Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Though I’d been writing for several years, my first book came out in 2013. It was brought out by a publisher in India. The process was slow and as I had many more works lined up, I took the indie route. I’ve published one historical novel and several books for children of all ages; to be exact, three novels, nine chapter books, five short story collections and three picture books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Tapestry of Tears is a collection of stories set in India. The title story is of novelette length and has been the most challenging story I’ve written. The theme of female infanticide was emotionally draining and the nineteenth century setting required research. I honestly don’t remember what triggered it but the idea came two years ago, linking the tragic practice to the extinct art of bagh embroidery. The other stories are also emotive. For instance, the Partition of British left two million dead and over fourteen million displaced. And the scars carried by the survivors lasted a lifetime. The other stories are not historical but as I mentioned earlier, they are strong on emotion.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Is adding a background theme to the page layout unusual? I do that often.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Different books and authors have influenced me at each stage of my reading life. Classics, both English and Indian, the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, P G Wodehouse, Munshi Premchand, Maupassant…I would say I have always had favorite authors to match my mood and they have all inspired my writing.
What are you working on now?
I like to try my hand at new things though I don’t venture far out of my comfort zone. I’m writing a cozy mystery. I’m also working on a picture book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub is the accepted leader; their numbers are impressive. I’ve been busy publishing back to back and my marketing efforts have been sporadic so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t press the ‘submit’ button until the copy has been rigorously edited. If you can hire a professional editor, do so. And don’t give up; nobody said this would be easy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others.
What are you reading now?
Letter from Peking. Though I have a huge TBR, I mostly stick to rereads these days so that I don’t spend too much time away from my work.
What’s next for you as a writer?
For two years I’ve been writing, editing, publishing. I need to focus on marketing. I need to hold back on my next book.
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?
1. A guide book about living on a desert island.
2. A well researched book about Pompeii
3. An omnibus collection of Agatha Christi or The Complete Cases of Sherlock Holmes.
4. Gitanjali.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gita V. Reddy Website
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