Hi Everyone,
A New day; a new surprise! Here I come to you with a juicy interview
with a very talented writer and a close friend Kirtida Gautam, Author of
#IAm16ICanRape
with a very talented writer and a close friend Kirtida Gautam, Author of
#IAm16ICanRape
Hi Kirtida,
Hi Rakhi, thanks for having me for
this interview.
this interview.
Thank you for
agreeing to this interview.
agreeing to this interview.
Tell me
something about you and your background
something about you and your background
As a child I was a poet before I
understood the meaning of the word poetry. I composed my first couplets at the
age of four. But because of an emotional set back and the pressure of being a
top ranker of my class, I gave up writing for more traditional career option of
engineering. But one year at tech school and I knew my heart is not in
engineering, so I quit it and joined Arts school to study psychology and
linguistics. I also did Diploma in Performing Arts, dramatics.
understood the meaning of the word poetry. I composed my first couplets at the
age of four. But because of an emotional set back and the pressure of being a
top ranker of my class, I gave up writing for more traditional career option of
engineering. But one year at tech school and I knew my heart is not in
engineering, so I quit it and joined Arts school to study psychology and
linguistics. I also did Diploma in Performing Arts, dramatics.
After
my post graduation in clinical psychology, I was confused if I should go to the
USA for higher studies or pursue my lifelong ambition of becoming a film-maker.
As my parents are extremely supportive of me in all career choices, I went to
Mumbai to pursue film-making career.
my post graduation in clinical psychology, I was confused if I should go to the
USA for higher studies or pursue my lifelong ambition of becoming a film-maker.
As my parents are extremely supportive of me in all career choices, I went to
Mumbai to pursue film-making career.
While I
was working as an assistant director, my boyfriend (who is now my husband)
Mrityunjay Gautam advised me to join a film school to take formal education of
the medium. I joined Film and Television Institute of India, Pune for
screenplay writing because that was the shortest duration course. Alas, I had
no idea that lion has taste the blood! It’s at FTII, under the wings of Anjum
Rajabali Sir that I realized that I am a writer! I am born in this world to
tell stories!
was working as an assistant director, my boyfriend (who is now my husband)
Mrityunjay Gautam advised me to join a film school to take formal education of
the medium. I joined Film and Television Institute of India, Pune for
screenplay writing because that was the shortest duration course. Alas, I had
no idea that lion has taste the blood! It’s at FTII, under the wings of Anjum
Rajabali Sir that I realized that I am a writer! I am born in this world to
tell stories!
I have
written around 8-9 short stories, treatments for films and television.
written around 8-9 short stories, treatments for films and television.
I have
written a full-length screenplay, a romantic comedy named Ha, Ha, Hi, Hi– it’s a story of a boy meets girl with the backdrop
of Indian festivals.
written a full-length screenplay, a romantic comedy named Ha, Ha, Hi, Hi– it’s a story of a boy meets girl with the backdrop
of Indian festivals.
I did
research for a show named Dharampatni for DJ’s Creative Unit. I wrote broad
story for television show Jodha Akbar for Balaji Telefilms.
research for a show named Dharampatni for DJ’s Creative Unit. I wrote broad
story for television show Jodha Akbar for Balaji Telefilms.
Give us an
insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
What my
main character Aarush Kashyap does that makes him special is that he
MANIPULATES. He is a sharp mind quite capable of making fool of people and he
does it effortlessly. He is a God of
manipulation.
main character Aarush Kashyap does that makes him special is that he
MANIPULATES. He is a sharp mind quite capable of making fool of people and he
does it effortlessly. He is a God of
manipulation.
Why I
chose manipulation over any other trait as point of emphasis is that in India,
the society has been manipulated to believe the things which are not true for
eternity. Don’t get me started about that, I can go on for pages after pages!
chose manipulation over any other trait as point of emphasis is that in India,
the society has been manipulated to believe the things which are not true for
eternity. Don’t get me started about that, I can go on for pages after pages!
What draws you
to this genre?
to this genre?
I am a
clinical psychologist by profession. Psychology is the subject that helped me
regained my sanity back as a person. I strongly feel that mental health must be
a high priority in any progressive society.
clinical psychologist by profession. Psychology is the subject that helped me
regained my sanity back as a person. I strongly feel that mental health must be
a high priority in any progressive society.
