Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My friends and family find me the most boring person, yet paradoxically I love myself as no one else. Most people including my wife think I am quite selfish. I am not and I go on to rationalize, you can love others only when you love yourself. I hate wearing nice dresses, take haircuts, shave regularly, and put on gold rings, chain, and expensive shoes even when gifted. I don’t have patience to spend time in malls, visit dentists, splurge money in parties, yet I cannot resist the temptation to dine out in an expensive restaurant. I don’t get bored even when I remain indoors for days provided I have something good to read which perhaps makes me the most boring person to my family. I enjoy nothing more than debates on issues of human relevance.
The best compliment I ever got in life was when my class V English teacher said my essay was the best he ever read. The compliment has sustained me since. There hasn’t been any other eventful episode in my academic or professional career to merit my attention except a third division in MA (Sociology) from Delhi School of Economics.
I did not have to struggle for a job because I walked into a publishing house, got the first job of my life within moments and began working instantly. I love the profession I am in because writing is the only thing I can devote to effortlessly. I used to hate going to office everyday dressed in a presentable outfit. Internet was the best thing that could have happened to people like me. I get my assignments online and wages transferred to my bank account like clockwork. I could not have asked for a better life.
My close friends think I do not have much ambition in life. Perhaps they are right to an extent. Otherwise, I am driven by the compelling text and secretly wish I could emulate similar writing skills.
Currently, I work for different clients and also write independently on different web platforms.
I have written two books – (I) Siddhartha Smiles and (ii) Write or Wrong! Games Friends, Teachers and Employers Play Offline/ Online (not yet published as it is with a publisher undergoing editing/cover design etc.)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Write or Wrong! Games Friends, Teachers and Employers Play Offline/ Online
This book was inspired by subtle ideas with multiple sources. The intangible seed of this material creation was planted several decades ago by Mr. R.S. Jaipuria, my class V, English teacher. I will remain ever indebted to him.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The most unusual thing about my writing is that it is internally driven. Most mornings, I wake up with powerful ideas, I feel I absolutely didn’t know about. I feel incapable of writing to my complete satisfaction, unless I lose my awareness of external surroundings. I enjoy writing only when I dive deep within or feel connected to the invisible source.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was inspired by Jonathan Livingstone. I learned my first lessons in Philosophy reading Bertrand Russell’s book that I thoroughly enjoyed. There were many more authors and books along the way including Paul Brunton, (A Search in Secret India), and Paramhamsa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi) that inspired me.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a story that has William Coleman, a business man from Texas coming to India to expand his business empire. The protagonist helps William through bureaucratic maze and also helps him culturally navigate in the alien nation. However, somewhere along the way, he lands in deep troubles, and the protagonist helps him escape to a Buddhist monastery, where he meets an enlightened monk. The monk teaches him some spiritual lessons relevant to the practical life in business. The lessons help him stand on his feet again and he recovers his lost venture.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very poor in promoting my books. I have absolutely no idea how one can successfully promote their work. However, I believe Awesomegang is genuinely interested in helping their authors. I am sure, I will have a lot to learn at this site.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be ready and up with a marketing plan before you write. I made a mistake here and wise people learn from the mistake of others. Today, nearly everyone who works independently must also be successful in marketing. A good writer today has to be a good marketer. An average writer with excellent marketing skills would sell more than an excellent writer with average marketing skills.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find the answer to ‘why anyone would like to read your work or pay for your work’.
What are you reading now?
Conditionality: The Law of Cause and Effect by Venerable Master Hsing Yun
What’s next for you as a writer?
Learn and work on marketing my books.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Power of Positive Thinking
The Power of Now
The Encyclopedia of Mysteries
Ajit Jha’s Social Media Links
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