Author Interview : Siri Katragadda (the author from Columbus!)

Please welcome Author Siri Katragadda on my blog! 

Author of When Amma was a Little Girl - Ganesha's Birthday in Columbus -  https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B08D3KLQSB 

Paperback - https://store.pothi.com/book/siri-katragadda-when-amma-was-little-girl-ganeshas-birthday-columbus

and When I was a Baby: At Zoo -https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B084F7N869 

• Introduce yourself.

I am Siri Katragadda who is an Electronics Engineer by profession and a novice writer by passion.  I grew up in Andhra Pradesh, India but now in Columbus a small urban town in USA where I work.

• Tell us about your books

I penned two children’s books, “When I was a Baby – At Zoo” & “When Amma was A Little girl – Ganesha’s Birthday in Columbus”. 

My first book is about a 5-year old narrating his experiences when he was a baby and how he helps people based on his baby experiences. He has three buddies which are emergency vehicles who help him during those expeditions. 

My second book is about two little boys who live in the city of Columbus, which is far away from their Mom’s ancestral home in India. They learn about this fun celebration from Mom and take part in this joyful event.

    

• What inspired you to write? 

Sharing Amma’s childhood in the form of a story is the favorite thing for my kid to do before his bed time. It usually starts with Amma’s story followed by my little ones. I have blogged for couple of years but writing a book is something inspired by this bed time routine. 

• Your favorite authors?

It keeps on changing and depends on the book or series I am reading! Now it is Amulya Malladi.

• Favorite life quote? 

A reader lives thousand lives before he dies. (Wow!) 

• Favorite destination 

I am an avid traveler and has a bucket list of destinations to visit. However, whenever I have an upcoming trip to Vijayawada (city which I grew up), I get excited for that forthcoming trip. No other destination fascinates me like this one because hometown is a treasure.  

• Hobbies

Travelling, reading, gardening and of course being master chef to my family of four.

• Favorite food

Nothing in particular but I like to experiment with food and try fusion recipes. 

• Do you celebrate as many Indian festivals as possible in Columbus? Which are they?

Always and each one of them! This is my way to connect back home.

• What are you planning to write next?

Sankranthi, which is amma’s next favorite festival. 

• How was response from family and friends on your book?

I come from a family of Engineers but none of them are writers. They got thrilled to hear my new adventure. I heard some good reviews and feedback which I tried to incorporate for the later releases.

• Who encouraged and supported you throughout writing? 

Akshar, my 5-year old who is also one of the characters in my second book. He is my first reader and critiques without any filter.

• Describe your writing desk

Ohh, it’s little wierd. Since I work full-time, I hardly get any time to write during mornings. I write at the end of the day after my kid’s sleep and it will be usually sitting on the couch or next to my kid’s bed.

• Favorite spot/place to write? 

I am a busy working mom with two active kids, so I would be happy if I get a quiet spot where I can focus. Also a walk in the trail or woods motivates my brain.

• Challenges you faced while writing or publishing?

Being a novice author, I did not get my first edited which was a major mistake. I feel book editing takes your book a long way. 

I, Hemdiva,  thank you for your precious time! It was a pleasure having you on my blog.  All the best and keep writing! 

W to M of Self-Publishing: Why do Indie Authors Fail? (Free on KU)

Click the pic to Read

 

Price - Free! (Kindle Unlimited)

0.72$/ 49Rs to buy

W to M of Self-Publishing: Why do Indie Authors Fail?  Kindle Edition 
by Prakash Vir Sharma (Author)


My review: 

W to M of self publishing is a gem of a book. Its simple, quick and very useful. The author begins with sharing his personal experiences and advice for other authors.
A great book for newbies or for that matter, every writer. The author himself has explored a wide ways of publishing and writing, which at some point every writer has to go through.
But if you read the book, you'll find out what really works and what does not. Better, than to try yourself and learn the hard way.
Contradictory to most of the books in this genre, the narration is very simple and easy to understand. You won't require to re-read again and again. It's that easy to read.
Everyone experiences the good and the bad, but not many decide to share it with others so that they benefit from it. Kudos to the Author!
If reaching Amazon's Best-seller's list is your aim, this book is for you. 


About the book:

"W to M of Self-publishing - Why do Indie Authors Fail? is a beginner's guide to learn everything about What, Why, How, and Where of writing, editing, formatting, publishing, and marketing of books.


I thank the author for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

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!

 

Book Review: The Prayer Box

Click image to read on Amazon

The Prayer Box

By Jennifer Berry

Illustrated By Josie Portillo

Rosetta is sweet little girl who enjoys everyday with her mom. Her teaches her many things and they also have fun together.

One day her mom tells her about the prayer box in which writes prayers. The girl is tempted to peek inside but is disappointed to find no prayers for her.

Her mom than explains her why.

That leads her to know how special she is and how special every kid is.

Sweet illustrations and perfect for mamma's girl to read.

Thank you Netgalley.

Start a story 2

Start a Story

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: Jennifer Berry

Let’s welcome Jennifer Berry!

Tell us about your books. 

"The Prayer Box" is my first book. However, I’ve written eight plays and have been working as a playwright for years.

my website is www.Jenniferberry.net for press on my plays etc.

The day you decided you will be a writer?

I can’t remember the day but I always kept a journal. And  I always wrote stories. Then I put writing away as my high school English Teacher said I could never be a writer. It wasn’t until college when I had an incredible creative writing professor who encouraged me.

Who helped you with your dream? Your support?

My husband is my biggest support and I have a circle of very supportive friends who make up my creative family. I also have to add my nine year old twins are my biggest cheerleaders.

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

I take many breaks during the day. And I exercise to release stress.

What profession you’d choose if not an author?

Probably a visual artist.

Why did you choose this particular genre/s?

I thought this particular story was best written as a children’s book. 

Do you think it’s easy/ difficult to write for children?

As a playwright, I write a lot  of dialogue. With “The Prayer Box”  I had to flex a different mussel. Less is definitely more with a children’s book.  You must make children’s books simple or you loose your reader.

Have you ever met a fan/reader?

I have met many audience members of my plays. It is always fun.

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

I think any way to get your story out in the world is just fine.

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

I do. I have a writer’s group that I meet with once a month. Other writers inspire me.

Your favorite food/dish/cuisine?

Anything my husband cooks?

Your favorite place on earth? Why?

My home or the Southern California coast line. Why? Because it’s home and I'm  there with the people whom I love.

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

I’m a killer baker. Yes, I find time for it about three times a week. It gives me a nice break from words. I also get to give my twins some yummy treats after school.

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

Oh, gosh! Life? My first thought is:  life is a gift. I love life and being alive. 

I was really sick a year ago and it gave me a perspective to enjoy every day. Even if you are having a bad day, there is still something to focus on that will bring out your attention. My children’s laugh, the view from my kitchen window, dawn breaking with my favorite cup of tea. 

When I get really down, I call my best friend. Having a strong community of friends, neighbors and family gets me though the down times.

Your favorite quote?

Aristotle: The definition of happiness is the exercise of one’s vital talents along the lines of excellence in a life that gives them scope.

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

I would probably make sure everyone I love had enough money to be safe and secure.  

Special question- How do you think does prayer/ praying help us?

There have been so many studies that prayer elevates pain or stress in the mind.

But more important than that, it taps into our biggest wishes, our most heartfelt concerns, and our sincerest gratitude.

Prayer is personal. It can be different things to different people. But children’s prayers are so often prayers for the world and we should listen to that!

Thank You so much for the interview!

The Prayer Box by Jennifer Berry

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