So,
writing a psychological fiction which combines my two best loves- psychology
and writing- on one plate was a delicacy for my mind.
writing a psychological fiction which combines my two best loves- psychology
and writing- on one plate was a delicacy for my mind.
How much
research do you do?
research do you do?
I
researched and read huge amount of literature on rape and sexual violence for
one and half years before I put the first word on the novel on paper.
researched and read huge amount of literature on rape and sexual violence for
one and half years before I put the first word on the novel on paper.
I personally
felt that the retribution for Aarush could have been fiercer, what do you say?
felt that the retribution for Aarush could have been fiercer, what do you say?
Read
the next book, my goal as an author is to make readers cry for Aarush. I know
that is a task! I personally believe in theory of karma. There is no
retribution before atonements for the sins.
the next book, my goal as an author is to make readers cry for Aarush. I know
that is a task! I personally believe in theory of karma. There is no
retribution before atonements for the sins.
Why did you
decide to say the story mostly from Aarush’s family’s outlook?
decide to say the story mostly from Aarush’s family’s outlook?
Rudransh
Kashyap is the protagonist of the story from the day it is conceived. The treatment of the story was written only
from his point of view. The events of the book take place around Aarush. As
both protagonist and antagonist are Kashyaps–
they occupy most of the pages of the book.
Kashyap is the protagonist of the story from the day it is conceived. The treatment of the story was written only
from his point of view. The events of the book take place around Aarush. As
both protagonist and antagonist are Kashyaps–
they occupy most of the pages of the book.
Have you
written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?
written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?
No,
never. For me writing is very personal, almost like meditation. I can’t work
with other people while I write. After my first draft is done, my younger
sister Payal Desai Chopra works very closely with my books. My husband
Mrityunjay Gautam also brainstorms with me for hours to help me with technical
details about the book. For example, the court scene of the book #IAm16ICanRape:
The War AGAINST Rape Culture, is the result of 5 hours of brainstorming (over
few evenings) with Mrityunjay.
never. For me writing is very personal, almost like meditation. I can’t work
with other people while I write. After my first draft is done, my younger
sister Payal Desai Chopra works very closely with my books. My husband
Mrityunjay Gautam also brainstorms with me for hours to help me with technical
details about the book. For example, the court scene of the book #IAm16ICanRape:
The War AGAINST Rape Culture, is the result of 5 hours of brainstorming (over
few evenings) with Mrityunjay.
When did you
decide to become a writer?
decide to become a writer?
As I
said, I didn’t decide it. I was a writer. I just forgot it for a few years,
like Hanuman of Ramayana. Lol.
said, I didn’t decide it. I was a writer. I just forgot it for a few years,
like Hanuman of Ramayana. Lol.
Do you have a
special time to write or how is your day structured?
special time to write or how is your day structured?
When I
write my novels, my family works very hard not to hate and abandon me. I become
a zombie. Now that I am writing my third novel, I am getting more control of
the process but while writing #IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAINST Rape Culture, the
situation was so bad that I would sit on dining table to eat and in no second I
am in my zone. People will look at my face and realize, I am gone!
write my novels, my family works very hard not to hate and abandon me. I become
a zombie. Now that I am writing my third novel, I am getting more control of
the process but while writing #IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAINST Rape Culture, the
situation was so bad that I would sit on dining table to eat and in no second I
am in my zone. People will look at my face and realize, I am gone!
My
family tolerates me and how!
family tolerates me and how!
So,
when I write, I write like this. I write all the time till the book comes out.
when I write, I write like this. I write all the time till the book comes out.
And
therefore I have to take break between two books. To come back to the real world.
It’s like taking camps. I come back, pack my stuff, and leave again for the
next camp.
therefore I have to take break between two books. To come back to the real world.
It’s like taking camps. I come back, pack my stuff, and leave again for the
next camp.
Where do the
your ideas come from?
your ideas come from?
When I
read about Nirbhaya case on 18th December, 2012- I don’t read
newspapers, so I mostly get news little late- I felt such strong empathy with
this woman that is difficult to put in words. And when I heard about this
juvenile loophole of the system, as a psychologist, I was like what the fish!
read about Nirbhaya case on 18th December, 2012- I don’t read
newspapers, so I mostly get news little late- I felt such strong empathy with
this woman that is difficult to put in words. And when I heard about this
juvenile loophole of the system, as a psychologist, I was like what the fish!
