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Showing posts with label Interview with Author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview with Author. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

"I am making memories, not assets", Says Shruthi BP

Travel is the best way to gain energy. It gives us meaning and inspiration to our life. Wilderness, Mountains, beaches, wildlife, isolated forest would give an unique experience which one cannot experience again.

Here is an inspiring interview from a Shruthi BP, who travels and lives according to the quote, "Get Back to What You Love". I’ve been surprised by the new places she explores every now and then. Let her interview be the power to inspire people. 

Welcome Shruthi!!

When did you start Trekking/Travelling?
I spent my 23 years in Chitradurga. My first step towards adventure was in 2010 after joining my first IT job at Cognizant. There was this group called Adventurizants and they were so passionately sharing about things they do in mailers. I couldn’t stop myself from taking that plunge and join them for a trek to Mullayangiri.

What was your inspiration to start trekking/travelling?

I was like a fish taken out of her comfortable aquarium and thrown into a rough sea when I moved to Bengaluru after spending 23 years with my family. Everything felt difficult – managing time, money, communicating in English, choice of clothes and even crossing roads. I realized there is so much more out there and I need to be strong. I am a movie buff - esp. Into the Wild & The Motorcycle Diaries were kinda inspiration to take a step ahead and explore life beyond education and job.

How do you manage time and money for travel?

I love my job. I have no interest in quitting everything, selling everything and head for travelling. My motto is simple, outta everything a part goes to savings and a part goes to travel fund, rest is for day-to-day expenses. During travel no luxury accommodations or fancy foods, I usually stick to basics. Above all its a conscious choice to spend money on passions and not to invest on gold, car, home loan or a car loan. Basically I am making memories, not assets.

Which is your memorable experience?

Himalayas Himalayas Himalayas - Forever & Always.

Did you ever face any pain points/bad experience?

Like everything in life, traveling also has both sides – the good and the bad. Some places you absolutely find no facilities, some places people aren’t helpful, some places are overrated, some places tend to be freaky expensive than you thought, and it goes on. But the whole point of travelling is not just about finding everything rosy, it’s about embracing everything and growing as a person.

Have you ever faced problem due to food? How to deal with food problem during travel?

I grew up in a typical south Indian household with rice, sambhar, idli, chapatti as my staple food. Now I definitely wouldn’t find similar things that taste equally similar in other parts of India or while travelling abroad. I carry ready-to-make soup, oats, upma etc. packets while travelling, so that after weeks if I feel like having some familiar taste, I cut open a packet. Plus every place will have its own version of street foods and variety of fruits/vegetables/bread etc. So it is not so difficult to manage food unless you aren’t expecting similar luxury you have at home. And if cost is not an issue, every big city has Indian Restaurants, but what’s the point of travelling if you can’t get out of your comfort zone?

What would be your advice for the people who has passion to explore places but not doing it due to reasons like fear, money, or family?

If you are afraid, start your first step with your best friends or cousins or even family. Don’t expect miracles from that travel, just go with the flow. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t go as planned. With time that fear will go away. Travelling is not just about spending lakhs and going to Rome or Paris. It is about starting with places around you. Trust me one will be surprised when one realizes they can go on treks/travel just with 200 INR a day and there are beautiful places worth exploring all around us. But if you are interested in international travel and long travels, then you need to make a choice. You cant get an apartment, car, luxury things and yet have time/money for travel.

What specific advice would you give for the ladies? What should be taken care by them?
  • Be aware of the local tradition and culture. And respect them.
  • Wear comfortable attire, ditch heels and other attire which hinders your movement.
  • Travel light and carry only those things which you can handle on your own.
  • Do not keep too much money on hand. Keep excess in your baggage.
  • Do not take anyone or anything for granted. Be cautious. Do not give personal information easily to anyone.
  • Be friendly but be guarded.
  • Generally places are safe, as long as you are street smart and not over confident, its gonna be just fine.

What’s your bucket list when you started trekking and what’s your bucket list now?

I had no list to start with, and now I still do not have a bucket list. I believe in doing things as and when possible. This keeps me happy.


Since you found your better half through travelling, any advice for woman who stopped travelling/trekking due to their husband or family?

Well yeah, we met on a trek, became best friends and then got married. We both have similar interests and respect our differences. My only priority was marrying the one who understands me and who I understand completely. If not for that, if I had to go by typical marriage norms, I would have gotten married like 5 years back. So for those who aren't married, the only thing I wanna say is the most important thing in marriage is understanding, if you don't have it, don't get married. For those who are already married or facing issues with family, sit with them, talk to them, tell them how you are feeling, and keep trying till they understand. There is a subtle difference between cribbing, arguing and expressing, you have to express.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Saturday Series - Interview with Ramesh Tehlani

Saturday Series - Interview with Ramesh Tehlani

It’s time to meet another debut author and learn from their successful publishing journey. Here, we go an interesting interview with Ramesh Tehlani, who believes, "Focus, smartness, proper marketing, management & quality of work are the key to success"

What inspired you to write ?

