Author of the Week | Neha Bindal

Hey everyone! I hope you had an amazing time with your friends and family on Holi. I know it’s really difficult to get shake the festive inertia off and get back to routine life but worry not, it’s weekend time. Also, it’s time to drop a hint about the next theme so I’ll tell you, it’s a festival.

Without further ado, let’s talk about this week’s author. A Chartered Accountant turned author, this Week’s author is the inspiration you need, to take a leap of faith towards your dream. Her book, Table for One, has a lovely plot that you’d surely enjoy! Don’t forget to look at the last note:)

So, what was the first book you ever read? How old were you then?

The first book that I read (now I feel funny about it) was one night @ call center by Chetan Bhagat. I think I was fifteen then. Reading Chetan Bhagat used to be cool during those days.

How many Books/Short Stories/Poems have you written? Which is your favorite? Are there any that ended up getting shelved for the time being?

I have written about 32 short stories on my blog - scribblerneha.Wordpress.com. My favorite amongst them is “the last cigarette”. I still remember that it was raining outside and I was sipping tea by the window and the story just came to me. I started writing and it got finished on its own. It’s a psychological thriller and I love to read it whenever I am seeking a creative kick for myself.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

My readers reach out to me via my blogs as well as my social media profile. Usually, they are kind enough to say nice words, most of which revolves around how they felt motivated to go on a solo trip after reading my book, “table for one” and another comment that I keep hearing is my writing style takes them inside the story and they can visualize whatever is happening in the story as real-life incidence.

When did you write your first Book/Short Story/Poem and how old were you?

I wrote my first short story in 2015, I was 24 years old then. I had many stories in my head but could never gather the courage before that as it was also the year when I quit my high-paying corporate job.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I think I never really realized it, I had so much going on inside of me and it needed a medium to come out. I started blogging and initially, I shared it with close friends who gave good feedback, then I started sharing on my social media profile, and after that, it was not looking back. My blog took off and the request for a book came from my readers only that later on became the sole passion of my life.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I tell real-life stories but with a twist that sounds real but may or may not be real.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your Books/Short Stories/Poems?

I look at everything as an inspiration, any situation, any conversation, just everything.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your Books/Short Stories/Poems?

Writing a book feels very close to having a baby. It needs love, nurturing, commitment and you go through so many emotions that it’s hard to differentiate your real life from what’s going on in your book.

What does your process of writing look like? What is the hardest part?

I think of a beginning and then I let the story flow and take its own course, with some surprises in between. I think the hardest part is to justify the ending of the book to yourself because I am personally a believer in life being an ongoing process and the Journey.

What do your family and friends feel about your work?

My friends and family feel really proud and happy that I bought my dream to life. 

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Have your own voice, don’t mimic anyone.

Who is your inspiration in the field of writing?

Paulo Coelho, I am lovingly referred to as miss Paulo Coelho in my close circle.

Has your writing style changed since you first started writing? If yes, in what ways has it changed?

I think writing is something that I learnt through writing. I think my storytelling from a technical perspective has become better over time.

What attracted you to the genre(s) you write in?

I take inspiration from real life and that’s what gets reflected in my writing.

Would you consider yourself a planner or a pantser? Or both? Is your current system working for you?

I am a planner and I believe in disciple and commitment in every field of life. When I was writing my book, I had clear deadlines in my mind.

What do you love the most about your writing process?

The fact that you can live so many lives without actually living them.

Does music help or halt your writing process?

Not for me, when I am writing, I usually avoid external influences like movies or music.

Are your characters often inspired by real people?

Yes but I do add and modify things to make them interesting, my focus is how can I convey a story that can bring some meaning to the life of a reader.

Are there any specific ways that help you out of your reader’s/writer’s block?

I think reading my own stories that were well written helps me and also watching short movies of a different language or genre also helps.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

I’d tell myself, Good job! 

Curious now to read more of Neha’s work? Well, you should grab your first copy of “Table for one”, which is available for free on amazon for the weekend. It’s part of our celebration of 1000 Subscribers on our platform.

The ebook is free on Amazon for 3 days starting today, you can click on the link and Get it, read through it, and let us know how it is. Link to get the book - https://amzn.to/3sMTIWy