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Author Highlight: Hureen Gandhi Discusses her New Book ‘Page 6 And Beyond’ and Stories from her Life

We are back with another author interview. Today, with us, we have Hureen– the author of ‘Page 6 And Beyond’. In this interview, Hureen talks about her writing aspirations, the route to getting her book published, and her inclination towards witty and light-hearted novels. Stay on...while we chat with her.

What motivates you to write?

I like to spread laughter around. The idea that my writing can put a smile on someone’s face motivates me to write.

What were your feelings after publishing the book: Page 6 And Beyond?

There were mixed feelings. A sense of relief and satisfaction that the book I was working for almost year and a half is finally live. A sense of anxiety as to how the book will be perceived and a sense of gratitude towards all the people and travel opportunities in my life that made this book and the stories possible.

Why did you choose to write a contemporary novel based around a chatting app?

Page 6 And beyond was not planned. It happened! There were incredible inspirations and happenings in my unique school WhatsApp group and some one of a kind and quirky people around me that made this book a reality. You get a sense of that when you read the book.

What are some of your favourite novels and authors?

I enjoy a wide variety of genres. My favorite author is Dan Brown. His Angels and Demons and Inferno are my favorite. I also enjoy Jeffrey Archer’s short stories. I loved The Rozabal line from Ashwin Sanghi. Amongst Non-fiction, I enjoyed Outlier very much and currently reading “How secret changed my life.” Amongst humor authors, I loved Twinkle Khanna's Mrs. Funnybones. Her book inspired many of my personal accounts that have made it in the book. I also enjoy Anuja Chauhan's sense of humor (Battle for Bittora).

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

I think if you are passionate about expressing and writing it down, any place is possible.

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

I have to confess, I was tempted to run away to an island for a couple of months, complete this book and then come back. But for most of us authors that is a luxury that very few of us can afford. Most of us have to take out time amidst daily routine with kids, family and your other ‘paying job’ to write. So yes! In short, I wrote the majority of my book from the comfort of my home. All I needed was a good dose of humor kick watching an episode of Gilmore Girls, my ginger infused tea and then spicing up some Page 6 headlines for my school WhatsApp group.

What inspired you to write this book, especially with cross-cultural setting? Any tales to tell…

I discovered my writing skills while running Page 6 for my school WhatsApp group. The book contents came to me in a very organic spontaneous fashion influenced/inspired by real characters and events, travel adventures, cultural understanding, and some unique life experiences. I just added a ‘little’ spice. As far as the tales go, my friends tell me, what I did was a bold approach taking characters from real life and to caricatured them into my book in a peculiar way. The characters in the book tell me they were all ‘touched’ by the inclusion.

What was your biggest learning experience throughout the writing process?

Tremendous learning I would say! Writing is a form of self expression, self reflection at times. And since the book is my perspectives on things and people, having an editor and a peer group who helped me see things differently than I did add further to my growth curve.

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

I would say, staying true to myself, my humor in the book.

Any best piece of writing advice that you would like to share with new or struggling writers?

Set yourself a target for completing your book chapters. Follow them. Whenever you have thoughts, make sure to use your smartphone to jot down those thoughts. Make your first draft free-flowing, unobstructed, devoid of any self-criticism. Finally, when you are done with your first draft, edit edit edit…..

Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

Ah well! People who know me knows me well! Maybe this might surprise some. I keep my car watch exactly 13 minutes ahead of time. And I wish I could do the same on my smartphone! Not that I haven’t tried messing up with Siri.

Any future books that you would like to discuss now?

Thoughts in progress...

Connect with Hureen:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Page6AndBeyond/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HureenSGandhi
Website/Blog: www.HureenSagharGandhi.com

Amazon Links
Amazon USA:  Link: http://a.co/d/6Vyyuv5
Amazon India:  Link: http://amzn.in/d/0TV3OC6
Amazon UK: Link: http://amzn.eu/d/4UeQbxH

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