Avantika Debnath is a writer at heart and dancer at soul but to earn a living she works as an HR professional in a multinational company. This promising young author was born in Kolkata and is currently living in Hyderabad.
Having written widely in various websites, and print media, and being a regular contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul series, it was Avantika’s dream to be a novelist someday. And today she is in front of you with her debut novel: The Bridal Pyre – Nainam Dahati Pawakah.
Here we present talented Avantika Debnath in an illuminating conversation with Spectralhues.
Congratulations Avantika for your first solo novel. What were your feelings when first saw the cover of the finished book?
Hey Thanks. I can’t really believe that I have finally finished it. Now when people ask me, you have a book there, I am like, pinch me, please pinch me.
What inspired you to write your first novel?
I always wanted to write a novel. It is just that I wasn’t getting the subject that would keep me glued for as long as it takes to finish a book. And then I witnessed a few incidents in life, no not my life though. But I did see a couple of things happening around my regular life, and so I knitted them together added a little bit of my own imagination and here we are with The Bridal Pyre – Nainam Dahati Pawakah.
Who or what has influenced your writing?
Regular people and their regular lives. Because every regular life in itself has something extra ordinary. My book, The Bridal Pyre: Nainam Dahati Pawakah is about a very ordinary girl, Meera. When you read the book, you being an educated Indian woman will identify with her. But how she handles the challenges thrown at her by life is what makes her extraordinary. Such are many other people whom I find worth writing about and worth reading about.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
It is an interesting question, and I am asked this quite often. Why ‘The Bridal Pyre:Nainam Dahati Pawakah. The two parts of this title are self-contradictory. “The Bridal Pyre’ suggests burning, but the phrase from Bhagwat Geeta – Nainam Dahati Pawakah, claims that it cannot be burned. The book is divided into two parts. In one part the Protagonists burns in this rhetorical fire and in the second part she stands up firm against one and all. That is where she recognizes the power of her soul, and the soul doesn’t burn.
Are your book based on someone you know or events in your life?
Yes, to some extent I would say. But it is a work of fiction, I might have drawn inspiration from people but this is not an autobiography or a biography. The protagonist Meera is a compound of various strong women I have come across in life. Few of the antagonists are also a shallow sketch of people I have chanced in my life. Rest, I will want to give some credit to my imagination.
Did you face any hurdle publishing your book?
Oh so many. I got rejected by a number of publishing houses. One of them wanted the end of the story to be altered. I was not okay with that. Finally Omji Publishing from Delhi showed interest in my manuscript and here we are. I couldn’t have managed to do it without Omji Publishing House.
What kind of support have you been receiving?
I wasn’t aware of anything about book publishing. They told me about the editing process and other logistics related to this business.
Is there a message in your novel that you want convey to readers?
Oh yes. The message I want to give through this book is for all those associated with the judicial and legislative departments in this country. You are seated there to make things easy for us, please do not complicate the process of justice for the ordinary people. We knock at your door for justice, please be a little more sincere towards your duties.
And I would want to tell all husbands and in-laws that when you bring a girl from a different house in your home, try to treat her the way you would want your daughters to be treated.
How do you manage time to write from your busy schedule?
I squeeze out time. I have always been doing that. When you really want to do something badly, business, schedules can’t really block your way.
According to you what are the most important elements of good writing?
Point of view. You need to have a clear point of view, you should not be confused in your own opinions.
What kind of feedbacks have you been receiving from the readers?
Somehow my readers are all women. That disappoints me a little. They praise my work, identify with Meera, but I would really appreciate if men can also spare some time towards reading a book on female interests.
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
This book, The Bridal Pyre: Nainam Dahati Pawakah, is written keeping the Indian Socity in mind. May be South Asian countries with the similar culture will find interest in it. But I really want to write something of global appeal.
Tell us a bit about you and your hobbies?
Writing, and dance. I dance like no one is watching even if I know everyone is watching.
Are you currently working on any books that you would like to share with us?
I am aiming at writing a collection of love stories. But then these won’t be love stories like dating this guy today and this guy tomorrow. Love for me is immortal, and I would write about some heart tearing love stories.
Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?
People, learn to love. Love with all your heart. Be possessive about your lover, it is okay. Don’t be jealous of your lover’s success or achievement or don’t be insecure. That is not okay. And yes, please pave the way for the modern Indian woman. She will make your life amazing.
Thank You Avantika for your time. We shall meet again. Wish you all the best for your future endeavours.
That was Avantika Debnath for you! Spectralhues wishes her a glorious success and hopes she would come up with many more remarkable books. You can share your views with her at Avantika.dg@gmail.com. Happy Reading!
Book details:-
| Author: | Avantika Debnath | ||
| Publisher: | Omji Publishing House | Year of Publishing: | 2015 |
| ISBN-13: | 9789384028473 | ISBN-10: | 9384028479 |
| Cover: | Paperback | No. Of Pages: | 256 |
| MRP: | Rs 175 | Buy From: | Flipkart.com Amazon.in  |
You can also buy the book from Infibeam.com
