Author Interview : Prakash Vir Sharma

 Author Interview : Prakash Vir Sharma

Special question- How did you come up with idea of “W to M OF Self Publishing”? What inspired you to write about the challenges of a self published author?

Well, there were a lot of things that resulted in this book. Its basically about the observations I made during these few years while I was writing books.
So a couple of years back when I started to write books, I noticed some of my friends had really great writing skills. Some of them also wanted to publish their works but got discouraged due to the difficulties they faced in their journey. Also, as an active member of many Facebook and Goodreads groups, I observed a lot of indie authors give up their dreams due to marketing issues. 

Added to that I saw a lot of misconceptions amongst people regarding the book writing process. I'll give you an example, about a couple of months ago, I was having a conversation with a friend who told me that he wanted to write a self-help book. We had a long conversation where he asked me a lot of stuff regarding self-publishing. During that conversation I happened to ask him what was the topic he wanted to write on and how was he qualified to write on the subject. Shockingly, he thought that it doesn't matter as he only wants to inspire others. That is not how it is though. In my opinion you should have the qualification to write on a topic and have experiences related to it to share with the readers for better understanding. 

Another misconception that I found was from various self-publishing guides and stuff. I noticed a lot of those said that write in genres that are popular among the readers and they told how to find those genres. However in my opinion, how can you write in genres you aren't even interested in. I mean yes, you can write but that will never be your best. I believe a person will give his best if he is interested in that given field.
To this date I have published 3 self-help books out of which my last book - MINDSET AND PASSION reached rank #1 on Amazon India and I have never used paid promotions. So this book is my experiences and strategies that I implemented during my journey so far and want to share with all those people who faced such issues and hope they can fulfill their dream as well.

Let’s welcome Prakash.
Thank you Hemdiva for having me here.
 
Introduction:
I am an educator and management professional by qualification, but social thinker and author by passion.
I was born in a remote village of Moradabad (U.P.) and raised in a village of Bijnor (U.P.). With a day job in steel sector, I travelled across India (except North-East).
At present, I am living in Kolkata (Calcutta - the city of joy) with my wife, a son and a daughter.
 
Tell us about your books.
Kathputli - short stories on socio-political and socio-religious issues of India.
Life In Shackles - short stories on plight of Indian women.
Mindset And Passion - The Psychology Of Success: a self-help book for personal development.
W to M of Self-Publishing: Why do Indie Authors Fail? - a comprehensive guide for self-publishing.

The books are absolutely free on Kindle Unlimited! Click the covers to start reading!

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?
My passion for helping others and thoughts on socio-political, socio-religious issues inspired me to write fiction and non-fiction.

The day you decided you will be a writer?
Though I was always interested in writing since my school days, but in 1990, during my graduation, I started freelancing for newspapers, which was the time when I not only realized I could write but also wrote a novel (unfortunately it’s still unpublished.)

Who helped you with your dream? Your support?
My guide was Mr Hari Singh Nirbhay, the editor of a Hindi weekly newspaper "Shrambheri" who published my first article. My Facebook friend, Ma Jivan Shaifaly, the editor of "Palpal India" and "Making India," inspired me to continue my writing. It's my wife, Divya, who not only supported me, but also helped me a lot to get recognition as a published author.

One important lesson you learned about self-publishing?
Don't follow any advice blindly.

Do you think the process of writing (Typing/Handwriting) is tiring? How do you deal with it?
Not at all. I enjoy it because I have a perfect strategy for that. But, undoubtedly, editing and proofreading sucks.

What profession you’d choose if not an author?
I wish to be a politician but I hate politics, job and business all. Everywhere everyone is compromising with ethics, and it hurts me. So, as of now I am planning to establish a good educational institute.

Do you think it’s easy/ difficult to write non-fiction?
Of course, writing a non-fiction is easier than fiction.

Have you ever met a fan/reader?
Not personally, because I haven't tried any book signing event yet.But, because I provide my social media links and email with my author bio in my books, I received many emails and messages on FB messenger appreciating my books. I would love to meet them.

Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author or vice versa)
Obviously, I would love to hook a renowned publisher. However, I have traditionally published two co-authored books.

Do you interact with other authors? Do you think it’s important?
Let's start with second part of this question. Yes, it's important to interact with other authors. As I told earlier, I am active member of many FB and GR groups, I interact with many authors, and most of them are foreigners. They are awesome, kind, helpful and cooperative. We learn from each other, do cross promotions and arrange many online events.

