Author Highlight: Tarun Deep Singh Discusses his New Book ‘What is an Indian?’ and Stories from his Life
We are back
with another author interview. Today, with us, we have Tarun – the author of
‘What is an Indian’. In this interview, Tarun talks about his writing
aspirations, and the route to getting his book published. Stay on...while we
chat with him.
What motivates you to write?
The answer is
available on my webpage - http://tdsbooks.com
How did you handle the response of this book?
I wrote this
book back in 2009 - 2010. That's why most of the references you see in the book
are from those years. I could not get it out since no one was willing to
publish it. Moreover I was not aware of means to promote it. Now, with publishing
of other book The Journey: Traveller With In, I have re-launched this book. So,
far things are slow but feedback by your team is amazing. I really appreciate
your team for restoring my confidence in writing. I hope your followers will
pick the book for reading and provide more encouraging feedback. I want to
write healthy literature and need support to continue!
What are some of your favourite novels and authors?
I don't read
much. This may sound surprising. Once I
was told by a dear friend while doing MS in US grad school, you have read a lot
now time for you to write original. And I am trying to follow his advice.
Where do you write from? Do you go to some specific place, like beachside or into the hills?
I write from
heart. I don't need to go to specific place. Family supports me when
they realize I am in mood to write. For me writing is all about catching up
with what I have experienced, what it has triggered in me and can I map it to
words. Since not every experience can possibly transcend to feeling, thoughts
and then word, you require Grace. And Grace can happen anywhere and any moment.
What inspired you to write this book? Any tales to tell…
My first book ‘Man
Is A Thought’ was not received with warmth. People did not realize that what I
try telling them. That triggered a thought process why did it happen. And
realized the thirst of healthy and challenging work is almost lost among
countrymen. Further, one of another reason I have mentioned in preface. And
then birth of my daughter and rising atrocities on woman took me further into
the book. Youth and its wrong beliefs gave me more material to express. Just
imagine what is being sold on modern day songs: Addiction, Lust, Violence,
Infidelity. Those 'Who’ have made sacrifices; they did for the India we are
observing now? For me it was disheartening. I was also disappointed by my
fellow Indians while doing MS in US Grad School. All this combined into big
why? And came out the book! But again I was/am always Indian by heart. Why? The
teachings of My Guru, especially Dhan Shri Guru Teg Bhadur Ji (To Whom the Book
is dedicated) and family values played a big role in this book.
What was your biggest learning experience throughout the publishing process?
Initially it
was bitter. You have to beg people to read your work. Somewhere you know,
rejection is waiting at every step. But how you deal with that bitterness. You
bound to become rebel. Choice is yours, you go on rampage causing explosion or
cause self-implosion to become Mystic like Kabeer. Patience is the key here.
You need to wait and keep trying. If people can succeed with absurdity why
positive vibes will not succeed. Moreover, success has to be consumed. If it
comes late there is high probability that it will not go to your head.
Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break in as a writer?
I am still
trying to establish myself as an author. As far writing concerned I started in
1994 but never thought will come up with 3 not so famous manuscripts️. I kept on writing what I
felt never trying to stitch things. But then Grace happened, moment arrived
with realization to weave those scattered thoughts into books. I am not the
doer. I cannot control my thoughts so just humbly bow down to ‘The One’ for
sending thoughts which can help me to contribute positively.
Any best piece of writing advice from your side that we haven’t discussed?
I cannot
advice anyone since I am not yet leader. But yes I write to create
positive vibes since I write to express my gratitude to My Guru. Writing is not
business, it is soul. Just imagine Vedas, Bhagwad Gita, Holy Quran, Dhan Shri
Guru Granth Sahib Ji were not compiled for earning fame or money. But we failed
to understand the crux and started using 'Them’ for… Did we ever mull over
'Their’ teachings at our own or just relied on versions from other. And started
calling each other fools. This remind me lines from Kabeer in Dhan Shri Guru
Granth Sahib Ji:
“Do not say
that the Vedas or the Quran are false. Those who do not contemplate them are
false.”
So write after
contemplating deeply. That will be original, that will be positive, that will
not be biased, that will be fearless, that will be intuitive, that will be
satisfying. That may not be rewarding immediately but sooner or later Grace
will bring success.
Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
I am not
famous so I am not sure what people think of me and what will
surprise them. Let me think… still thinking… wait for it… have patience… Oh yes
it popped out… no matter what I write I will always be an ignorant fool with
highest level of stupidity and idiotism… believe me!!!
Any future books that you would like to discuss now?
Here I will
like to thank bloggers and reviewers like you. Why? The confidence you folks
provide that hope is still there for positive literature. Your review and
review by other bloggers has made to think about first publishing the
manuscripts which are lying with dust all over them for last 15 years. Then I
will think about future. I have written any formal manuscript for last 7 years.
If you liked this work I promise to Kevein Book Review Team and Zahid Ahmed to
write more! Once I clear the back log I plan to write on Duality, how it
impacts us, forms etc...
Connect with Tarun:
Facebook Page Book:
Facebook Author Page:
Twitter: @tarun_sabhya
Website/Blog: http://tdsbooks.com
Amazon Kindle Link:
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