AUTHOR INTERVIEW - PRASHANT SHARMA

We interviewed published author of two novels, Prashant Sharma recently.

SHORT BIO

Prashant Sharma is currently working in strategy and marketing for a multinational bank. He passed out of IIM Lucknow in 2009 and Delhi College of Engineering in 2007. He is the author of two books - Love, Life & A Beer Can (a national bestseller) and If I Pretend I am Sorry.

So here goes :

Tell us something about your novel - If I Pretend I am Sorry.

This is my second book and a very different one from the first. While the first one was about college life and the complications that go with it, this one is a story of three selfish and greedy men who are a part of the Mumbai underworld. It is the story of how the lives of these three men are intertwined and how it reaches a conclusion.

How did this book happen and why did you choose to write about it?

“There was a thought- four people meet in a room. They have had interconnected lives, and only one of them walks out”, this was the premise, the story flowed from there. 

When did you take to writing?

It started during the second year of MBA at IIM Lucknow. Just something I wanted to do. I guess, MBA teaches you that on some level- to follow your heart. While on some other level, it teaches you how to be a part of the rat race.

 

Where do you usually write? What is your favourite setting to write in?

I write at home sitting on my chair on my laptop. No favorite setting as such. When you start writing, you get into the story so much that the surroundings cease to matter.

Did this story come to you easily or did you find yourself stuck with a writer’s block sometimes?

It was a free flowing thought process. The story became clearer to me as I kept on writing. No writer's block in this one luckily.

Does this story have anything to do with your personal life? Or is it a story of someone close to you?

No, not at all. It is a story of three guys with very very grey characters. I hope none of my friends are like that!  

Was there any difference while writing your second book as compared to your first? Do you consider this book to be better than your first?

I think it will be unfair to compare. All those who have read both would agree with me. The thought process etc, everything was very different. But both are very close to my heart.

Tell us about your life online and the sites you maintain

Not much. Just one facebook page for both the books - Love Life & A Beer Can & If I Pretend I am Sorry and my facebook profile. 

How has been your experience so far in the literary world? Any highs or lows being a part of this space that you would like to share here?

Its been amazing. The publishing house, especially Mr. Jayanta Bose, have been very helpful and very supportive. I really look forward to writing a lot more. As of now, there are no lows, only highs. I do this as a hobby and not as a profession, so I guess, the expectations are minimal but the satisfaction is great.

Tell us something about your work & hobbies?

I work in a multinational in strategy and marketing. It’s a good job and involves creativity.

Hobbies are watching cricket and I am the biggest Hindi movie fan you will ever find. 

So how did it feel when you finally finished writing the book?

It feels the best when you see it in the bookstore. Nothing beats that feeling.

What is your dream project? Are you working on another novel?

Dream project is to direct a movie. Let’s hope it happens.