Your Birthday
My birthday falls four times in a year. Ha ha ha .…
Actually, it's 31st August, but on records 26th May. So, two times it falls according to English months and two times as per Hindi months. Ha ha ha …

Your favorite actor/actress?
Big B.

Your favorite authors. What are you reading currently?
It's common between you and me, "Rhonda Byrne."
Most of the time I read non-fiction and that too from indie authors. It helps them with reviews.

Ebooks / Paperbacks/ Hardcovers- Choose any two.
Paperbacks and E-books.

Your favorite food/dish/cuisine?
Onion Paratha, that I occasionally cook myself for whole family. They love it.

Your favorite place on earth? Why?
Goa, Vishakhapatnam and Puri, because I love nature, and sea beaches are my favorite places.

Your hobbies other than writing? Do you find time for it?
Traveling. I think I spent several years in train. Ha ha ha ...
I find time for long distance journeys almost on quarterly basis.

Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?
Life is a competition. Like success and failures, Ups and downs are part of life. When I feel stuck, I add more time to my daily exercise, walking and meditation routine.
Practically, being a management professional, I work on root cause analysis and elimination.

Your favorite quote?
"Nothing is impossible in the world. If you know exactly what you want to do, there is always a way of doing it."

If you become a billionaire overnight, what would be your reaction? What will you do with the money?
Personally, I don't want to be a billionaire. Because money can not bring happiness and joy.
But, if I become, I would prefer charity.

Do you do something for social cause, for the needy?
Yes, I visit a few old-age home and orphanage occasionally. I donate for social organizations. I prefer helping others. I provide online guidance to students.

Do you use any advertisement methods to promote your book? Which worked for you?
I never hired someone to promote my books. I believe in collaborative efforts. Even, apart from free KDP promotions and Goodreads giveaways, I distribute pdf to get reviews. I provide opportunities for guest blog, interviews and book reviews, and vice-versa. It works for me because I don't write for earning.

Your advice to newbie authors.
Establish an author brand. While outlining your first book, plan for marketing (collaboration or paid promotions whatever suits you). Be a good reader.
Do you think a self-published author can earn as much as they want or is it an impossible dream?
Yes, but with a solid marketing plan. Marketing means prodct, price place and promotion.
Simple economics: invest and earn.
However, there are many celebrity authors who after hitting bestseller list, started earning through writing and marketing coaching. If someone has those skills, better to hire a ghostwriter to continue writing, and focus on coaching as a source of income.

Thank you to the author for an amazing interview!

Amazon Author page-https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B072PCYJL1
Amazon Book Links-
W to M of Self-Publishing: Why do Indie Authors Fail?www.amazon.com/dp/B07B57FTBR
Mindset And Passion - The Psychology Of Successwww.amazon.com/dp/B074CSRCVT
Life In Shackleswww.amazon.com/dp/B072LF28ZL
Kathputliwww.amazon.com/dp/B071GHNSMV

Facebook page-https://www.facebook.com/prakaash.sharma.5
Twitter-https://twitter.com/Prakaashsharma
Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/authorprakash/
Pinterest-https://www.pinterest.com/prakash2484/
Blog/ website-http://www.booksandmotivation.wordpress.com
Goodreads author page-https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16683777.Prakash_Vir_Sharma
Google+ -
E-mail- prakash2484@gmail.com


In the next post I'll be reviewing the author's newest book "W to M of self publishing". Stay tuned!

 

Author Interview: Junior Ranger Aida Frey

 

Let’s Welcome Aida Frey

Thank you so much for having me!

Tell about yourself and your book.

My name is Aida Frey, I’ve been a Jr. Ranger for 7 years and I’ve visited 304 National Parks! My book, “America, Can I Have Your Autograph?” is a book about my adventures at the National Parks and how they inspired me to visit our country!

 

What does a Junior Ranger mean and what do they do?

A Junior Ranger is a person of any age who visits our wonderful National Parks and learns something at every visit! They tell others about the beautiful places you can visit and take care of the park itself.

When did you first thought about becoming a junior ranger?

My first national park was Effigy Mounds in Iowa and my Mom and Dad took me there when I was only 9 years old. Two very nice lady rangers came up to me and helped me fill out my first Jr. Ranger booklet so I could receive my badge, it was life changing!

Inspiration behind your love for wildlife?

When I was a kid, I used to carry this plush animal of a fox, and I think seeing the actual animal and having a little toy to go along with it was cool.

What reactions do you get from family, friends, teachers, etc?

I always get the best reactions; everyone is always asking me questions and is always really proud of me!

