From an author who lives in a fear of being an abibliophobic, which is the fear of not finding a book to read, he serves up quite the interview. Considering
that this book is free of grammatical errors and was effortless in its
use of the English language, this book was a treat to readers. Just like his interview.
His answers, like his characters are simple and straight to the point. From this demystifier of business, we found out a few answers... You could also read the review here.
How did ‘Serving You’ happen? And what were your
resources?
For years, I wanted to write a book—fascinated by the
tales writers told and their lasting effects on me, but never put words to my
thoughts, until one day I decided I was ready.
It just happened.
Besides a fantastical view of life, a
handy MacBook, I had no other resources.
Could you describe the journey from ‘book
selling’ to
‘restaurant opening’?
Johnny is a man driven by freedom of thought and the
necessity to question conventions. Therefore,
when he realised that in selling books or selling food—including humans :) — the business principles were the same; the simple tenets (3 Ss) of retailing — the
ideal deployment of stocks, staff and service, it was easy.
How much of your story was part of the book?
The education, to the love and marriage and finally the various businesses…
All authors draw from personal experiences and I did
too, therefore a lot really and yet very little literally. I only drew inferences and insights and not really the
true incidents of my life. This story is a fantasy.
What according to you is different about
your book? How was your appetite? ☺
The difference lies in believing anything is possible in
this world. It’s only one lifetime and we need to live it on our terms, and yet
the book does not preach like a self-help book (personally, I find them
disgusting — playing God to hapless souls).
As far as my appetite is concerned, I
live on a see-food diet. I eat whatever I see :)
Who was it that told you that you could become the
author, you are today?
I am an avid reader; I believe there’s a
word that describes me— Abibliophobic—the fear of not finding a book to read.
Over the years, I have wished to join the ranks of the luminaries—famous
authors and their fantastical minds—in the hall of fame.
How would you relate the lives of characters
to the lives today? Any similarites?
In all the characters the reader can spot shades of a
people they know, though I strongly believe all human beings are essentially similar but what makes us unique is our
convoluted thinking.
What was the most challenging part about
writing ‘Serving You’?
During the early days I tried to edit whatever I wrote.
Invariably, I would prefer a better sentence or a more descriptive character or
an incident. I could not proceed and it was frustrating.
Once I overcame the urge to edit, it was
smooth sailing after that.
What are the most fulfilling parts in your
book?
The ability to think freely—without fear of prejudice or failure that lead to the simplicity of
setting up business even if it was of human meat.
Which particular character did you feel most
close to? Why?
Johnny Django. Especially, when friends and relatives
felt it is autobiographical. I guess I am different in the eyes of my
beholders.
When will your next book be out?
I hope within the
next three months. I have completed parts of it and enjoying the
process all over again
Which book are you currently reading?
Two of them: 'Why we Buy' by Paco Underhill and 'Luminaries'
by Eleanor Catton.
Who are your favourite authors?
There are quite a few to list here. But my all-time favorites
are Satyajit Ray, Arthur Conan Doyle, Tess Geritsen, Ayn Rand,
Eliyahu MGoldratt but only in the order of inner feelings on that day.
What else do you do on a daily basis?
I work on behalf of my clients to help them set up a
retail company in the same simplistic manner as described in the book. I demystify business.
What advice do you have for the young
writers of today?
Write till you get the breakthrough.
It’s
like a long distance run — have to endure till the
breathing and feet synchronizes into a rhythm before the run becomes painless,
or like learning to play a musical instrument —seems impossible, frustrating
and impenetrable in the beginning but suddenly it happens to you.
The rest is pure ecstasy.
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