Author Interview : Bhagyashree Ranade
Hello Everyone,
Today I am going to introduce you to the author of 'Bookshelf Whispers'
Let's start!
1.Tell something about yourself to our readers.
I grew up in J&K and Northeast and moved to Pune at a young age. I did my postgraduation in the UK and then returned to Pune (India) to start my own company. Since then, I have been a Business Director, Leadership Coach, and Founder Trustee of (a Trust) the Institute for Women Entrepreneurial Development (a Trust), I have authored four books and numerous publications.
2. What is ''Bookshelf Whispers "about?
The book is a period love story, portraying the impact of prevalent socio-cultural, traditional, and patriarchal influences, on the lives of the characters and their interpersonal relationships. It content and sketches showcase Pune city (Maharashtra, India) which is a symbol of tradition sprinkled with colonial-era charm and today known as the “Oxford of the East.” The book opens a window into another way of life and perspectives of the time.
3.What prompted you to write this love story with such unique title?
My grandfather had an antique bookshelf which housed books from times unknown, handed down from his ancestors. Standing in an old attic in the Wada, his home, the stories in those books seemed to whisper secrets untold of love, legacy, and melancholy. My thoughts unfolded into the writings woven to shape this book.
4.Describe this book in one line.
The book is a heartfelt, weave-like quilt, meant to awaken the reader to times gone and take them back to the Wada days, unknown and unseen by many.
5.What is your writing process like?
I have always liked to write each chapter as a story, then develop and expand the core idea. Bringing in an ebb and flow of one chapter into another and adding cliff-hangers. Devising images, drawings, illustrations, and sketches to highlight the key words pertaining to each chapter, has always been an exciting capability. Drafts, revisions and then editing have been part of the normal process.
6.What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to practise music, hear music, read, am addicted to work, and having family time
7.What does your family think of your writing?
Right from the youngest to oldest tell me they love my stories, articles, and this has pushed me into writing books. My self-recognition that I could keep people engaged for a long period while relating incidents or stories, making them laugh, shed tears, and keep them wondering what comes next, resulted in taking pen to paper.
8. How has your journey as an author been so far?
This has been an exciting journey, coming at the right time in my life. Many publications and books have meant recognition, awards and worldwide travels.
9. What's your reaction towards negative feedback?
Negative feedback would really bring me back to earth. It teaches me to be open to other’s thoughts, learning and improving, if I want to pursue success.
10. What are your future plans? How soon can your readers expect your next book?
I continue writing, as I said it’s happening at the right time in my life. Writing brings comfort, delight, and a renewed energy in myself.
11. Who is your favourite Indian and foreign author?
Arvind Adiga, Kiran Desai, Isabel Allende, Jung Chang.
12. What advice do you have for writers and readers?
Follow your passion, take a challenge, and have your voice heard through your writings.
Reading should be inculcated when children are young, then they never cease to read throughout their life.
Thanks for reading.