Who always accompanies you to the national parks?

Both of my parents, so mom and dad

Your favourite Animal/Bird?

I would say foxes or wolves, seeing them in the National Parks were always a treat!

Do you have pets? Which?

I don’t since I travel way too much to keep one, but maybe one day

Where do you plan to visit next?

We plan on visiting Southern California over the summer of 2018; we’re still planning the specifics.

How did you come up with the idea of publishing your amazing experience as a book?

When I first started visiting the parks, I always wrote down what happened at that park, what I did and who did I meet, so after a while, I had this big pile of notebooks filled with stories. I had the idea in 8^th Grade to publish my stories and encourage others!

Do you look at writing as a career?

I think writing more books would be awesome, but my main focus for a career would be becoming the National Park Director so I can make more parks to visit!

If yes, which genres would you also like to write in?

I am thinking of continuing the story and maybe publishing a second book

Can everyone join you as junior ranger?

Yes! There is no age limit and it’s very easy and fun!

Can adults also join?

Of course! Both of my parents are Jr. Rangers and so was my Grandma! We went to the Grand Canyon and she got her badge with me too!

A funny experience you had in a national park?

I’ve had a wild horse stick it’s head into my car and eat an apple out of my hand, the full story has its own chapter in my book!

A scary experience?

I went to Indiana Dunes National Park with two of my other friends and we hiked a trail late in the evening. We actually got lost and bats were flying all around us! It was pretty scary, but awesome because it was such a unique experience!

Your favourite celebrity and why?

My favourite celebrity is Harry Styles from One Direction. I think he’s not afraid to express his thoughts on things through music, which encouraged me to learn to play the guitar like him!

Writing, travelling and studies. How do you manage all three?

I wish that was all I had to deal with! I also play sports, the guitar and book signings in my area and always busy with my life. My friends are really helpful in helping me balance everything, but it’s difficult sometimes.

Subjects you enjoy in school?

I take two college courses at my high school, which is psychology and US History, and those are my favorite classes because it challenges me and I learn A LOT.

One animal you think, the earth would be bad without?

I think birds. We hear them every single day and it would be really weird looking at the sky and seeing nothing.

Your favourite Quotes, Books, Authors?

My favourite book is “How To Be A Bawse” by Lilly Singh, Her book is about being the best version of yourself and how to be productive in even the most stressful situations.

Your Hobbies?

Playing hockey with my friends, listening to music and playing the guitar.

Favourite food/ cuisine?

Anything that’s edible really. I LOVE trying new foods! I also have an unhealthy obsessions with humus J  

Are you health conscious? What do you do for your health?

Since I play lacrosse and hockey over the summer, I tend to lay off the cans of pop and junk food. Of course every once in a while, I might cheat, but I try my best!

If you become a Millionaire overnight, what would you do with the money?

I think I would publish my second book, save some money for college and

visit more national parks!

 Connect with the Author:

 Facebook

 Twitter

Blog/Website- http://www.aidafreyjuniorranger.com/

 Instagram

 Buy her Book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/aida-frey-and-dana-dorfman/america-can-i-have-your-autograph-the-story-of-junior-ranger-aida-frey/paperback/product-22648371.html

 Join junior ranger programmes- https://www.nps.gov/kids/jrRangers.cfm


Interviewed by Hemdiva dev

 

 

 

Thank you!

Author Interview : Michael F Stewart

Let’s welcome Michael F Stewart


Author on Twitter

Facebook

Website -http://michaelfstewart.com/

Author of 'The Boy Who Swallows Flies' 

Special question- How did you come up with idea of “Bug-Boy”?

I’ve always been fascinated by bugs. Bugs, if you think about it, all have little superpowers of their own. But I prefer superheroes that aren’t all that powerful and it struck me as a pretty funny superpower to be able to see bug memories. So … Bug-Boy.


Tell us about your books.

That’s a big question. I’ve written over twenty different books now in a whole variety of genres. I tend to write contemporary novels with some supernatural twist. So in The Boy Who Swallows Flies, Jarrod discovers why he’s been fainting all these years—he can see bug memories--and that kicks off a mystery to solve.

One super power you’d love to have yourself?

Super-fast reading. I’m a slowish reader. As a writer, this is a problem. I love to read. I read a ton, but I need to read more. Our imagination is only useful when well fed. I guess I’m going to want a better memory as well … Can I pick two superpowers?

Are your characters based on real-life people?

