Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m J Bharathi and I live in south India. I used to be a screenwriter but now left all that behind to publish myself through independent platforms. I like all sorts of genres. I’m into books, movies, TV series and music (mostly Indian); big fan of Tom Hanks, Radiohead, Jim Jarmusch. I’ve written two books so far – Zahhak’s Wildest Dreams (crime/thriller/mystery) and The Oldest Man Alive (dark fantasy/urban).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work is a dark fantasy short read, The Oldest Man Alive. I’ve been reading about men who were pursuing immortality. Those stories inspired me to write this. I wasn’t expecting much but it turned out good, so went through with publishing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As a habit, I first write my story as a screenplay. Not in an elaborate fashion. I then go through it, narrate it to my friends, then would rewrite them as a book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say Gabriel Garcia Marquez (One hundred years of solitude, The chronicles of a death foretold) and Marlon James (The brief history of seven killings). Both of them have a unique style of narration. As a writer, I feel that the most important thing is to find our own style and explore them. These two writers helped me do it.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a spy thriller now. I’ve been working on this idea for a long time and I think it’s time to get on with it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t had much experience in promoting my books but as of now I’m experimenting with various options. Constant online presence is a must and I participate in readers and authors program in Goodreads, BookBub and Facebook. I think Facebook Ad Manager is the best. It’s more cost effective and has a lot of targetting options with a wider reach. I sell exclusively on Amazon. If I were to go wide, I might think of using BookBub Ads too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to reach your readers’ hearts, then write from your heart.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you are a writer, write.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird. And I have a lengthy reading list that includes The Norwegian Wood, Love in the time of cholera.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m trying to write a series of book. I might expand my fantasy short read, ‘The Oldest Man Alive’. I liked the premises and really looking forward to explore the idea.
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?
Ruskin Bond’s Rusty series (I read it as a teen. It’s not for my age but still would like to read it again), The Alchemist, One Hundred Years of Solitude, The fifth mountain.
Author Websites and Profiles
J Bharathi Website
J Bharathi Amazon Profile
J Bharathi’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile