Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing nearly all my life, first cutting my teeth on fanfiction. I hav a book out now and am working on a paranormal thriller.
I love books, anime, coffee, chocolate, manga, Beatles music, and dogs – not necessarily in that order.
I’ve always been a bookworm. I was the type to hide novels behind my textbooks in school and secretly read under my desk during class. And then get caught and punished. #NoRegrets
When I’m not writing, I’m usually blogging, reading or trying out strange online recipes on my Air Force officer husband, and playing with my son.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, “Dark Things Between the Shadow and the Soul”, is an anthology of short stories that retells famous legends from Indian mythology—with a twist.
Designed to delight lovers of the unusual, these short stories feature cross-dressing assassins, were-snakes, goddesses and demon kings, along with an afterword to each story explaining the mythology to casual readers.
“Dark Things” had its roots in the TV show “Supernatural”. One of the pivotal episodes in the fifth season depicted Indian gods in contemporary USA—and while I enjoyed seeing the gods I knew on screen, the ending to their story disappointed me immensely.
I wanted to see more of that—figures from Indian mythology in modern settings, age-old gods and demi-gods dealing with contemporary life. The idea of mythology fanfiction fascinated me.
I started out by writing a story a week, posting the stories on my blog every Friday. Soon I had built an audience, which was when I decided to collect the best stories into an anthology.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote my first book one story a week.
When I first started writing, I was stuck in a block. I hadn’t written in a while. I challenged myself to start writing again by picking a theme close to my heart: more representation for Indian mythology—specifically as fractured fairy tales.
By committing to posting a story every Friday, I forced myself to get into the writing mindset every day. It’s how I got nearly 40,000 words done.
While I’d like to write based purely on inspiration, waiting for it to strike is a slow affair. I’ve found that it’s better and more productive to force oneself to write every day—or every week, if that’s what works.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I find that my favourite books and authors influence me in ways I can’t really pick up on with my conscious mind. Their way of looking at the world, their turns of phrase, the flow of their writing—it all helps broaden my literary horizons and colours my voice.
So, coming to my favourite authors and books: I love Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” series for its mix of satire and fantasy. Another favourite is the book “Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradbury. I also love the works of Agatha Christie, which I first picked up as a schoolgirl.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my first novel—a paranormal thriller about an ordinary girl caught in a deadly situation. Here’s a short synopsis:
When Bhavani first hears someone knocking from inside her mirror, she thinks she’s lost her mind. Trapped in an unbearable home life, stuck in a dead-end job; she’s sure the pressure has finally caught up with her. But the being from the mirror promises to set her life right, and Bhavani thinks to herself: what has she got to lose?
At first, everything’s perfect.
As time goes by, though, it becomes clear that Bhavani’s reflection isn’t what it seems. It has needs of its own—and some of them are decidedly bloodthirsty.
You can read more here: https://sudhakuruganti.com/books/upcoming-work
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve done a lot of research to find sites that promote my book for a minimal cost—or for free. These two sites have a great list:
https://www.tckpublishing.com/list-of-sites-to-promote-your-free-amazon-kindle-books/
https://authormarketingclub.com/members/submit-your-book/
It’s how I discovered Awesome Gang, which is a really cool site.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t stop writing. And conversely, know when to take constructive criticism.
Writer’s Block is real. But you need to keep at it. When I’m in the block myself, it’s like I’m struggling to walk through wet sand. Every word is a struggle, every sentence a battle. But you have to keep going. Whether it’s a month later, or a year later, you have to start writing again. And one day it will come naturally to you again.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The worst enemy of creativity is self-doubt.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading an ARC of “Evenfall”, part one of the Shadowfire series, by Gaja J. Kos.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my paranormal thriller – it’s in the edit/rewrite stage. I have another book on the anvil, in the plotting stage.
I’m also working on another series of weekly stories—microfiction, this time, that I post on my Twitter (https://twitter.com/SSKuruganti) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/sudha.kuruganti). I also occasionally blog writing advice on my site, along with tips and tricks that have worked for me.
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?
Oh, that’s a tough one! If I was only allowed a few books, it would have to be something from Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” series: “Nightwatch”, because I love Sam Vimes as a character, along with “Small Gods”. I’d also take some of my childhood favourites, books that I can read again and again, like “Daddy Long Legs” and “Anne of Green Gables”. Of course, as a fantasy lover, one of my favourites is “The Lord of the Rings”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sudha Kuruganti Website
Sudha Kuruganti Amazon Profile
Sudha Kuruganti’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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