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Author Highlight: Shreya Das Discusses her New Book ‘Second Chances’ and Stories from her Life

We are back with another author interview. Today, with us, we have Shreya Das – the author of ‘Second Chances’. In this interview, Shreya talks about her writing aspirations, the route to getting her book published, and her inclination towards romance. Stay on...while we chat with her.

What motivates you to write?

Real life incidents and people are my inspiration for writing. It is true that ‘fact is stranger than fiction’; and if you look around you will find interesting stories all around you.  I try to see the light side of every situation and hence, my writing is usually funny and humorous.

How do you handle the response of this book?

Fortunately for me ‘Second Chances’ has received positive response from most of its readers. This book is in the romantic-comedy genre and hence is a light read. Though it gives out an inspirational message the main aim of the book is to provide entertainment and it has succeeded in that aspect.

There is no better compliment for an author than to be told that a reader has enjoyed the book.

Why did you choose to write a romance novel?

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe in love, magic, miracles and everlasting romance. Hence, I wrote what I believe in, knowing that it will translate into an interesting story.

What are some of your favorite novels and authors?

I read a wide variety of genres including romance, comedy, thriller and horror.  My all-time favorite read is the Harry Potter series. My favorite authors include JK Rowling, PG Woodhouse, Agatha Christie, Nora Roberts and Sophie Kinsella.

Do you think writing a book from the comfort of bedroom is possible?

You write when the inspiration hits you. It could be while traveling, sitting at a café or at your home. If the story idea and the characters are well etched in your mind then the location of where it is being put on paper does not matter. So, to answer the question, yes, it is possible to write from the comfort of bedroom.

Where do you write from? Do you go to some specific place, like beachside or into the hills?

I do not have any specific place to write. I have written at home, while on vacation, in a café and while traveling.

What inspired you to write this book? Any tales to tell…

All the characters in this book are inspired from real life people around me. Sameera’s self-confidence, obsession with fashion and witty one liner are based on actual people.

Loss of loved ones is something that all of us suffer from and is probably the most difficult to get over. Hence, though the main story idea is a fiction, I took death and the possibility of life after death as the main theme.

What was your biggest learning experience throughout the publishing process?

I would say the most important lesson is that no one will be able to understand your book as well as you do. No one else has lived with this story running in their mind almost like a parallel life. Hence, you have to be a part of every aspect even when the book is complete. You have to be present through the edit, cover design, book format, marketing strategy, pricing and distribution. The book is your baby and you have to ensure it is presented the way you conceptualized it.

Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break in as a writer?

I guess what helped me was the belief that I could write and that my writing would be interesting and captivating for a set of people. I took the leap of faith and left my corporate job to devote my time full time to my passion – writing.

Self-belief was what helped me.

Any best piece of writing advice from your side that we haven’t discussed?

Write what you believe in.

Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

Nothing at all. My life is an open book (pun intended).

Any future books that you would like to discuss now?

I am still waiting to see how ‘Second Chances’ does. I may plan a sequel with Sameera in the starring role once again.

Connect with Shreya:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/shreyad2
Twitter: https://twitter.com/11_shreya
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