How did you come up
with the idea for your current story?
My story ‘Zeenat Aman Is Not a Soldier’ was a finalist in
the inaugural Juggernaut Love Story Contest. It was based in a military Special
Train, and Juggernaut Books liked it. When they asked me to write a novel with
a similar setting, I decided to write about life in an army girls’ hostel.
That’s how it started.
What is your writing
process? Do you follow a regular routine or do you have any weird, funny, or
unusual habits while writing and what are they?
My writing process is haphazard. It’s not even dependent on
inspiration or motivation. I write when I need to. Otherwise, I don’t write for
days. I don’t believe in writing daily. Writing is not a chore.
Do you ever suffer
from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
Writer’s block, apart from being an upshot of
mental/emotional/physical exhaustion, also happens if you try to force your
will on your characters. Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, you need to set
aside your ego sometimes and listen to your characters. They always pull me out
of dead ends.
What are your
current/future projects?
Currently, I’m committed to taking Combat Skirts to as many
readers as possible. I would like to write a children’s book someday.
Why did you choose to
write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you
balance them?
Combat Skirts is romantic fiction. I didn’t choose it; the
book chose me. Juggernaut had commissioned me to write it for them and I must
say writing love stories is very difficult. I find it easier to write what is
called “literary” fiction. To balance different genres, I write flash stories.
They are intense and quick, and act as palate cleansers.
Are you traditional
or self-published, and what process did you go through to get your book
published?
Combat Skirts is traditionally published. The process, like
I’ve told you, was very interesting. I got the offer to write a book first and
I learned on the job.
What do you do if
inspiration strikes in an inconvenient place like (car, restaurant,
bathroom/shower, etc..) and how do you capture that moment before it gets away
from you?
Usually one has their phone with them. I just send myself a
message. If I don’t have my phone, I make up a quick mnemonic.
What is the intended
audience for you book?
My book can be read by anyone over 10. I say that because
I’d have loved to read Combat Skirts as a ten-year-old. There is no upper age limit,
I think; no gender bar either. I know of retired Colonels and Brigadiers who
are enjoying the book as much as their wives are.
Do you read your
reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to
deal with the bad?
Yes, I’m curious about what people have to say. If it is a
good review, I’m grateful. If not, I try not to justify my work.
What are the
advantages/disadvantages of self or traditional publishing?
I’m somewhere in-between at the moment. My book is
traditionally published, so there’s that crucial validation, but since it is
available only digitally, exclusively on the Juggernaut app/website, I’m not
able to reach a certain section of people. There’s an overwhelming demand for
hard copies from various battalion libraries but I’m not able to do anything
about that at present.
Do you have a
subject/genre you would never write about, why?
I’m a writer, I want to write everything.
What makes your book
stand out from the crowd?
I’ll answer that in the words of a friend. “This is
brilliant on so many levels…your writing is too intelligent for this genre”
It’s a compliment but I see no reason why romantic fiction shouldn’t be sharp.
Combat Skirts is a novel about falling in love and knowing when it's real. Written in a crisp, peppy tone the writing transforms you into a world of cantonments and may queen balls, and of course, college! If you grew up in an army background you'll find yourself thinking back to your own past experiences; if you didn't, you'll get a glimpse into that life. College is all about many mini-crises, crushes, friendships, tensions and a whole lot of unforgettable memories. And notch up the drama if you happened to be in an all-girls hostel. The short novel packs in all of this and much more.
It is a witty, unputdownable, fast-paced read that is sure to leave you with a smile and asking for more.
Juggernaut
Thank you, Sahana for this amazing interview! I wish you
success for all your future works. Keep writing!
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