I
distinctly remember this moment when I felt unparallel rage. I read in an
article that the psychologist attaining the juvenile in Nirbhaya case was happy
with his progress as the juvenile had learnt to make namak-para. What is the
progress? Is he in the rehab center to learn occupational competency? No. He is
a person who committed sexual crime. The whole senselessness of system baffled
me.
distinctly remember this moment when I felt unparallel rage. I read in an
article that the psychologist attaining the juvenile in Nirbhaya case was happy
with his progress as the juvenile had learnt to make namak-para. What is the
progress? Is he in the rehab center to learn occupational competency? No. He is
a person who committed sexual crime. The whole senselessness of system baffled
me.
I went
to my mentor Anjum Rajabali Sir with a one page pitch of the story. He told me,
your anger is great. Now channel it
wisely.
to my mentor Anjum Rajabali Sir with a one page pitch of the story. He told me,
your anger is great. Now channel it
wisely.
That is
when I decided to write #IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAISNT Rape Culture.
when I decided to write #IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAISNT Rape Culture.
Do you work to
an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I
follow the Method of Writing closely. It takes me a long time. But I
meticulously follow the process in which I write outline and character sketches
in great detail. But good part, when the actual writing part comes, my
characters often take over the story and make it hundreds of times better than
what I wrote at step-outline stage.
follow the Method of Writing closely. It takes me a long time. But I
meticulously follow the process in which I write outline and character sketches
in great detail. But good part, when the actual writing part comes, my
characters often take over the story and make it hundreds of times better than
what I wrote at step-outline stage.
How do you
think you’ve evolved creatively?
think you’ve evolved creatively?
I have
reached the stage of Apotheosis as a
writer with the book #IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAINST Rape Culture. I can write
a whole book about my journey as a writer J
reached the stage of Apotheosis as a
writer with the book #IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAINST Rape Culture. I can write
a whole book about my journey as a writer J
What is the
hardest thing about writing?
hardest thing about writing?
Since
the time I started writing my novels, fortunately I am not meeting the biggest
challenge I faced as a writer BEFORE I started writing novels- writing the characters whose motivations are
not solid and consistent. That is most difficult to write.
the time I started writing my novels, fortunately I am not meeting the biggest
challenge I faced as a writer BEFORE I started writing novels- writing the characters whose motivations are
not solid and consistent. That is most difficult to write.
For my
novels, I have made a point to dig in the psyche of my characters till I find
out their EXACT motivation to behave the way they behave- and man they surprise
me!
novels, I have made a point to dig in the psyche of my characters till I find
out their EXACT motivation to behave the way they behave- and man they surprise
me!
What was the
hardest thing about writing your latest book?
hardest thing about writing your latest book?
My
latest book, the second book of Yin Yang Series was difficult to write because,
I can’t say why. You will have to wait till I am psychologically more prepared
to reveal more about the book.
latest book, the second book of Yin Yang Series was difficult to write because,
I can’t say why. You will have to wait till I am psychologically more prepared
to reveal more about the book.
Hopefully,
we will have another interview after second book and then I will tell you.
we will have another interview after second book and then I will tell you.
If this book is
part of a series, tell us a little about it?
part of a series, tell us a little about it?
As
Samvedana says in the first book, the Hero/Antihero takes an 18 stages journey
to reach to the destination called- Freedom to live.
Samvedana says in the first book, the Hero/Antihero takes an 18 stages journey
to reach to the destination called- Freedom to live.
The
second book is the journey of Antihero from stages 13 to 16- and therefore the
names of the chapters are:
second book is the journey of Antihero from stages 13 to 16- and therefore the
names of the chapters are:
·
Refusal
to Return
Refusal
to Return
·
Magic
Flight
Magic
Flight
·
Rescue
from Without
Rescue
from Without
·
Crossing
Return Threshold
Crossing
Return Threshold
The
book I am writing at the moment, the third book, is the journey of stage 17 and
18.
book I am writing at the moment, the third book, is the journey of stage 17 and
18.
·
Master
of Two World
Master
of Two World
·
Freedom
to Live
Freedom
to Live
What are you
working on at the minute?
working on at the minute?
I am
working on the third book that will take Aarush Kashyap to the final stage of
Hero’s Journey- the freedom to live.
working on the third book that will take Aarush Kashyap to the final stage of
Hero’s Journey- the freedom to live.
