Chit Chat with Smita Salins

Smita has a post grad degree in Sociology and a diploma in Human Resources. She gave up a flourishing career in a corporate firm, for an even more enriching one- motherhood! A true Mumbaikar, she lives on pure adrenaline. She juggles between being a hands-on mom to a garrulous three year old girl, interning at Gargi Publications as well as maintaining a blog. Her other passions include music, food and of course, books, whenever she can squeeze in time. 

Smita believes that writing comes from the heart as much as it comes from the mind. Her blog "Simply Me" can be found at smitasalins.wordpress.com and is exactly that, simply her; unedited thoughts and opinions on every subject under the sun. Her dream is to someday become a full-fledged author and hopefully reach out to a much wider worldwide audience.

In a conversation with Harshita, Smita tells about her debut work ‘Crumpled Voices’ and her tryst with the pen.

Harshita: How does it feel to be a part of 'Crumpled Voices'?

It feels great, obviously. I feel excited and honored to have been given this opportunity by Pulkit and Ila. And the best part is the wonderful friends I have made during this journey.

Harshita: Tell us something about yourself.

Smita: I am a romantic, happy-go-lucky person, who takes life as it comes. Writing for me, is a tool to express my views and bring out my innermost feelings.

Harshita: Tell us something about your writing journey.

I began writing a blog a little over a year ago. I write about anything that inspires me, irritates me or for that matter, amuses me.

Harshita: Tell us something about your story. What instigated you to pen down a story on this issue?

Smita: My story focuses on domestic violence and marital rape. The inspiration was the suffering of my friend, on whom this story is based. I wanted her voice to reach out to everyone.

Harshita: Name one social evil that as per you needs major attention.

Smita: As per the current situation, I think it’s definitely ‘rape’.

Harshita: What do you think can be done to curb such practices?

Smita: First and foremost, we need to have a strong value system, beginning from home. Other than that, we need sensible and powerful law makers and law enforcement as well, followed by strict action against the perpetrators of these crimes.

Harshita: If you were given a chance to help eradicate a social evil, what would it be and how would you fight the same?

Smita: It would be child molestation/rape. And the best way to fight it is to begin at home. It’s the parent’s responsibility to make the child aware of such an evil. Also, the children should be encouraged to speak out when in trouble.

Harshita: Name one social organization that you feel is working in the most progressive manner.

Smita: I know quite a few names, but frankly speaking, wouldn’t know much about the progress they are making.

Harshita: Lastly, is there a message you would like to convey your readers.

Smita: I would encourage each and everyone to buy this book, and help these “Crumpled Voices” come out into the open.

Thank you Smita. It was great having you on the platform of Dreams V/s reality. We wish you all the luck and success for your writing endeavour.

Purchase link of Crumpled Voices: http://bit.ly/1m5MnwV

Tete-a-tete with Ila Garg

While I've been all gung-ho about my recently released book 'Bad Romance', there was another project that was awaiting to be talked about. And that happened to be Crumpled Voices. Technically, I am not a part of this book but it comes under the banner of Gargi Publishers and with the theme of social issues. Hence, instant liking for the same was pretty much obvious. The anthology that has some wonderful writers to its name has been edited by the highly talented and special friend, Ila Garg. 

My relation with Ila dates back to my blogging days. I'd first connected with her during the Jaipur Literature Festival which she had covered diligently. Also, she was among the first few supporters and reviewers of my book. I take extreme pleasure in presenting before you a conversation I had with the amazing writer last Sunday. Here's to Ila.

How does it feel to be a part of 'Crumpled Voices'?

I feel great to be a part of this anthology. I have contributed in several other books before this, but somehow this one truly remains special and close to my heart. I have two reasons for this - one, its name ‘Crumpled Voices’ comes from my own blog and two, it is an anthology based on social issues; something which I believe is different from the league.

 You’ve risen to such a stature in a short span of time. We see you being associated with a number of great projects. How do you manage it all along with your studies?

*sighs* Ah! I must tell you it has been a tough ride indeed, but it was worth it. I am living in a dream! From ‘Life and Promises’ to ‘Cheer Up!’ and from anthologies like ‘A Night in Paradise’, ‘You, Me N Zindagi’, ‘Minds At Work 2’, ‘Moonlit Matinee’ to ‘Crumpled Voices’; I have evolved. I feel my writings have matured over time, though there’s always a scope for improvement. I believe, anthologies help you in a big way as you get an opportunity to interact with a whole team of writers. You learn from them as you interact and share ideas with them; even a small gossip can give you ‘n’ number of varied perceptions which might later help you to develop characters in your book. And if nothing else, you get varied spices and flavors on one platter! *laughs*

How has your experience been as the editor of ‘Crumpled Voices’? What were the difficulties you faced while editing the book?

