. It’s the most trending style in the present. It is the only genre on which most of the books are written yet the results are positive, therefore, I also did the same and as of now, readers have given positive feedbacks in my book as well.

 

Q4. Tell us something about your book?

It’s a story of Ritu and Anoop. Anoop loves Ritu but never dares to propose her, and when he decides to propose her, he gets to know that she loves another guy named Samuel, one of her classmates. But, soon Ritu breaks up with Samuel and comes back to Anoop’s life, who still hopes that one day he will propose her. But all of sudden, one day something happens which changes their life. They become complete strangers to each other. They finish their studies and leave the university forever. After three years, Anoop accidently meets Ritu in a market in Kolkata. But he is confused whether she will recognize him or not.

But, will Ritu come back into Anoop’s life again? Will she forgive him? And, will their life start over again? To know what happens next one must go through the book.

 

Q5. What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I’m a working person and have to spend nine hours in the office, therefore, I don’t get much time to write, but I usually prefer to write after dinner.

 

Q6. Tell us some interesting facts associated while writing this book?

The most interesting fact is, she (Ritu), one of the protagonists didn’t know that I was writing a book on her. She just knew that I was writing a book but nothing more than that. And, as I think she is still not aware of this.

 

Q7. As an author, how important is a characterization of the book. Who is your favorite character in the book?

A healthy or strong characterization is a vital factor. Without a strong character, you can’t reach to a good end of the story. In fact, characterization is an art and backbone of any book or novel that encourages readers to turn the next page with curiosity and joy.

 

Q8. How did you get the idea of your book? Is it based on real life incident or pure fiction?

I have read many books of this genre, but I witnessed that many stories are being repeated, adding some masalas and people still like them. And, since, during my college days, I witnessed some love-shuv and breakup stories. Therefore, I picked up one from those, however, Breakup before Love is not all about love and romance; it’s blend of friendship as well as enmity. And, the most important thing is, it’s based on a real story. I have just given it a fictional touch.

 

Q9. What does your family think of your writing?

To be honest, except my younger brother, Aditya, no one else in my family knows about my writing. They just believe that I live in Hyderabad and work with Amazon. That’s all.

 

Q10. Tell us about your publisher. How was your experience working with them? Did you find any difficulties in finding the publisher of your book?

The publisher of my book is Omji Publishing House but don’t want to comment on my experience with them.

Difficulties in finding a publisher for my book? Yes! After completing the manuscript, I approached many publishers. Some of them liked my book, and some didn’t. Whenever my book got rejected, I read the synopsis, and I made changes accordingly so that next publisher could not reject it. Finally, I received emails from four publishers who were ready to publish it but first, I enquired about them and then signed an agreement with Omji Publishing House.

Q11. What marketing strategies you are conducting in promoting your book?

I don’t have any marketing strategies for my book. I’m just connecting to people and letting them know through social media as well as friends circle. I reached out to my publisher to discuss the promotional event, but I’m still waiting for their response, so as of now I’m doing it all myself.

 

Q12. What do you think makes a good story?

Few things are crucial for a good story. Like – an excellent narration, characterization, and ending. If the story ends with a good climax, sometimes, people’s perception of the book change.

 

Q13. Who is your source of Inspiration?

People around me and things or incidents which drag my attention are the real source of inspiration.

 

Q14. Do you think for writing an excellent book, one need to read a book? Do you read books? Who is your favorite Author?

I think a good writer must be a good reader too because there are some circumstances when a writer has to put his opinion among people on some issue, and people expect something better from him/her. So, if you don’t have an idea about what others have written and on what topics, you will just keep bragging about yourself and your works that can be very dangerous for a writer. In another word, it can be beginning of fall/end of a writer. Munshi Premchand, Dharamveer Bharti, Paulo Coelho, Khalid Hosseini and Gabriel García Márquez are my favorite authors.

 

Q15. Apart from writing what are your hobbies?

I watch at least one movie every day irrespective of languages. Sometimes I watch Kannada and Telugu movies, but I don’t understand these words, though.

 

Q16. What biggest mistake new writers make according to you?

As of now, what I have learned is, don’t be in a hurry as one cannot become a writer overnight. It takes time, so it’s vital for a writer to be patient. Let the publishers do their jobs. Don’t follow up, again and again, else they might get annoyed and reject your manuscript.

 

Q17. Any future projects?

Yes, one more book is in the pipeline, and I’m just giving it a final touch. But, this time, the genre is quite different from previous two. It’s based on social and very current issues. I’m going to reveal the name very soon.

 

Q18. According to you what is the best genre for writing a book. What is your favorite genre?

Realistic fiction is the best genre, and it’s my favorite one.

 

Q19. Do you have any strange thinking habit? Like thinking in the shower: D?

Not in the shower, but yes, I’ve noticed that most of the ideas pop-up in my mind while traveling and at that time I have to note down those ideas in my cell phone so that I couldn’t forget it.

 

Q20. What message you like to tell to aspiring authors?

I’m not a well-known writer who can give suggestion to other writers, but I would like to share what I have learned in my writing career. Please never give up! Sometimes many obstacles would come in your way, but you have to have belief in yourself then only you can achieve your goal. Please do not let your words die because one day these words will be your real identity. But, if you ever get frustrated, take a sabbatical, visit some places, as I do, and then sit with a paper and pen.

 

 

Thank you so much, Raj. It was lovely talking to you. All the best for the book and have a great day.

Book Link:

Amazon:Breakup Before Love