AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Hi Preety. .Hope you had a wonderful day.

It's a pleasure knowing you.

To begin with, can you tell us about yourself?

I belong to Allahabad and am currently working in Indian National Science Academy, a scientific organisation in Delhi.

How did science picque your interest?

I read about the twin village in an article somewhere, and as it was in Allahabad, my native place, I was curious to know more about it. And the deeper I delved in that subject, the more it called me to brew its features into a story.

And as far as science link of the story is concerned, it just happened. I never pondered on the scientific view of the story. Might be working in a scientific organisation, I just picked that trait from the people I regularly deal with.

From when did you start writing this story?

It took me almost four years to get the published version of my story.

What was the first first piece you wrote and when was it?

I had penned my college days earlier so that the pranks we friends did do not fade away from our memories. And those friends were responsible for pursuing me to make that work into a short college novel. It was in 2008. Writing call for a friend, my first novel introduced me the delight of writing.

Pranks? Sounds interesting.. Can you share few of the pranks you did?

I'd be hanged by the people for my deeds. But as I've apologised to them in my last book, I think I can disclose it publicly here. We stole our teacher's bike on valentine day, washed linen dipping clothes in seniors tank, had, infact even today too, sometimes I feel so wanting to attend uninvited marriages to feast on the delicacies there.

Lol.. That was really hilarious...

Tell us about your last book mam.

Call for a friend was written just to retain the memories. And as that time I was not skilled enough to write anything at length, I self published just 200 copies and followed only one marketing strategy which I knew that time: forced the same friends who were my crime partners to buy it and make it read to their known ones. But thankfully my friends helped me out to make it reach to public.

Who is your inspiration?

I'm fond of reading Hindi novels, and I like shivani and munshi premchand for the way they twist the plot around their characters. Infact shivani's books character had inspired me to exaggerate the stories around me in a juicy and understandable way.

So, I guess shivani is your favourite author?

Yes, actually there are lot more. Whichever book makes me cry with its flow, I become a fan of that author and try to read more books of the same author.

If you were given a chance to live as a fictional character which one would you choose?

I'd be Tintin. Actually I'm close to this character in real life too. Whatever I try to do, generally I mess up all the things.

What is the purpose of writing this story?

Through The Umri gene, I have tried to portray the turbulences of the society, the circumstances which normally concerns to only those who are going through it. If even one person who reads the book, looks upon the persons around in an empathising manner trying to be a part of the societal concerns weaved in the book the message of the book is conveyed.

How was your publishing journey?

It was tough. Once written a book, I thought I would sail easily in the process of getting a publisher. I tried hard knocking on every publishers mail ID, but couldn't get any response. Then blue rose publishers came for my rescue

How was your experience with them?

Fantastic. From initial queries to making my written matter develop into book, and lot of other guidance too, I'm glad that The Umri gene came out with the help of blue rose publishers team

So mam what are your views on love and relationship in this modern era?

Where there is trust there is love and relationship. However hard you try to build a relationship of love, when you don't trust the other, it's of no use. One should let our dear ones be free, giving them space, in order to blossom the love in the relationships for life time

So how was your family's reaction and support when you told about your idea of publishing?

Actually I never told anyone that I am writing a book until it was finished. And when I told they thought I had made another biographical prank story. I informed them only when I got the cover designed for the book. And they bombarded me with the questions that when and how did I wrote it. But it was immense pleasure seeing them happy because of me.

And yeah how did you manage your timings, between your office and taking care of your family?

Actually I write between 4 to 6 in the morning, till then my family members are in deep sleep. That's why it took 3 and half years for this story to be written. I wrote for 2 hours daily.

Have you ever got writers block?

Not really, I make the points in the metro, and whenever I feel to be gripped by writers block, I just imagine how a certain commuter would be behaving if he/she was my story's character. And I get all the further clues to write. There are so many stories which we can get from the commuters.

When can we expect your next book?

It took 4 years to get this book completed. Though I have another story looking at me to be contemplated, but I think it will take some time to get penned.

Good luck mam.

Thank you

Where can readers find your other writings?

Few Articles and poems which I have penned is at my website www.preetykaithwas.com in reverie and scribblings section

What are your other hobbies mam?

I love to do chit-chats. Travelling is my another interest for which I don't get time now a days.

What is your passion?

I passionately write. And socialise. Just don't ask me to enter into kitchen and whatever else I do I do it passionately.

What do you wish to say to the budding writers?

Just write, even its one line thought for a day. Who knows a line of yours today could be your punchline years after.

Finally to conclude, what do you wish to say to your readers?

If you get the intent of some of the pages of the Umri gene, do look around your surroundings, you'll find a lot of characters from my book there. Instead of ignoring them be compassionate. It's the least we can do to turn our society a better place to live in.

Thank you Preety mam. It was so nice talking to you. I just enjoyed knowing you.

All the best for all your future endeavours.