We are back
with another author interview. Today, with us, we have Kavya – the author of
‘Somewhere in a Song’. In this interview, Kavya talks about her writing
aspirations, the route to getting her book published, and her inclination
towards psychological thrillers. Stay on...while we chat with her.
What motivates you to write?
This might
sound strange. Music motivates me to write. If I love a particular song,
immediately a story will form in my mind. I would feel inspired and start
plotting the story. Sometimes, an entire soundtrack (especially A.R. Rahman’s
albums) will bring in some ideas for my stories. No wonder my book ‘Somewhere
in a Song’ revolves around a song.
What were your feelings after publishing this book?
I felt
euphoric. Since this story had two themes that were close to my heart, getting
it published was really blissful.
Why did you choose to write a psychological novel based around a song?
I didn’t mean
to categorize the story as psychological. It somehow fell into that category.
Probably because of mentioning hypnotherapy. I just combined music, time travel
and mental health in this story.
What are some of your favourite novels and authors?
Harry Potter
Series by J.K. Rowling (my favourite author too), And Then There Were None by
Agatha Christie (another favourite author), Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton
(favourite author in childhood), P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern, The Shadow
of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey
Niffenegger, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, The
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and The
Reader on 6.27 by Jean Paul-Didierlaurent.
Do you think writing a book from the comfort of bedroom is possible?
I have written
all my stories from the comfort of my bedroom. So, yeah, it is possible.
Where do you write from? Do you go to some specific place, like beachside or into the hills?
Ha…ha. I have
never had the luxury of going to a beachside or hills to write. Maybe in the
future I might decide which one is better.
What inspired you to write this book, especially with cross-cultural setting? Any tales to tell…
I was
travelling to a town named Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, when I listened to a Tamil
song sung by Bombay Jayashri. Immediately I got the idea to pen this story. I
wanted the story to reach to all readers alike. Hence, I opted for a
cross-cultural setting.
What was your biggest learning experience throughout the writing process?
After
publishing this story, I was approached by a friend, who was a manuscript
consultant. He pointed out all the things that were wrong in the story and how
it could have been better. He also stressed on the importance of hiring a beta
reader. That conversation was an eye-opener. I can quote that as my biggest
learning experience throughout my writing process.
Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break in as a writer?
When I
published short stories on short story writing platforms, I had never thought
about editing my story. So, you can find many first drafts of my stories
online. Later, I learnt the importance of hiring a strong editor before
publishing anything. I owe lots of gratitude to my editor Dhivya Balaji, for
beautifully polishing ‘Somewhere in a Song’.
Any best piece of writing advice that you would like to share with new or struggling writers?
Read lots of
books. By lots, I mean, really lots of books. Reading can shape you into a
better writer, if not best. I have befriended aspiring writers who haven’t read
a single book, yet they want to become a bestselling author.
Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
Yeah, I rear
unicorns in my backyard. Ha ha, jokes apart. Personal is personal. Why should I
make it public?
Any future books that you would like to discuss now?
My first
full-fledged novel is in the hands of a literary agent right now. I have
started writing my second book, which is a science-fiction romance. Right now,
I am enjoying motherhood. So it might take time to finish the book.
Connect with Kavya:
Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/writerkavyajanani
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UKavyajanani
Website/Blog: http://kavyajanani.wordpress.com
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