Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Bombay, India, into a family with Portuguese and Anglo-Indian roots. I moved to the USA for graduate studies and currently live in Milford, Delaware with my family. My first collection of short fiction, Bombay Bhel, was published in 2013. I am currently working on a series of short stories, Gateway of India, and the first two volumes have been published in 2015. My other projects include literary fiction and science fiction for young adults.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, released in June 2015, is Gateway of India (Book Two). Like much of my work, the stories are inspired by experiences growing up and living in Bombay, India.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really–I tend to write in layers, which means I write the first draft as quickly as possible. After that, I go through and add detail, fill in gaps, and rewrite many, many times!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many that I can’t list them all. With regard to my current books, the biggest influences are Jhumpa Lahiri and Rohinton Mistry. Overall, one of my biggest influences is Charles Dickens. His work has taught me the importance of creating memorable characters.
What are you working on now?
I plan to start on the third and final volume in the Gateway of India series. I also have plans for my first novel, but I haven’t had a dedicated amount of time to work on it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t do a lot of promotion, so most of it comes from recommendations by other readers. Goodreads is very useful in this respect.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There’s so much bad advice out there that I’m reluctant to add to it! The only thing I can say is read a lot, and write a lot. It’s really that simple.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing, especially when you feel like giving up. It’s not always been easy to follow it, but I try.
What are you reading now?
The collected works of Charles Dickens.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, my first novel. It will also be set in Bombay, India.
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 one I’m reading now, the collected works of Charles Dickens (in one volume). A Harry Potter box set. Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies. I guess that’s more than 3-4 books if you count them individually–am I allowed to cheat?
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