Well … they’re always bits and pieces of real people, right? I had an old friend who is pretty close to Jarrod’s bestie. He’s a certifiable genius.


Your favourite bugs, if any?

Crickets with some salt and pepper. Or did you mean favorite as in which are cool … ? Ants rule the world. But specifically, I’d have to say Histeridae—Clown Beetles. They’re pretty smart. Predators prefer live prey so by feigning death it gets them out of all sorts of trouble (spoiler: this doesn’t work as well for Jarrod).

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?

I believe genres choose themselves. If you're going to write a story about a kid that eats bugs and can see their memories, then you're going to have a middle grade mystery.


The day you decided you will be a writer?

It’s a process. Really. I decided when I was about eight while reading the Dragonlance Series. That was when I knew I wanted to write. But I needed to remind myself of this when I was eighteen, twenty-five, and finally I left my job on my 30^th birthday. Haven’t looked back.

What profession you’d choose if not an author?
I’d write code. Seriously, I think being able to build software of all sorts using code is the closest we can come to magic. It also allows you to innovate and be entrepreneurial.



Do you think it’s easy/ difficult to write for children?
Hard. You have to put yourself into the mind of a child, but then write like an adult. You can’t dumb anything down. You have to balance the craft elements with the crazed fun of a kid. Kids writing and humor go hand in hand and humor in writing is hard.


Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author or vice versa)

Sure! Some books make more sense to self pub, but I think traditional publishing has a lot of advantages when it comes to distribution and marketing access. I’ve done both. I tried to find a traditional publisher for this book. No luck.

Your favorite place on earth? Why?

Oh, boy, I’m blessed. I’d say it’s kayaking on a river. In the arms of my wife. (maybe I should put that one first?) Skiing an awesome trail. Diving a reef. It's a coffee shop with my laptop open.

Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?
Ha, wow, you go for the easy questions, huh? Life’s alternately frustrating and amazing, right? But you wouldn’t know what’s amazing without the frustration. So I try to suck it up.


Your favorite quote?
I recall Neil Gaiman talking in a video commencement speech about dandelion fluff and how you have to get your ideas, your fluff, out there, and that you never know where it’ll take seed. (that’s the opposite of paraphrasing, btw!) It’s always stuck with me.
 

Book Review: Gaurdian of the Gauntlet

Gaurdian of the Gauntlet

Click the image to read on Amazon

Lenita Sheridan

Blurb- Camari and Mila are two sisters who are princesses and live in the kingdom of Harroway. One day they encounter Prince Denir from the kingdom of Thalon. He was given a special gauntlet that has special powers, but only when used by one who has a belief in a higher power. One day he turns Camari invisible. A problem occurs when Denir is called off to war and Camari is left invisible. There is an enchanted bog witch named Bogwina and a wicked magician named Mecandel who are conniving to steal the gauntlet. The journey takes Camari through the wetlands of Fremil after she meets Prince Isryk of Bredin who is her guide. She encounters many awful creatures along the way. In the end she discovers that she has been given a great gift by her higher power.

My Review- The book is about two sisters, Camari and Mila, who are princesses. The story is a great read! Interesting and I enjoyed reading it. I found the characters very engaging and relatable. 

Author Interview : Christopher Holley

Let’s welcome Christopher Holley

Tell us about your books. 

I have written 6 children's picture books, all with positive messages and a tad of silliness.  I am almost done with a young adult novel that Im really proud of.  It is really funny and is loosely based off my experiences as a teacher.  I have also written 1 teacher's manual teaching teachers about the art of classroom management.

The day you decided you will be a writer?

In 2008 I asked my friend if he would draw a picture book if I wrote one.  He said yes and A World Without Water was created.  I think writing that book showed me I am capable of putting together a coherent story.

Who helped you with your dream? Your support?

Artists, editors, family and friends all played a part in helping me accomplish my dream.

Do you think the process of writing (Typing/Handwriting) is tiring? How do you deal with it?

I only write when I feel like it.  It is tiring to be your own editor and critic.

What profession you’d choose if not an author?

I currently am a 3rd grade teacher and will probably do that until I retire, unless I was successful as an author.

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?

Truthfully, writing picture books just came easiest to me, so thats what I pursued.

Have you ever met a fan/reader?

Yes, other students in my school have read my books or have had them read to them and told me they loved them. 

Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author)

Yes, but finding a publisher and/or an agent seems very challenging and a lot harder than I had imagined.

Do you interact with other authors? Do you think it’s important?

It is very important to network, but I tend not to because I dont really have the time to dedicate to being helpful back.

Your favorite food/dish/cuisine?

Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich (Im a cheap date).

Your favorite place on earth? Why?

Home because the outside world becomes overwhelming at times.

Your hobbies other than writing? Do you find time for it?

Martial arts, football and Magic the Gathering.  I do find time for my hobbies, but I wish I got to do them more.

Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?

Life is amazing.  I hope I never die, as I am and have always been very blessed.  

Your favorite quote?

You miss 100% of the shots you do not take.

If you become a billionaire overnight, what would be your reaction? What will you do with the money?

I would be very happy and do good with the money after I had a little bit of fun (traveling etc.).

 Thank You!

Hemdiva: I’ve been lucky to read Chumbalina by Christopher and it was such an amazing read! Here’s my review -

Chumbalina! I just loved her. The author smartly handles a very deep topic. It clearly states that you can't judge someone from how they look. The inner self is what matters. I also liked the fact that, despite everyone not appreciating her body, Chumbalina herself was proud of herself. We often feel bad about ourself because others make us feel so. I liked the end as well, the message of eating what is right and also what you like is awesomely combined. Illustrations are nice too. A modern story in fairy tale style with a very good message!! Kudos to the author :)

Author Interview: Sharmishtha Basu

Let’s welcome Sharmishtha Basu

Sharmishtha Basu is creator editor of twin ezines Agnishatdal and Agnijaat. She is also a self-published author in Amazon, an avid blogger, digital artist, bookworm. She lives in Kolkata, and dreams of building her home by ocean, preferably in her own island!

She spends most of her time writing these days, honestly, this year she is rewriting her five storybooks (two has already been rewritten and published- five left), so she is spending long hours writing! Ha! Her other hobby takes more time, digital paintings, they take hours often. So you can see both her hands are full and ears too are filled with music mostly, she loves to play music when she is painting, when writing music is turned off.

Her social media nitty gritty for you:

Blog:

https://Sharmishthabasu.wordpress.com

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/author/sharmishthabasu

Goodreads

http:/goodreads.com/sharmishthabasu

http://goodreads.com/group/show/200142-sharmishtha-basu-s-indie-adda

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sermistabasu

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sharmishthabasu

linkedin:

https://linkedin.com/authorsharmishthabasu

Skype

Basu.s1969@hotmail.com

Hangouts

Basu.s1969@gmail.com

Email id

sermistabasu@gmail.com, agnijaat@hotmail.com

Ezines:

https://agnishatdalezine.wordpress.com

https://agnijaat.wordpress.com

Diva Dev: Tell us about your books. 

Sharmishtha Basu: Well, there is quite a set of books I have self-published in  Amazon, poetry, story both mostly fully illustrated by my own digital paintings.

Diva Dev: The day you decided you will be a writer?

Sharmishtha Basu: I am an accidental writer! Ever since I remember I was a bookworm, I needed books like people need food, I can’t recollect a single day till I joined my first job which I passed without reading anything, excluding Saraswatipuja, on that day many Bengali families ban reading, I don’t know why but they do, and being a devoted worshipper of Goddess Saraswati I obeyed! But not after graduation! These days I read blogs mostly, and quite a bit. But before 2007 I did not even dreamt I will be writing! Ha!

The office in which I worked back then was in a factory, surrounded by factories, and my bosses – well, they were never around, they mostly were out in their Kolkata central office while I sat there in their factory office doing nothing. So one fine day I noticed that MSN allows readers to share their words in its website and I mustered up my courage and started babbling! My first try was accepted and after that they pampered me silly! I got addicted to writing. Next level of encouragement came from my readers of wordpress and they are still very much with me. So I will say one fine day MSN made me a writer by accepting my first attempt on writing (outside school/college notes). I have never even tried writing anything other than answers to questions or essays in school curriculum. I will say I am quite grateful to my readers for giving me a wonderful passion and full time occupation (of my time not livelihood yet)!

Diva Dev: Who helped you with your dream? Your support?

Sharmishtha Basu: My readers… my friends… MSN, Wordpress and Amazon.

Diva Dev: Do you think the process of writing (Typing/Handwriting) is tiring? How do you deal with it?

Sharmishtha Basu: Not at all!  I get tired with editing though, especially the second edit which I earlier skipped but these days do, quite seriously sometimes. But to be honest I very often am too bored to do it. It is a habit I will have to change! Ask me to write and I will go on and on, ask me to edit and it gives me heebie jeebies! Honestly! That is why you will see my earlier works are full of silly typos, especially in blogs because wordpress often edits on its own, repeatedly!

