Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Mumbai to a businessman father and lawyer-turned-homemaker mother. A BCom graduate, my first tryst with professional writing began in 2007 for JLT (Just Like That), a youth-focused publication by the Times of India group. Later, I gave up my MBA dream to work for three years each in the editorial departments of Spenta Multimedia and Condé Nast India. I’m now a freelance writer and copyeditor since 2017, with bylines in Condé Nast Traveller India, Architectural Digest India, Film Companion and JetWings, among others. ‘PiKu & ViRu’ is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled ‘PiKu & ViRu’, and it’s inspired by a period in my life. I was going through a dark phase in the beginning of 2017 when some of my friends pushed me to write my story. I didn’t really want to, but when another friend–a romance hater–unwittingly suggested a similar idea for a web series I was conceptualizing, I knew I had to do it. Soon, I got down to penning the synopsis. It received a standing ovation at an open-mike contest, and the judge encouraged me to realize it as a full-length novel. And then there was no looking back.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, though I’m still trying to figure this out 😉
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling will always be my inspiration because of her vivid imagination. I also love the spiritual elements in Paulo Coelho’s works, such as ‘The Alchemist’, and I’ve tried to incorporate that in P&V by throwing in a guardian angel.
What are you working on now?
Once I’m done promoting P&V, I need to cross off everything on my freelance writing and copyediting list. After that, I might either pen a sequel or dabble in non-fiction.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still figuring this out. Though, I think engagement is the most important in whichever medium you choose.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Grow a thick skin.
Understand digital marketing.
Write 500 words every day.
Go, live your life.
Silence your inner editor while writing your first draft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Enjoy the process, and be consistent in your promotions.
What are you reading now?
The Karachi Deception by Shatrujeet Nath.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A few articles for Architectural Digest and pitching to more publications.
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) Seven Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen Covey
2) The Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle
3) Between a Rock and a Hard Place — Aron Ralston
4) Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had — Brad Cohen and Lisa Wysocky
Author Websites and Profiles
Priyanka Agarwal Website
Priyanka Agarwal Amazon Profile
Priyanka Agarwal’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account