Every day is new day and world is changing very fast. It gives us opportunity to see very interesting things, circumstances and stories. These stories can motivate and entertain others, but not all. So, I decided to share such personal experiences and stories, which gave me motivation and entertainment. I wanted to share my thoughts. Objectives of entertainment, motivation and sharing of my thoughts with people inspire me to write this piece of fiction.
  
What was the hardest part about completing your book? 

First hard part was to keep suspense in the story till the end with entertainment. 
Another hard part was Editing. I believe my English is not well, so getting editing done was very tough task for me but luckily I found some people, who helped me to get over this challenge. 

Did you learn any lessons in the book creation process, if so what where they? 

I learnt many life-changing lessons. First is, I learn the story telling. I learnt to enjoy hard work with great objective in mind. I learnt to express my honest feelings, without fear of critics. Writing book and getting it publish is not less than like any NASA mission for people like me. It took me 4 years to complete the manuscript and get it publishable.

What tips or advice do you have for aspiring authors? 

My tip to new authors is to knock as many doors as possible. Getting publish is a long journey. If you are dreaming for being published writer, fight for your dream.

Are you writing or planning to write an additional book(s)? 

Yes. I will surely write in future.

What else would you like to share about you or your book - She Fell(Fail) in Love.. Once Again..

About me, I am very straightforward and aggressive person. I love to follow my dreams.  Mission of my life is to help and give smile to people. Book is based on my real life experiences and learning about ethics, spirituality, corporate politics. This book is my effort to entertain people.

How can people find out more about your book - She Fell(Fail) in Love.. Once Again..

Book is available on leading websites like flipkart.com, amazon.in, bookadda.com etc. and soon it will be available on kobo, diesel and various book channel distributors.
These are some links about book and its reviews

facebook link goo.gl/q0tNl3

Goodreads.com : goo.gl/TT3cOM

Ila Garg : goo.gl/sGd4uH

Meghant Parmar : goo.gl/EmKqlV

Flipkart.com : goo.gl/KDF5vJ

Amazon.in : goo.gl/y1mnOP

Bookadda.com : goo.gl/mmQtKG

On a typical weekend, what do you do?

Nothing special. I am businessman and run a real estate company. So I used to work 7 days in week. Whenever get opportunity and spare time, I like to watch new movies.

Lessons learned in your life?

Honesty and hard work pays but with focus, smartness, proper marketing, management & quality of work.


Friday, November 1, 2013

Saturday Series - Interview with Mehek Bassi

Interview with Mehek Bassi 


Reading an author interviews is always a great way to see a writer’s footpath to success. It’s with great desire, I am going to interview and share the experience of upcoming authors. It always makes us energetic to learn from their successful publishing journey.

And my first interview with Mehek Bassi – an adoring young writer.



What inspired you to write "Chained"
Chained started as a daily diary, which turned into a short story, and with addition of some more fictional elements, it took the shape and size of a book!


What was the hardest part about completing your book? 
Getting a book published is multiple times harder than writing it down, but frankly, Chained was a project which was completed very smoothly, without any hurdles, because it wasn't started with an intention of getting it published!

Did you learn any lessons in the book creation process, if so what where they? 
Of Course! The most important lesson that I learnt was, be honest with your work. Write straight from your heart, and not your mind. People these days are copying down content from other books or movies or TV Shows, but that's not justice to your work.


What tips or advice do you have for aspiring authors? 
Be yourself! The only advice I give to every aspiring author. Because if you try to be someone else, or write in someone else's style, you'll be creating a piece that's already selling in market under a famous name!

Are you writing or planning to write an additional book(s)? 
Yes, I'm currently working on a book named 'Heer', which will be released next year (hopefully!)

What else would you like to share about you or your book - Chained.? 
Well, about myself? I am a very straightforward, god-fearing, down to earth person, and I never wanted to become an author! (*laughs*). And about Chained, well, it's not only my first book, but I've poured my heart in it. It will always remain closest to my heart, and nearest to me on my bookshelf.

How can people find out more about your book - Chained? 
I have a website: http://www.mehek.in Where you can find all the information about me, my books, my short stories, my blog and everything a reader might want to know!


On a typical weekend, what do you do?
Sleep! Because that's what I crave the most in weekdays. Engineering, and writing, don't go smooth together. For writing you need free time, relaxation, peace and a mood to think, and in engineering, you hardly get any of it!

Lessons learned in your life?
One and the only most important lesson I've learned is, if you love something/someone, never let it go. Relationships once lost, can't be formed again in a similar way, never hurt your loved ones because of your ego. Because the regret you will feel later, will kill you inside...