It has been a wonderful experience. When Pulkit offered me this book for editing, I was a little nervous as editing an anthology with multiple authors is sometimes too tricky; some writers are senior than you and all of them have a different way of expressing the same thing which makes the editing process a little complex. But Pulkit somehow convinced me, and I am glad he did.

Stepping in the shoes of about 20 writers and looking at the story from their point of view was a little difficult. Some had used American English while others had written in British English; then I decided to maintain the original flavor of the writers and not make it monotonous. So I kept the style as it is. The overall experience was awesome. I personally loved the stories and the way they brought out the shades of suffering; some of the stories actually brought tears in my eyes.

What made you decide on the title of the book?

I was conversing with Pulkit about the book’s concept, when he told me to dwell on the possible titles for this book and then I suggested why not ‘Crumpled Voices - Shades of Suffering’ as it aptly describes the subject. For years, people have been quiet about the heinous crimes that they witness around them, we wanted to give them the voice through this book. This title was dear to me since I started my blog and thus it immediately came in my mind when Pulkit was explaining me about this book. He liked it and we finalized it then and there, over a phone call. *smiles*

 It may be unfair to ask but we’d love to know your personal favorites from ‘Crumpled Voices’?

Well, I liked all of them as each one focusses on a different subject; ranging from marital rapes, impotency, honor killing, education system, alcohol addiction, corruption, safety of senior citizens, unemployment, rapes, acid attacks, poverty, German-Nazi wars, terrorism, porn industry, molestation, fatal diseases like AIDS, women problems and challenges, to homosexuality. It would certainly be unfair to name one.

Name one social evil that as per you needs major attention.

I think we have a lot of social evils multiplying around us, but one social evil that needs immediate reform is concerned with women emancipation. We should have large scale campaigns and spread awareness to cease rapes and enhance respect for women in our society.

What do you think can be done to curb such practices?

Rapes are bad, gang rapes are worse. First and foremost, we should understand the mentality of these rapists and eve-teasers. What makes these so called juveniles commit such a horrendous crime? From where do they get the courage to disrespect women to such an extent? Once, we get in their minds, we can properly educate them. If we find the root cause of the trouble it would be easier to deal with them. Hanging rapists won’t help much, educating them will do wonders though!

If you were given a chance to help eradicate a social evil, what would it be and how would you fight the same?

I would happily be associated with eradication of all social evils. I am certain that voicing out your opinion is essential to stand against these societal evils. We humans are strange; we find it comfortable to sit back and pass comments on our government and its short comings. We don’t make efforts to find solutions. But we have to change our ways now.

For starters, I will want every victim to come forward and strongly oppose these evils instead of quietly suffering. And the other civilians should not just watch but actively participate in this mission and help the victims get justice and let their voices be heard.

We are doing our bit by bringing these evils to the fore with our stories and I hope you all are able to do a little bit, too, to make your own difference. Awareness is the first step to cease these crimes. Education is the medium to create awareness.

 Name one social organization that you feel is working in the most progressive manner.

I was associated with the Eco Club of my college for three years as I am a nature lover. For about a year, I taught underprivileged children in an NGO too. It feels good to be associated with a cause. I’m humbled to be of some help to them. It feels great to actually see a smile on someone’s face because of you. It makes you calm and a better person too. I have a lot to learn and I wish to continue lending them a comforting hand whenever required.

You’ve been associated with a number of dimensions of writing, content writing, blogging, editing and creative writing. Which one do you find most satisfying?

Each of these dimensions have a different demand. Editing demands grip on the language and proper focus while writing involves your imagination. I find creative writing relaxing, blogging is always on my mind, content writing requires patience and a zeal to learn and improve. I find equal pleasure in all of them. I prefer writing poetry most of the time, though I enjoy editing other’s work too. Editing your own work is little tricky. Amm… I will zero down on editing other’s work as most satisfying especially when the author appreciates the efforts that I put in.

You are also the Creative Head of Gargi Publishers. How do you find the whole process of working in a start-up?

