Skip to main content

I Want Your Life

A vague story idea hits you one day. You think it would pass, just like a hundred other vague ideas have, in the past. But to your surprise, this one stays. You are unsure at first, but interest seeps in gradually. You toy with the idea in your head. 

As the story takes shape and characters are born, you are drawn deep into that universe. You look up facts, read accounts, and do some research on matters that would form the core of the story.

You observe. Your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, the people you saw on the metro or in a restaurant. You engage in social debates - online and offline. You observe life. All of it may not find its way into a story. But, some would.

You start writing (typing). An entire chapter some days. A few lines some other days. As you write, you realize the story is evolving over the course. You finish writing the first draft. You add a working title. “I Want Your Life”.

Your story is now a word document in your computer. You want it to be a paperback on bookshelves. You research more about editors and publishers. You approach them, and after meeting with multiple parties, decide to move ahead with one that makes you feel is right for your work.

The editor starts going through what you have written. You are apprehensive - this is the first time you are letting someone else see the world you have created. With their keen eye for detail, they inspect everything and share feedback on what works and what doesn’t.

You revisit the story, and make some changes. You get a good feeling about it. You brainstorm with the publishing team and their illustrator about what image would best capture the essence of the story. The creative inputs grow into a beautiful idea, which leaves everyone satisfied. Your vague story idea has finally taken the shape of a book.

There are more hurdles to cross. Registration of the book. Printing of the copies. Setting up a seller account on online platforms. Launching an electronic version of the book. 

And then, a day comes. The hurdles are behind you. Your book is ready for the world. You realize that the working title works out pretty well.

I Want Your Life. Available in paperback and ebook formats. On Amazon.

Thank You for the constant support you have shown me ever since I announced the idea of this book. Here we are.

Buy From Amazon (Within India)      Buy From Amazon (Outside India)





Comments

  1. ikyaheasterdayMarch 5, 2022 at 5:21 AM

    Casinos in Miami FL - JM Hub
    Discover the top-rated casinos in Miami FL 성남 출장마사지 and see what they are 양주 출장샵 offering. Our recommendations for hotels, 안동 출장안마 motels, restaurants, and 양산 출장샵 more. 대구광역 출장마사지

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

First Rejection

About four years ago, I self-published my first novel, I Want Your Life . Self-publishing was not my initial plan. Like most aspiring writers, I envisioned my book being published under the label of one of the prominent publishing houses in the country, such as Penguin or HarperCollins. However, my editor gave me a reality check and explained that large publishing houses receive several submissions daily, making it highly unlikely for a first-time writer to get noticed. More than the prestige of being published under an established banner, my excitement lay in seeing my story in the form of a book. So, I chose the self-publishing route. After months of back-and-forth with my publishing team - proofreading, editing, revisions, illustrations, book registration, and printing - my book was finally out. It was truly a dream come true. The upside of self-publishing is the sweet certainty of getting published. The downside, however, is that you are responsible for everything, including promot...
1 comment
Read more

Roasted

  At Chico’s home ‘Mama, you promised to take me out for lunch on Sunday if I got good grades in the exams…’ seven-year-old Chico complained to his mother, Laila, as she lay confined to the comforts of her couch on a lazy Sunday morning. ‘Ugh…’ Laila groaned as she continued to scroll through reels. 'And we will go on a Sunday!’ ‘Today is Sunday, Mama!’ Chico started pulling at his mama bear’s arms. ‘Well, another one is due in seven days…’ Laila muttered, unwilling to move, but the thought of not having to cook lunch did tempt her. ‘Okay, if I promised you, you shall have it. Tell me what you want. I'll order…’ ‘No, Mama, I want to go out and dine, and I want you to take a selfie at the restaurant and post it, and I want my friends to ask me about it in class.’ Laila pulled her eyes from the screen and looked at her son. He was growing smart indeed. ‘Okay, fine, you got it. What do you want to have, though?’ ‘Roasted Chicken!’ At Durien’s Chicken Farm ‘But why can’t we go ou...
Post a Comment
Read more

Familial Cowswami

Last day, I had the misfortune of interacting with the husband of one of my cousins at a family event. Since we’ve already established my feelings toward him, let me clarify that he is not an evil person. It’s just that our ideologies and outlooks toward life could poetically be described as Yin-Yang—completely opposite, with no common ground. That’s fine; everyone is entitled to their vision, as long as they don’t try to claim their vision as the only correct one and attempt to shove it on others who haven’t asked for advice. After exchanging pleasantries, we got down to the “real talk.” He started by asking me why I am still sticking around here (India) and not moving abroad. To set the context, he has been working in the Middle East ever since I first met him at my cousin’s wedding, around fourteen years ago. His wife and kids, who used to live with him, recently moved to Canada, possibly to settle there once he retires. Of course, moving abroad seems to be the trend (or even the no...
2 comments
Read more