Today on 'On Writing', we have a dental surgeon, Varsha Bhardwaj Gaur who has an undying love and passion for creating stories. She completed her bachelor in dental surgery (BDS) in 2013. She has published three books, one being a novella and two are short story collections, all of which are available on Amazon and pothi.com. She has also released a compilation of her blog posts named Fond Illusion, available on Amazon as an e-book. Currently, she resides in Greater Noida with her husband and a daughter.
Welcome to On-Writing, Varsha!
Was becoming an author always your dream or was it a particular event or incident that gave birth to the author in you?
Yes, I had always wanted to have a book published in my name. I am a very shy individual keeping my feelings to myself. But sometimes these feelings affect my daily life to an extent that I had to put them to paper. And this gave birth to the writer inside me. I love writing as it gives me a peace of mind and it takes me into another world which I had created and I find it far better than the reality. It is a kind of escape from the reality and I find it peaceful.
How important are the names of the characters in your books to you? Do you spend agonizing hours deciding on their names?
Basically, my focus is on my character's attitude and thought process. Though I do ponder over their names, but my major concern is on their being as an individual.
What is your writing process like? Do you write every day? Is there a favorite place to write?
I cannot write forcefully and writing daily makes me bound like a 9 to 5 job which somewhere kills the creativity. I only write when I feel overburdened with my own thoughts and I feel an urge to relieve myself.
What is different about ‘Nest An Abode of Short Stories’?
Nest An Abode of Short Stories is a collection of short stories that revolve around our daily lives. Stories are simple and one can easily relate to them.
Which is your favorite story in the book and why?
My favorite story is ‘The Pink Doll' because I feel a painful end which provokes my thought process that how we as an adult can sometimes be careless regarding ours and our loved one’s lives.
Which do you prefer as a reader? EBook or Paperback?
Though I had published my books as ebooks as well, I myself prefer reading the paperback versions because the feel of a book is achieved only when it is present physically in your hands, which, according to me, is the best feeling.
How long did it take to finish writing ‘Nest An Abode of Short Stories’?
I am a dental surgeon, a mother of a three-year-old daughter and being a part of an Indian joint family, it was difficult for me to take the time out for my writing. Yet I tried and whenever I got the time, I wrote. It took almost six to seven months to complete this book.
How important do you think is marketing in today’s world for any book?
Marketing is extremely important for the book's success. With the advent of e-books, the number of books available has increased tremendously and standing out among these is difficult without marketing. Spreading the word about the book raise interest among the readers for the upcoming book.
Please share a passage or quote from ‘Nest An Abode of Short Stories’ for our readers.
“What’s your problem? Are you a fool? I think they are right. You are a total nerd. They are mocking at you and you barely cared to protest?”
He stared him innocently for a second or two and said respectfully, “I don't care what others say or do, and you shouldn't do that as well. They might be having extra time to spend on such silly jokes. But I have only twenty-four hours to fulfill my dreams. You too, don't squander your time. This time won't return. Do you know how long would you live?”
What are the three tips you have for readers of this interview who are aspiring writers?
- Follow your heart. Your dreams are solely yours and no one except you can visualize them.
- Keep writing. Don’t stop even if you couldn't make enough sales with your first book. Writing isn't a business, it's an exercise to keep you healthy mentally.
- Be patient because success doesn't come in a single day. Hard work is always paid.
Thank you, Varsha! Wishing you the very best!
Buying links for Nest An Abode of Short Stories:
Nest An Abode of Short Stories:
https://pothi.com/pothi/book/varsha-bhardwaj-gaur-nest-abode-short-stories
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B06XZZRZT1
https://pothi.com/pothi/book/varsha-bhardwaj-gaur-nest-abode-short-stories
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B06XZZRZT1
Visit Varsha's Amazon author profile:
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I am enjoying your interview series Preethi and enjoyed varsha Bhardwaj reflection plus tip on writing. On writing chances to resemble a 9 to 5 job that kills creativity speaks directly to me.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it Vishal! Yes, writing becoming like a job takes the joy out of it.
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