Working in a start-up is more beneficial, I guess. It gives you a lot of horizons to unleash your creativity, learn freely, enjoy your work, improve with each passing day, and pour in your ideas to take the organization forward. It gives you multiple opportunities to grow as an individual and face the challenges and survive in the competitive world.

Your debut fiction was a big hit with the audience. Your latest, ‘Cheer Up’, came out in June. How has the response been?

‘Life and Promises’ was a ‘Luck By Chance’ opportunity for me! It is an inspirational novel with romance as a part of it. I never had any plans for it, but it just came across out of the blue. I feel in many ways, I am truly blessed. The way readers took this book was surprising too. We had a good number of pre orders, something which neither me or Pulkit had expected. Yes, it was a big hit. We got a good distribution for it, we did a superb marketing to promote this title. Readers were generous with their reviews and feedbacks. We soon got the second edition in the market which was equally applauded. It made us what we are today! In fact, it is selling like hot cakes now a days too, and it gives me immense satisfaction.

‘Cheer Up’ is a complete romance fiction. This subject is becoming a cliché and it’s not even a year since ‘Life and Promises’ has released, so I was not expecting a great reader response this time. There were fair chances of ‘Cheer Up’ not doing so well, however opposed to it the book is reaching its readers. It is being praised by readers who enjoy romance fictions and the reader response is a little slow as compared to ‘Life and Promises’ but it is rewarding.

Tell us something about your future projects.

I have told the future to surprise me, *winks* and I’m waiting to open the surprise and reveal the projects that it has in store for me. On a serious note, I have done enough work for now, will be continuing my review work for some time before I start working on anything new or some other opportunity tempts me.

Lastly, is there a message you would like to convey your readers?

Be inspired by the stories of these 20 young and talented authors and do contribute your bit for the betterment of the society. I would like to repeat what I learnt from the movie ‘Jai Ho’ - If someone helps you, don’t let that help go waste. Pass this help to 3 other people and tell them to carry forward this chain. Humanity can still survive if we understand our duties towards our society and rekindle the feeling of brotherhood. Imagine, if we all did something!

Purchase link of Crumpled Voices: http://bit.ly/1m5MnwV

Purchase link of Cheer Up: http://bit.ly/1sj0QaW

Purchase link of Moonlit Matinee: http://bit.ly/1dShTEt

Purchase link of Life and Promises:  http://bit.ly/W6L6u7

Bad Romance: The first glimpse

Those of you who are connected with me on Facebook must be aware of the fact that my second book is releasing today. To all my friends, readers, fellow bloggers and well-wishers who have been away from my social handles, here's the news. My second book titled 'Bad Romance' is out.

It was one of those hectic days at office when Pulkit Gupta, my publisher called me to say that the book is printed and he expects me to be there on Saturday for signing the pre-ordered copies. Friday evening I confirmed the timings with Pulkit and he asked me to be there by 11 a.m. While there were a lot of butterflies fluttering in my stomach, a part of me was quite unsure if I could make it on time.

The whole of Friday night, in fact the past week, has been weird. Full of excitement, nervousness, cold feet, sweaty palms, anxiety pangs and what not. And since I slept late, I woke up late but somehow I did make it on time at Dariyaganj on Saturday.

As I waited for the books to arrive, my friend who had come alongwith me to keep my spirits high, kept on telling me that it's going to be big. I don't why but I had this feeling that he was more nervous than me. I can probably not describe the feeling; I wasn't getting published for the first time but the mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness was same, in fact a lot more than it was before. Maybe that was because at that time I did not have so much of readership. Now that I have a lot better reach, I have a lot more responsibility on my shoulders, to write not just for myself but for my readers as well.

So when the books finally arrived there was a big smile on my face as per Ashish, my friend. You know they say in Hindi khushi se phooli na samaana. That is what was happening with me and the feeling of getting to hold my book was simply mid blowing. I'll let the pictures do the talking for now.

 

Oh! The beauties

 

Yet another shot

I had some 90 minutes in hand and 200 copies to sign because all the pre-orders made from HS18 had to go autographed. I looked at Pulkit helplessly and he was like you gotta do it, girl. Ila Garg, Creative Head at Gargi gave me a reassuring smile and I took a deep breath only to get started with a conviction that I can do it in the stipulated time.

As promised, there are a number of copies that will find such messages. I hope the readers like it :)

I look so drained out but I was happy and the reason was pretty much obvious. Ashish who had a stopover at Delhi before going home took this picture when I took a 2 minute break.

