Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first novel, but I’ve ghost written a few biographies for local business leaders in Southern California.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Saraswatichandra. It was long considered one of India’s greatest novels, written originally in Gujarati. That made it inaccessible as a piece of literature to most Indians. My goal was to create an English version that could be read worldwide. It was a great opportunity to share one of India’s greatest stories with a worldwide audience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I probably spend more time looking for errors and things I don’t like in my writing, than I do enjoying what I think is a good section or chapter. If I’m pleased with a particular section, I probably won’t think about it again, but I’ll obsess over the sections that I don’t absolutely love. If I don’t love something, then why would the readers? Those sections and chapters often turn into the best parts of a story, because I spend so much time thinking about it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name here but Stephen King, Robert Ludlum and Malcolm Gladwell are at the top.
What are you working on now?
I’m trying to adapt another Indian story into English.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow writers on twitter. There’s never a lack of advice and suggestions from many great ones. My favorite one that I saw recently is – ‘If you’re not willing to write the fifth draft, don’t bother with the first.’ And I would totally agree. I’m not impressed when I hear that someone cranked out a book in a weekend. I think to myself, nope that’s a draft, not a book. A story takes months, you need time away from your own story to figure out its strengths and weaknesses. Because what you love today, may not seem that interesting in a month. This is especially true with comedy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The only rule about the first draft is to get it done. Don’t worry if it’s great. Heck, the first draft can be terrible. Don’t procrastinate until you have it all figured out. That’ll never happen. The ideas come as you are immersed in a story, and evaluate different scenarios to figure out what makes sense.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading a number of different spiritual books. Im trying to get a better sense of how ancient wisdom can impact the modern age.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m off to India to promote this book, Saraswatichandra, with a few events and book signings.
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?
Kitchen Confidential, Romeo and Juliet and the Bhagvad Gita.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sameer Acharya Website
Sameer Acharya Amazon Profile
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