Friday, November 11, 2016

Interview with author Shikha Pakhide

In a conversation with Shikha Pakhide, author of the book Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen. The book is a collection of shortest stories which they are, you can read the complete review of the book at Book Review : Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen - Shikha Pakhide.


-- Interview with author Shikha Pakhide --

Q: "Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen" is now a published book, how does it feel holding a copy of the same in your hand?
A: It’s like “I cannot believe that this is true and my dream is real now “ I kept on looking at the book again and again. I might have skimmed through the pages’ umpteen number of times and even guilty of smelling the book!

Q: You mentioned that you intended to write this book long back, but what actually inspired you?

A: Adversity brings out the best in you. I had major upheavals in my life and to keep myself sane in the stormy ocean, I retreated in the serenity of words. Writing helped me in seeing the world with a new lens.

Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family members when you first told them that "Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen" is going to be a published book? Any particular mention about the support you received from them?

A: I am lucky to be surrounded with a loving family and supportive friends. Everyone was excited to have a “writer around“ They even teased me that they should get the first signed copy! My sister teasingly told me that she should be the guest of honor when I am celebrating book becoming a bestseller.

Q: You think you were destined to be a writer?

A: No. I secretly dreamt of becoming a dancer. I wanted to join Shiamak Davar’s dancing classes and be a success story like Shahid Kapoor.

Q: Apart from "Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen" what else have you written? Anything that you want us to know?

A: Yes, the second book is published which is a novelette. It’s a suspense story. The book can be read online without any cost and the link is The Lift Saga.

Q: What can we expect from you in the near future? Any other books lined up?

A: I have storyboards identified for two books. One revolves around motherhood and the second one will be non-fiction. Stay tuned!

Q: Being a published author, is a different feeling altogether. How do you make sure that this feeling stays alive forever?
A: I will be lying if I say , I don’t feel anything different.I love it and feel proud of it.I cherish the feeling that I will be leaving a tangible thing for my children to inherit.
Interview with author Shikha Pakhide
Interview with author Shikha Pakhide
Q: "Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen" is a collection of the shortest stories, why did you choose to take this route for your book?
A: I had always dreamt of writing a novel. I had even named it as “Clara”. However somehow Clara got lost somewhere and I didn’t want to lose the enthusiasm to “publish fiction“ Hence short stories came into picture. When I finished the set, I realized that they are actually not “short stories” but “shortest stories” and there is a term for it, Flash stories.Without losing time I decided to self-publish the book via createspace.

Q: Do you think writing short stories, sometimes, lacks justification to the characters and the story?

A: It actually depends upon the reader. I have received a mixed feedback , where some people loved them and few found that the stories were incomplete.

Q: Any particular review that you received for “Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen” made you go wow? Can you share with us?
A: “It takes grit to do what you want and accomplish in your lifetime. In this world which is full of vanity people are still struggling to find their purpose. You discovered what brings happiness for you and took the first step towards it“

Q: How different is it write short stories than the contemporary books?

A: It is indeed different and I will experience it further when I experiment with different genres.

Q: Tell us about, how writing is a part of your daily life?

A: I am on the path of inculcating as my daily routine so that it becomes a part of me.

Q: How did you finalize the cover of the book "Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen"? Did you have more options?
A: Createspace did offer lot of options however I liked the vibrant color and decided to go with it.

Q: Other than being a published author, what else do you do professionally?

A: I am a marketer.

Q: Tell us something about your experience of getting your book  "Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen" published?

A: It is hard for debut authors to get signed up with renowned publishers.And there are many private publishing author which do charge a good amount of money.I wanted to get an experience with the self-publishing format and hence came across createspace.It’s a lone journey so be prepared to pacify yourself with all the frustrations which pave in.

Q: Do you read as much as you write? Which are your favorite books and authors?
A: I cannot equate both reading and writing on an equivalent platform. But yes I love reading and 2016 is one of the most remarkable year where the count has gone 7+. My favorite book is The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. And I anxiously await for Cecila Ahern and Sophie Kinsella’s new editions.

Q: You prefer reading e-books or the traditional paper/hard back book?

A: Hard cover anytime.You will find atleast one book in my bag everytime.

Q: Two things that you like and dislike about “Short Stories”?

A: I cannot comment on this as the paradox is ; throughout my life I have never read short stories and my debut work is a collection of shortest stories !

Q: If you have to give one reason to our readers to get hold of your book, “Define Thirty-Six, Twice Of Eighteen”, what would the reason be?
A: It brings all the emotions in one book.

Q: Any message you would want to share with our readers?

A: Do read and I anxiously look forward for your feedback.

Q: How can our readers connect with you?

A: The easiest and fastest way is to send a tweet at @shikhashikz

-- End of Interview with author Shikha Pakhide --
You can order a copy of the book from Amazon.
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