Diva Dev: What profession you’d choose if not an author?

Sharmishtha Basu: At first I will sheepishly say I don’t earn anything from my writings, not yet, very few of my books have been sold till date. So I am still trying to make it my profession. Hopefully I will some day! When I was a child I wanted to become a doctor or pilot. Unfortunately when I was growing up women could rarely join airways as pilots, then I don’t have perfect eyesight… as for becoming a doctor well that is a raw nerve, let us say I tried my best sometimes best is not enough.  After that I became quite docile and started trying to make my own living in any honest, dignified way. Writing stirred up my dreams after quite long time and they are not going to die ever, even if my books don’t sell ha ha! I am smug with the attention I am getting through them.

Diva Dev: Why did you choose this particular genre/s?

Sharmishtha Basu: You will see apart from “The charons” almost all my book are fantasy or paranormal/chillers- I love these two genres, “The charons” is a chapter of my own life, the book that made me a writer I will say. Apart from that I love to imagine and love to scare myself too! Ha ha… so you will read chillers and fairytales again and again. Just can’t have enough of them! Reading or writing. I still love fairytale stories and movies! As for horror/chillers they are almost my daily diets!

Diva Dev: Have you ever met a fan/reader?

Sharmishtha Basu: Never came across anyone who has read my works or knows who I am in cyberspace! I never tell anyone about my online life. Till date only one pried out about it and after that some bad changes happened. Unwelcome changes in my wordpress circle! That clearly hinted that she orchestrated that. So… I keep my writerdom hidden! And I will be very tongue-tied to anyone in real life… so can’t say I will love to meet my readers, fans? Ha! Do I have one? Oh boy! Won’t that be cool!!!!!! Yum yum!


Diva Dev: Would you ever go for traditional publishing? (If you’re a self published author)

Sharmishtha Basu: I will absolutely love it! You know it is sort of very ego satiating! Someone else thinks your work is worth a try! I will also love if “The charons” is turned into a movie with Jodie Foster as lead actress, playing Urna (me). 

Diva Dev: Do you interact with other authors? Do you think it’s important?

Sharmishtha Basu: I firmly believe that we should regularly interact with other authors unselfishly, without being jealous, trying them to help them in any rational way we can. Even if we don’t understand or deny, we LEARN A LOT from others, their styles, their works, their ways of tackling things! Will I say we develop each other knowingly or unknowingly? But don’t be nasty, don’t steal works of others. I have met these characters again and again in wordpress they are disgrace to humanity! Act dignified and you will only benefit!

Diva Dev: Your favorite food/dish/cuisine?

Sharmishtha Basu: You may laugh but I just love south Indian dishes- four in specific- dosa, idli, vada and sambhar. Just love them. Apart from that I love simple rice and any curry to go with it, not very spicy though! But tasty must!

Diva Dev: Your favorite place on earth? Why?

Sharmishtha Basu: Any place on beach! I will so love to live right by the ocean! I have never lived in one but I love ocean. Period!

Diva Dev: Your hobbies other than writing? Do you find time for it?

Sharmishtha Basu: I love to paint digitally, apart from that listening to music of all types, watching movies and reading (mostly blogs these days) and I being unemployed can manage my time to do these things. If not everyday then frequent enough to keep me happy. 

Diva Dev: Your thoughts on life? What helps you to deal with ups and downs of life?

Sharmishtha Basu: Life to me is unpredictable, and never think that world is ultimately good to good people- that is a lie fed by crooks mostly I think. So when things are good enjoy them to the best and when they are bad remember one thing they will pass, all you have to do is keep yourself as intact as you can, if possible use that bad thing to make a better of yourself! Tough but not totally impossible, that is a very good way of settling score too! 


Diva Dev: Your favorite quote?

Sharmishtha Basu: “There is no use worrying, it was never worth-while, so pack your worries in your old gummy bag and smile, smile, smile.” This quote has always made me smile!

Diva Dev: If you become a billionaire overnight, what would be your reaction? What will you do with the money?

Sharmishtha Basu: I will buy an island, preferably with an old house in it as my home, castle will be best! I will buy a fort/castle too, in case I get tired of island life. I will save enough for a decent life and enjoy the rest! But a dream home will certainly be my first step! The rest will depend on how much money will be left after buying my dream home and keeping aside money for rest of my life! Sorry I won’t be spending money on world peace!

Thank You So much Sharmishtha!

Books By Sharmishtha Basu