Any amusing
story about marketing books that happened to you?
story about marketing books that happened to you?
Marketing
the book, all the stories are amusing!
the book, all the stories are amusing!
I
didn’t know what a blurb of book is, there are bloggers who write about books,
there is something called Facebook page and Facebook communities.
didn’t know what a blurb of book is, there are bloggers who write about books,
there is something called Facebook page and Facebook communities.
Everything
I did to market the book is what I learnt AFTER 20th May, 2015. I
was determined to spread awareness about this book. I didn’t want my failure as
a marketing person to be a reason why a book that deserves to be read (I don’t
say this as an author but as a mental health professional) should not succeed.
I did to market the book is what I learnt AFTER 20th May, 2015. I
was determined to spread awareness about this book. I didn’t want my failure as
a marketing person to be a reason why a book that deserves to be read (I don’t
say this as an author but as a mental health professional) should not succeed.
So, I
have done quite some stupid things on the way, like spamming people’s accounts
and getting banned from groups!
have done quite some stupid things on the way, like spamming people’s accounts
and getting banned from groups!
Fortunately,
I also met friends like Mrityunjay Gautam, Rahul Sasi, Ritesh Kala, Aindrila
Roy, and Debra Holland who taught me patiently how to behave in cyber space. I
am grateful to them for their timely advises.
I also met friends like Mrityunjay Gautam, Rahul Sasi, Ritesh Kala, Aindrila
Roy, and Debra Holland who taught me patiently how to behave in cyber space. I
am grateful to them for their timely advises.
What’s your
views on social media for marketing?
views on social media for marketing?
Social
media marketing is the new Game. The
writers need to take it with pinch of salt even if they don’t like it. More
often, if a writer does not like social media marketing- s/he is doing it
wrong! Writer should not mistake social media marketing with what they are
supposed to do as a writer- WRITE. But yes, they need to understand the rules
of this space. It’s a great way to connect with likeminded people.
media marketing is the new Game. The
writers need to take it with pinch of salt even if they don’t like it. More
often, if a writer does not like social media marketing- s/he is doing it
wrong! Writer should not mistake social media marketing with what they are
supposed to do as a writer- WRITE. But yes, they need to understand the rules
of this space. It’s a great way to connect with likeminded people.
Which social
network worked best for you?
network worked best for you?
Facebook,
Twitter, Blogging
Twitter, Blogging
I have
not tried any other, so can’t say if they work or not work for other writers.
not tried any other, so can’t say if they work or not work for other writers.
Any tips on
what to do and what not to do?
what to do and what not to do?
To do-
Write a book you can donate your kidney to be read EVEN IF it is NOT your book.
Your book is the most important thing. I won’t have worked so hard to promote
my book if I would not have believed in from the deepest recess of my mind.
Write a book you can donate your kidney to be read EVEN IF it is NOT your book.
Your book is the most important thing. I won’t have worked so hard to promote
my book if I would not have believed in from the deepest recess of my mind.
To do-
While marketing your book, be sociable; give others what you want to get from
the world. Be kind. Be polite. Be meaningful.
While marketing your book, be sociable; give others what you want to get from
the world. Be kind. Be polite. Be meaningful.
Not to
do- Don’t clutter other people’s space. Don’t spam. Don’t criticize others
because they don’t believe in what you believe in.
do- Don’t clutter other people’s space. Don’t spam. Don’t criticize others
because they don’t believe in what you believe in.
A quote
from one of my favorite books, The True Believer by Eric Hoffer is, where everyone thinks alike, no one thinks
much.
from one of my favorite books, The True Believer by Eric Hoffer is, where everyone thinks alike, no one thinks
much.
Did you do a
press release, Goodreads book launch or anything else to promote your work and
did it work?
press release, Goodreads book launch or anything else to promote your work and
did it work?
Yes, I
did a press release. My book was launched by my mentor Anjum Rajabali Sir,
which in itself was like a dream come true moment for me.
did a press release. My book was launched by my mentor Anjum Rajabali Sir,
which in itself was like a dream come true moment for me.
I also
recently had a Goodreads.com book give away.
recently had a Goodreads.com book give away.
I have used Facebook Ads heavily to
promote the book and spread word.
promote the book and spread word.
Did you get
interviewed by local press/radio for your book launch?
interviewed by local press/radio for your book launch?
Nope.
Is there any
marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales
figures?
marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales
figures?
