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2014 Interview (SW Site)

Can you recall your earliest writing endeavor?

Absolutely! My inaugural venture into storytelling was with a patriotic poem-story titled "Ye Desh hai Un Verro ka," inspired by the Kargil War circa July-August 1999. It found its way into print later that year, courtesy of the regional Hindi newspaper "Rashtriy Sahara." At the tender age of 11, seeing my work laid out in print, complete with all the newspaper trimmings and ads, was an indescribable, truly memorable experience.

Could you walk us through your writing process?

Certainly! To start, I endeavor to infuse my core story concept with a unique essence by experimenting with various combinations of settings, characters, scenes, and subplots. Then, I meticulously tailor the language to suit the characters and situations, eschewing the temptation to rely on a repetitive style, which can be detrimental in the long run. While non-fiction may offer less room for flexibility in research compared to fiction or poetry, I find that delving into less-explored subjects, particularly dissecting the statistical aspects, can yield remarkable results.

Interestingly, I adopt a somewhat spontaneous approach (plus, a hint of minimal effort) when tackling comedy, poetry, tragedy, and darker themes. Surprisingly, despite investing only a couple of hours in crafting such pieces, the feedback and ratings from readers tend to surpass those of my more labor-intensive works.

What strategies have you found most effective for marketing your books?

Ah, marketing—the perennial puzzle! My arsenal includes regular and targeted engagement across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and even the nostalgic Orkut. I also leverage blogging communities and platforms like Goodreads, Writers.net, Published.com, and Smashwords for listings, backlinks, keyword optimization, reviews, and recommendations. Additionally, tapping into the network of regional newspapers, magazines, publications, and NGOs can be instrumental in orchestrating book launches, press releases, and promotional activities. When liaising with NGOs, aligning the book's theme with their cause or providing tangible support can amplify the promotional impact.

Furthermore, even in the absence of a formal book launch, I focus on cultivating my author brand through various avenues, including event appearances, contests, online Q&A sessions, and volunteering for creative endeavors during events.

How did your upbringing influence your writing?

My formative years were spent traversing multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, courtesy of my father's employment with the state government. This nomadic upbringing exposed me to the rich tapestry of Indian society, with its myriad contrasts and diversity—a veritable kaleidoscope of experiences. From witnessing India's transition from a closed-license regime to a more liberal economy in the early '90s to navigating the intricacies of regional, religious, linguistic, and geographical variations, each facet has left an indelible mark on my writing. I find myself drawn to exploring social issues against the backdrop of India's multifaceted landscape, constantly marveling at its uniqueness and beauty.

What's your preferred e-reading device?

I gravitate towards both Kobo and Kindle devices for their user-friendly interfaces and the popularity of the epub format. However, I harbor a desire to see more affordable devices enter the market to democratize access to e-books and bolster the share of the e-book market in the near future.

What literary indulgences do you seek for pleasure?

When it comes to leisure reading, I find solace in a diverse array of materials, including comics, research journals, and non-fiction. Regrettably, I've only managed to explore a handful of novels in my lifetime thus far (up until January 2014).

When did your journey as a writer commence?

My foray into writing began at the age of 10, with a collection of devotional songs penned during the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratr. However, it was during the tumultuous period of the Kargil War that I crafted my maiden poetic narrative. Despite the constraints imposed by a school environment that wasn't particularly conducive to extracurricular pursuits, I found an outlet for my burgeoning literary aspirations in topics that captivated my interest, predominantly revolving around current affairs. It wasn't until college liberated me from the shackles of institutional constraints that I fully embraced my passion for writing, succumbing to the relentless allure of storytelling.

What's the inspiration behind your latest literary venture?

Periodically, I embark on research projects delving into uncharted territories, seeking respite from the monotony of my creative endeavors (with the added bonus of contributing to social causes). "Postpartum Reproductive Health: India" stands as a testament to one such endeavor—an incisive sociological study shedding light on the postnatal health challenges and associated medical and economic hurdles faced by Indian women. In a landscape inundated with health studies, the dearth of research focusing specifically on postnatal reproductive health care spurred me to undertake this endeavor. Collaborating with Shanu Sharma, the study was conducted in Saharanpur, India, aiming to fill the void in scholarly discourse on this critical issue.

