Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have currently released my sixth fiction book, “Child of Paradise (Listen to your Dreams),” which is a paranormal crime thriller. Before this I have authored a children book series, “Magical Ventures of Loli and Lenny,” as well as a suspense romance novelette, “Redemption”.
I have been fortunate enough to manifest my love for writing through my career as an IT content specialist. I also blog in my free time on subjects close to my heart such as mindfulness, spirituality, personal growth, writing and intentional living.
These days my mantra for living an empowered life comprises of my one-hour daily pack of yoga, meditation and morning pages. I love to spend time with my family and generally be outdoors, taking a walk or simply spending time with nature. Music, swimming, dance and reading are my other passions. I live in India with my husband and two young sons.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Child of Paradise (Listen to your Dreams) is my latest release. My desire to know about after-life born out of the early loss of my loved ones, has been the real life inspiration behind my new paranormal crime thriller. Some authors are visually led before they write a story. For me this usually happens after I research about a particular idea. But I already had seen flashes of some scenes in my mind’s eye – strong scenes – even before I crafted the backbone of this story. I strongly feel there has been a paranormal touch to the process of writing this book itself as these scenes came on quite strongly and later on blended very well with the story. Here the protagonist, like me, is haunted by dreams and these dreams have sometimes been prophetic or have brought a meaning in her life. My experience with psychics and mediums has also been touched upon through the heroine’s life. Her curiosity as well as her refusal to accept the conventional in turn is a catalyst in solving the mystery surrounding her sister’s death. This book touches upon subjects such as after-life, spirit guides, dream visitations, mediums, ghost hunters, homicide, police investigations, family ties and are for readers who’d love a thriller or a mystery with a supernatural edge. It also borders round corporate dreams and ambitions – the politics of it that can make or break a person. This too has been hugely inspired by my experience of a career in the corporate world. Hence the book is a journey I can closely relate to which is about loss, defeat, deceit, betrayal, depression and yet finding the light at end of the tunnel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am very disciplined where my writing process is concerned. If I don’t set a fixed routine, I tend to procastinate the writing part. The most tempting part is my research that diverts me to topics that can just eat away my time like no man’s business. Especially with youtube and other social media platforms, everything else can be just too enticing than the writing bit. I also like to write for a long hours at a stretch than shorter timeframes, and that usually happen when children go to school or spring breaks when there is lesser demand on school work or activities.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many of them that it would be a sacrilege to mention just one or two. Each and every author from my childhood has influenced my writing process and motivated me to write the way I do today. Writers like Anne Frank, Carolyn Keene, Louisa May Alcot and especially Enid Blyton were my early inspirers.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a sequel to “Child of Paradise.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is a good platform for your close network of friends, families and acquaintances as it helps spread the word. Goodreads, I feel is a good platform to reach an audience of readers worldwide in a particular genre.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t leave your daytime job or anything that helps generate your daily source of income for the sake of writing. That is because that nagging worry to pay your bills can kill all of your creativity. Go slowly but steadily.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be disciplined about your writing habits and set a particular time-slot for it every day.
What are you reading now?
“I am Malala,” by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai
What’s next for you as a writer?
I believe in mindful living. I take each day as it comes and enjoy my life as much as I can. I believe the journey itself is my reward and go with the flow of life. Every day, every step is a blessing and I cherish every bit of this this adventure called life.
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?
I am a big time self-help junkie and would take any of those on the current bestsellers list.
Author Websites and Profiles
Pratibha R DH Website
Pratibha R DH Amazon Profile
Pratibha R DH’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account