Nope,
still figuring it out. I think staying consistent in spreading the word about
book goes long way. A tipping point comes where efforts start to pay back.
still figuring it out. I think staying consistent in spreading the word about
book goes long way. A tipping point comes where efforts start to pay back.
Did you make
any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
I
didn’t work hard to create a platform for the book BEFORE release of the book.
It’s a mistake. I am already working to build the platform for second book.
didn’t work hard to create a platform for the book BEFORE release of the book.
It’s a mistake. I am already working to build the platform for second book.
It’s a
personal joke I crack with my CORE team- my first book is a daughter, she came in this world to
give, to spread unconditional love, to NOT ask what is there in it for me.
personal joke I crack with my CORE team- my first book is a daughter, she came in this world to
give, to spread unconditional love, to NOT ask what is there in it for me.
My
second book is a son; he comes in the
world believing MISTAKENLY that he is the superior one. He is born to rule over
the galaxies. Meet the antagonist of my second book to know why I say this.
Tongue in cheek humor is intended.
second book is a son; he comes in the
world believing MISTAKENLY that he is the superior one. He is born to rule over
the galaxies. Meet the antagonist of my second book to know why I say this.
Tongue in cheek humor is intended.
Why do you
think that other well written books just don’t sell?
think that other well written books just don’t sell?
·
Lack
of proper marketing
Lack
of proper marketing
·
Lack
of committed team that lives and die for the success of the book
Lack
of committed team that lives and die for the success of the book
What do you
think of “trailers” for books?
think of “trailers” for books?
Brilliant
tool to create awareness for the book. Audiovisual medium has unparallel
superiority over just a simple blurb. The video trailer of my book was created
by my husband. I often tell him that between two of us, he is the creative one,
I am the methodological one.
tool to create awareness for the book. Audiovisual medium has unparallel
superiority over just a simple blurb. The video trailer of my book was created
by my husband. I often tell him that between two of us, he is the creative one,
I am the methodological one.
Do you have a trailer or do you intend
to create one for your own book/s?
to create one for your own book/s?
Do you think
that giving books away free works and why?
that giving books away free works and why?
Giveaways
are a part of marketing campaign of the book. There is no reason why a good
marketing campaign should not have budget for it. As a first time author, I
can’t tell someone, I have written a good
book, if I have believe in the book, I can simply give them a copy and say,
are a part of marketing campaign of the book. There is no reason why a good
marketing campaign should not have budget for it. As a first time author, I
can’t tell someone, I have written a good
book, if I have believe in the book, I can simply give them a copy and say,
Why don’t you read what I write?
For
#IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAINST Rape Culture, my readers have come back telling
me, I have written a compelling book and they will read my future works. That
is building author-reader relationship, which is a lifelong process. Some of my
readers have become my close friends in cyber space. You are one of them.
#IAm16ICanRape: The War AGAINST Rape Culture, my readers have come back telling
me, I have written a compelling book and they will read my future works. That
is building author-reader relationship, which is a lifelong process. Some of my
readers have become my close friends in cyber space. You are one of them.
What
advice would you give to aspiring writers?
advice would you give to aspiring writers?
·
Writer
every day
Writer
every day
·
Exercise
every day (I am trying to walk my talk, let’s hope for success)
Exercise
every day (I am trying to walk my talk, let’s hope for success)
·
Don’t
think you are mad when you spend more time with imaginary people and don’t know
the name of your next door neighbor.
Don’t
think you are mad when you spend more time with imaginary people and don’t know
the name of your next door neighbor.
Is there
anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
It was
a long interview, lol. I truly had fun answering the question, but I think you
have covered a great ground. There is nothing at the moment which I can add.
a long interview, lol. I truly had fun answering the question, but I think you
have covered a great ground. There is nothing at the moment which I can add.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://www.kirtidagautam.com/
Blog: http://kirtidagautam.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iam16icanrape/?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kirtida_Gautam
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/KirtidaGautam/e/B00Y1KP4O2/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Blog: http://kirtidagautam.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iam16icanrape/?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kirtida_Gautam
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/KirtidaGautam/e/B00Y1KP4O2/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to
take part in this interview.
take part in this interview.
It was
purely my pleasure. Thanks for connecting with me and thanks for taking out time
to draft this interview.
purely my pleasure. Thanks for connecting with me and thanks for taking out time
to draft this interview.