And I started off again with a smile on my face and a happiness in my heart and soul that knew no bounds.

 

This was taken after we were done with signing all the copies. Huff! I had become too drained out by then and we headed straight to this place.

 

Since Ashish had a train to catch, we got our stuff packed. I am telling you chicken wrap and donuts had never felt so yumm as they felt on Saturday.

So this was a small account of the first glimpse of Bad Romance-Love, Lies and Betrayals. Do try to take out some time for this book.

Purchase link: http://bit.do/badromance 

With bated breaths and skipped heartbeats, I welcome you all to the journey of Kritika and Tanishq. The book releases today officially. I hope and pray that this effort turns out to be an even bigger success.

Signing off for today. Happy reading to all of you! :)

A Conversation with debut author Kundan Vidyarthy

Today, we get talking with the author of 'The Angel Love and my Broken Promises'. Kundan Vidyarthy who stays in the land of sandesh, rashogullas and Kali Ma, has already written two books but got published with his third book. He is currently working on his fourth book and I'm pretty sure all his fans are already waiting for it eagerly. Let's know a little about this author and his tryst with the written word.

1) Congratulations for your book, Kundan. How does it feel to hold your book in hand?

Ans: Thank you so much, Harshita. Well, I can't describe in words what I feel holding my book. It’s beyond words. I have waited as many as two long years to see my work in this form so you can understand it, I guess. It’s special; really special.

2) Tell us something about yourself, your background and your life before becoming an author.

Ans: I am a simple guy who believes strongly in the words 'Love' and 'Friendship'. A little laid back as people say about me; a day dreamer who has the guts to chase his dreams. I come from a very small village in Madhubani district of Bihar where parents still live in the world of doctors and engineers and they do everything to get a doctor or an engineer out of their children. I was a little fortunate to have a parent who let me take my decisions. Though they didn't know that I would decide to be an author or they would have questioned me for it! Anyway, I did my schooling from there and moved to Kolkata for my graduation. It took me few free months and a job opportunity to discover an author in me.

3) What inspired you to write this story?

Ans: Nothing actually. After getting kicked away numerous times for my first two books from many publishers I decided to hold the pen again and this time I penned down the story of a girl who actually is an angel. A true lover.

4) Are any of the characters, Simi, Jay or Nidhi, a part of your real life?

Ans: Not yet but I surely would like to have Nidhi around if she exists in real.

5) What are the obstacles you faced while writing your book and eventually getting it published?

Ans: Honestly, a writer never faces any obstacle while writing. I too enjoyed it. The problem starts after you finish writing and decides to get it published. It was really tough and heart breaking too sometimes while reading those rejection mails. Yes, there were and still are people who keep de-motivating me and scaring me about the prospects in the publishing industry but I don't care. I just do what I love to do.

6) How was the response been from the readers till now?

Ans: Nice words from a reader can make an author's day and I am fortunate enough to hear few good things about my book. I take this opportunity to thank them all for reading my book and saying good things about it.

7) How has your experience been with your publisher?

Ans: Its been very good. Gaurav really is a nice guy and very hard working I must say. He's been very supportive throughout. Thanks to him for creating a platform for authors like me in the form of Omji publishing house. It takes a lot of guts indeed to give a chance to new authors and he is doing it so all credits to him.

8) Who are the people you'd like to give credit to for achieving all this?

Ans: A lot of people. The ones who supported me and those who didn't. My friends, my family everyone. It wouldn't have been possible without their support. And yes, to my publisher too for deciding to publish it.

9) What kind of books do you read?

Ans: I read thrillers, murder mysteries and love stories a lot. I like to read good hindi poetry books too.

10) What kind of work can the readers expect from you in future? Are you working on your second work? Would you like to reveal something about it?

Ans: As I said, its the third book which I wrote so I have already two scripts in the documents folder of my computer. Right now I am working on my fourth book which is a story of teenage girl and her mistakes. The title is 'Kaira... The unlucky girl'. As far as my works are concerned, an author writes what he/she experience or see. I would also not like to stick to a specific zoner.
I would love to write around love but yes, not a pure love story always. A good thriller is what I am looking for next. Though I wouldn't hesitate to pen down what needs people attention.

11) Is there a message you'd like to convey to your readers and loved ones?

Ans: Thank you all for reading my work, supporting me and criticizing me sometimes. Keep doing so as I always need you all around me. Thank you so much. Love you all.

Purchase link:  http://tinyurl.com/lcog4kb