Why did you choose the path of an indie author?

My penchant for exploring diverse genres and topics often renders my work too experimental and noncommercial for traditional publishers, resulting in frequent rejection. While some of my works do find a home in traditional publishing houses, my high rejection rate necessitates embracing indie publishing as the primary avenue for disseminating my voluminous output of experimental creations. While achieving a mainstream commercial balance is not a priority for me, the prospect of self-censorship or compromise poses a formidable obstacle. Ideally, I envision a future where my mainstream rejection rate dwindles to zero, yet I remain committed to publishing indie works regardless.

How has Smashwords contributed to your journey as an author?

Smashwords—a veritable boon to independent authors like myself! Its myriad offerings, from facilitating thousands of downloads and attracting new readers to enhancing my online presence and providing a platform for publishing books in various formats, have been invaluable. Moreover, the opportunity to receive regular feedback from esteemed authors active within the Smashwords community has been immensely enriching. To the formidable team behind Smashwords, I extend my heartfelt gratitude!

What significance do your fans hold in your creative journey?

Fans are akin to renewable wellsprings of virtual wealth, infusing vitality into my brand and fueling my motivation to persist in my endeavors. Their numbers and responses serve as both a testament to my efforts and a guiding compass for refining my craft. Indeed, their feedback serves as a catalyst for evolution, prompting me to adapt my approach to certain genres or refine my writing style. Moreover, the delightful surprises wherein fans share obscure tidbits about myself and my works serve as poignant reminders of the profound connection forged through literature.

What projects are you currently immersed in?

Currently, my creative energies are channeled into a multitude of endeavors, including:

The "Infra Surkh Shayars" Poetry Project, spanning multiple languages.

Comic series featuring characters such as Psycho Devi, Baali, and General.

A novel titled "Maa ka Monologue."

The daunting task of transcribing a backlog of poems and stories originally penned in Hinglish into Devanagari Hindi for publication. While the sheer volume of pending work may seem daunting, I remain committed to publishing several collections of stories and poems in the near future.

Who are your literary influences?

I draw inspiration from the works of esteemed authors such as Bharat Kumar Negi and Gregory David Roberts, whose storytelling prowess and thematic depth continue to captivate and inspire me.

What compels you to rise each day and engage in your craft?

Each day beckons with the promise of unfurling creativity, a veritable canvas waiting to be adorned with the strokes of inspiration. The passage of time—86400 seconds—serves as a constant reminder of the boundless potential waiting to be unlocked. The allure of creativity, the obligations entwined within the fabric of society, and, above all, the enduring love for my craft propel me forward with unwavering resolve.

Could you share your approach to cover design?

When it comes to cover design, I firmly believe in the power of collaboration. Teaming up with exceptionally talented illustrators and colorists, I embark on a collaborative journey aimed at capturing the essence of my work visually. The fusion of ideas, expertise, and artistic vision invariably yields exceptional results, ensuring that each cover serves as a compelling visual representation of the narrative within.

Is "84 Tears" your magnum opus?

While "84 Tears" may not claim the title of my magnum opus, it undeniably stands as one of my most successful endeavors to date, boasting an impressive 700,000 downloads within a span of two years. Special recognition must be extended to the remarkable talents of Mr. Ravi Shankar, whose artistic contributions breathed life into this project.

Given certain language and formatting constraints, as well as considerations regarding copyright, I am regrettably unable to showcase the entirety of my oeuvre on Smashwords. For a comprehensive overview of my works, I invite you to peruse the official weblinks provided on my Smashwords profile.

Would you be willing to share some exclusive keywords with us?

Certainly! Here are a few exclusive keywords associated with my creative endeavors:

#Mohitness #mohitsharma #mohit_trendster #Trendster #Trendy_Baba #Freelance_Talents #421_Brand_Beedi_Federation #Infra_Surkh_Shayars #Sameer #Zahan

#mohitness #mohit trendster #mohit-trendster #मोहित शर्मा ज़हन #art #comics #india #book #event #books #interview

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