Author Highlight: Jinal Doshi Discusses her New Book ‘The Mystery Crackers: Tattooed Music’ and Stories from her Life
We are back
with another author interview. Today, with us, we have Jinal Shailesh Doshi –
the author of ‘The Mystery Crackers: Tattooed Music’. In this interview, Jinal
talks about her writing aspirations, the route to getting her books published,
and other stories from her life. Stay on...while we chat with her.
What motivates you to write?
My passion for
creativity, my vision to be one of the most loved authors, my immensely
innovative ex-students, especially Ms Sakshi Karani and Mr Jash Karani, most
importantly my parents - Mr Shailesh Doshi and Mrs Falguni Doshi, my brother -
Mr Harsh Doshi, special relatives - Mr Sanjay Mehta and quite a few cousins and
some amazing friends like Mr Hari Raja, Mr Rohan Shetty, Mr Alan Dias, Ms
Natasha Kotian, Ms Charmi Doshi, Ms Sejal Nahar and Mr Suyog Savji (and many
more) motivate me to write.
Special thanks
to my friends - Mr Prashant Machhar and Mr Nishant Jadhav, who let me create my
main characters - Prash and Nish on their personalities.
How do you handle the response of your new novella, "The Mystery Crackers: Tattooed Music"?
Actually, the
release of my second novel - "The Mystery Crackers: Tattooed Music"
was a huge surprise for my both families, friends and well-wishers. So, it was
quite overwhelming to see all of them proud and happy!
How do you define the specific genre for your book? Is it a blend of both mystery and adventure?
Inspired by
the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series, I had decided to write mysteries. So, the
main genre for my "The Mystery Crackers" series is definitely
Mystery. Yet, I have included certain elements of Adventure and Historical
Fiction in my book.
Do you think writing a book from the comfort of bedroom is possible?
Yes, it is
quite possible to write a book from the comfort of your bedroom, provided you
have an extremely supportive family, who don't pounce on your privacy. I am
grateful to have such understanding families.
Whether I am
at my Mom's place or at my Husband's, there are particular hours that I just
keep for my writing and that is beautifully respected.
Where do you write from? Do you go to some specific place, like beachside or into the hills?
As mentioned
before, I usually write from my bedroom. Practically for me, it is not possible
to go to a beachside or into the hills. So, either the bedroom makes my haven
or just any peaceful place, where I get the opportunity to write with a
continuous flow.
Did you do proper research before penning down this book?
As a Gold Leaf
Diplomat from the Writers Bureau Institute for the Comprehensive Creative
Writing Course, my Tutors - Ms Heather Cooke and Ms Esther Newton along with
the other tutors always gave extreme importance to research. I have learned
from them that research is the backbone of your writing. So, I was extremely
particular and did immense research before, during and after penning down this
book.
What inspired you to write this book? Any tales to tell?
Well, yes,
there is a tale to share.
My loving
students - Mr Jash Karani and Ms Sakshi Karani challenged me to write a short,
crisp, fast-paced novel that would make them stress-free, yet improve their
Story Writing skills, Comprehensive skills, Reading and Writing skills,
Vocabulary and Creativity.
Thus, I came
out with my first self-published novel - The Mystery Crackers: A Chest's Tale.
The success of
the first novel and the aspiration to write a series on it made me write my
second self-published novel - The Mystery Crackers: Tattooed Music.
What was your biggest learning experience throughout the publishing process?
I had some
sweet-and-bitter experiences during my publishing journey.
I tried
approaching numerous publishers to publish my novel. However, all rejected my
work. I did some research and planned to self-publish it. I am highly thankful
to all these publishers who had rejected my first novel. Self-publishing aided
me in learning the deep technical, legal and creative aspects of publishing. I
was challenged by someone that you are a little girl, what will you be able to
do?
I accepted
that challenge and proved myself. Also, my parents - Mr Shailesh Doshi and Mrs
Falguni Doshi, my brothers - Mr Harsh Doshi and Mr Samkit Gandhi, my uncles -
Mr Sanjay Ajani, Mr Suresh Shah and Mr Sanjay Mehta, and Mr Vivek Goel (Holy
Cow Entertainment) guided me thoroughly regarding several publishing matters
and motivated me to write more.
Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break in as a writer?
I did two
things right that helped me break in as a writer.
Firstly, my
Mom - Mrs Falguni Doshi had gifted me the Writers Bureau Correspondence Course
from Manchester. I dutifully completed it.
Secondly, I
was quite fascinating with the Psychology subject. I wanted to pursue a career
in it. However, my Mom made me realize that I was meant for Literature. So,
instead of choosing Psychology, I chose Literature for my majors and rest is
history.
Any best piece of writing advice from your side that we haven't discussed?
There were
some spells when I thought whether I would make it to the writing world or not.
There were some who degraded me, some still do but I care a damn. Enthusiasm,
perseverance, determination and a go-getter attitude guided me to pass all
hurdles and succeed.
So, just keep
writing what may come and you will find your success one day. That's the best
piece of writing advice from me.
Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
I love Ballroom
Dancing, enjoy conversing in French and happen to be a professional Handwriting
Analyst.
Any future books that you would like to discuss now?
I am working
on my third novel - The Mystery Crackers: The Ritzy Maartle. I hope it does
well like my first two novels.
Connect with Jinal:
Twitter: jineeewriter@twitter.com
Instagram: @themysterycrackers https://goo.gl/sDN8MS
Website: http://themysterycrackers.wordpress.com
Congratulations Jinal! Proud of you....All the best for your third novel too....
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