Q.1 Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
A. I was born in June, a Gemini, therefore plagued by the twins. While writing, I am creative, imaginative, emotional and passionate. On the other hand, I am quite organized, methodical and efficient, a bit of a planner because I run a small home business with as much discipline as I would command any large enterprise.
Q.2 How many unpublished and half-finished book do you have?
A. None. I have just started plotting my second book.
Q.3 Where do you get your ideas?
A. I like to observe people wherever I am. I do the same at home when the family gathers for celebrations. Many ideas have sprung from eavesdropping on random people’s conversations and idly exercising the mind with ‘what ifs’.
Q.4 What advice do you have for writers?
A. I am too new to give advice, but I believe perseverance and self-confidence are key to becoming published writers.
Q.5 Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
A. I mainly write about things that interest me, but I am also aware of what readers want and try to incorporate them in my stories, wherever possible.
Q.6 If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be?
A. I would perhaps tell her to be more objective and less obsessive about the story-line.
Q.7 What are the most important magazines or websites for writers to subscribe to?
A. I used to subscribe to magazines such as Freelance Writer etc. But nowadays, I just google. It makes the research more relevant to the Indian market.
Q.8 What is the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
A. I feel the physical description is very difficult because we instinctively want our protagonists to be distinctive yet relatable.
Q.9 How do you select the names of your characters?
A. Depending on the background of the characters, I search for names. Ultimately, I choose instinctively based on how they sound and the associations they create in my mind.
Q.10 Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
A. I read all of them. I am grateful for the good ones, but I spend more time re-reading the bad ones (luckily, I didn’t get too many of those) and introspect. I am always willing to learn and improve. However, at times, I also take it as someone else’s viewpoint with which I might not necessarily agree.
Q.11 Does your family support your career as a writer?
A. Yes, they do. They are very proud that I am the first person in the family to venture into adult fiction.
Q.12 What do your fans mean to you?
A. I am too new in the market to have fans but going forward I would love to interact with them. They are my inspiration.
Q.13 How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
A. Since I have written only one, I will say Heart Quake. And I know, despite the number of books I write, Heart Quake will always hold a special place in my heart.
Q.14 Do you have any unique and quirky writing habits?
A. I am not sure if it is unique, but I think best when I am half asleep. Most of my plot ideas have been cracked at that time, therefore I prefer writing /ideating/plotting when no one is at home and I can nap peacefully.
Q.15 What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
A. Writing, followed by cooking.
Q.16 What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
A. I haven’t come across any yet so I cannot comment.
Q.17 Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?
A. The final version was edited by the publishers’ team, so I had no hand in selecting anyone.
Q.18 Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Ans. Judith McNaught or Stephanie Laurens, to discuss writing and books. Mr. Amitabh Bacchan, to fulfill a long-held dream of chatting with him over a cup of tea.
Q.19 What is your favorite book and why?
A. I have many favorites, but I would like to mention Someone to Watch over Me by Judith McNaught. The story, although a romance, is almost a crime fiction too. The characters are so layered, so intricate and with so much depth in them. The plot has many surprises and twists. I have read it more than 5-6 times, and it is my go-to book when I feel down and need inspiration.
Q.20 How can readers discover more about you and your work?
A. Facebook- AuthorIshitaDeshmukh
Instagram- ishisinktrails
Twitter- IshitaD83
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