Since the time I began reading and then reviewing I always wanted to know what goes in the mind of an author. And luckily today I am glad to say that finally I got that chance. I am beginning with one of my favourite authors Ritu Lalit for being all that she is. A writer, an independent woman, a wonderful friend and an amazing mother to her children. Ritu Lalit is multi talented; she is a keen observer of life, a voracious reader, a parent, a blogger, an author and also an office worker. Chakra is her third book. Her other two books are: A Bowlful of Butterflies published by Rupa & Co and Hilawi published by Popular Prakashan. Ritu Lalit can be reached at her blog HERE
1 Firstly a warm welcome to Reviews and
Musings. A bowlful of butterflies, Hilawi and now Chakra. How does it feel to
know that your latest book sold 1400 copies in the pre-order itself? Must be
exuberating for you as an author.
2 How did writing happen to you, was it
something you always wanted to be as a child?
Yes, you could put it that way. I have always been a writer, it is not
something that happened to me. I
actually wrote my first novel in long hand when I was fourteen years old.
What inspired you to write Chakra –
Chronicles of the Witch way?
We have a rich culture of mythology and
fantasy in our land. I thought of
writing a tale set in modern times, which had elements of fantasy in it. It is inspired by our myths.
How did you come up with the title of
your book?
The book was to be called simply “The Witch
Way.” When the publisher suggested a
trilogy, I decided to give each book a different title and call the entire
series Chronicles of the Witch Way.
Since the characters believe that their Chakras give them power, I
called it Chakra.
5 As a writer I believe that every author
has got some favourites in a book.Who is your favorite character from your book
and why?
Jorawar is impressive, but my favorite is
Mickey. He is so full of life,
mischievous and engaging.
A sequel is in progress for Chakra we hear.
Can you tell us something more about it?
Legacy is the second book of the trilogy. It starts three years after Parineeta and
Jorawar’s wedding. Parineeta is
expecting twins and they are powerful.
It scares vested interests. It is
a darker book. Samaira has grown up, she
is bitter and rebellious. Deep does not
live with his aunt and sister. Politics
and violence that was contained with the Battle of the Baoli flares up once
again.
7 Sounds very innovative and interesting. How
did this unique concept come into being?
It is a logical development from the last
book.
8 If I were to ask – name one of the most
beautiful thing and one worst thing about being an author what would it be?
The most beautiful thing is that one
creates. Seeing my books in print,
reading them after they are published gives a joy that is indescribable. The worst thing? Critics and trolls who just want to be
negative because they want to get a rise out of you. It is so negative and futile … I hate
negativity. It hampers creativity.
9 Could you shed some light on this journey of
your life of becoming an author?
I was a blogger with some short stories that
had been published. A cousin reminded me
of my first novel and said, “Why don’t you start writing again?” Around the same time a couple of bloggers got
book deals. It encouraged me so I
wrote. I just sent the book to one
publisher, Rupa & Co. It got
accepted.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers
who want to be published?
Write the book you want to read. Do not write just because you think it will
sell. I have always tried to be true to
my inspiration, my creativity and that has worked. Do not try to be the next Amish or Chetan
Bhagat or Dan Brown. Be the best writer
you can be.