INTERVIEW WITH AMY PLUM

INTERVIEW WITH MS.AMY PLUM-  bestselling author of the DIE FOR ME series!

1.      How did you manage to emerge a winner with all the restriction in your life?

I came from a very restrictive background, it is true. And it took me moving far away from everyone and everything I knew for me to find the strength to really change things in my life. I moved to Paris when I was 22. It took me a few more years to begin figuring out who I really was (and not the cookie-cutter version of me that my parents and their church expected). Even now, more than twenty years later, I am still trying to figure things out. But I am doing it on my terms, living by what I feel is true. And I think that honesty – being true to who I am – has freed me to write better. To write truthfully.

2.      Were you always interested in or fascinated by the idea of immortality, as you have incorporated that in your books?

Someone just asked me that the other day, because my new series, AFTER THE END, includes the subject of immortality as well. And to be honest, I never noticed that it was a fascination for me. My mom’s death was so difficult for me, maybe I was subconsciously trying to find an antidote to it. To make death a little less final.

3.      What drove you towards the filed of writing?

I have always loved books. Reading is my life. And so it has been natural for me to express myself with the written word. I love telling stories, and began doing it for the “public” with a blog that I began back in 2005. I told stories of my life in the French countryside, and people really responded to them. It was then that I began imagining myself capable of actually publishing a book.

4.      Who is your real inspiration?

I really love Neil Gaiman, both for his writing and for his connection with his readers. For pure storytelling, I love Mark Helprin, especially his book Winter’s Tale, which is my favorite novel. And I would have to say that Madeleine L’Engle inspired me as to my idea of what a writer should be.

5.      What has been you life long ambition? Has it been fulfilled or do you still have a long way to go?

My life-long ambition was to break out of my environment, move someplace exotic, and make a living doing something creative. I’ve never thought about it until now, but...I guess I’ve succeeded!

6.      What would you like to say to all the writers out there, struggling to make their name in this industry?

I really don’t understand the industry. So many amazing writers aren’t being published, and some awful writers are successful. I think that all you can do is your best. Keep writing. Keep reading a lot. Write honestly.  

INTERVIEW WITH TISHAA KHOSLA

INTERVIEW WITH MS. TISHAA KHOSLA (author of bestselling novel- PINK OR BLACK)

1. How many estimated copies did your debut (bestselling) book, pink or black sell?

Over 100,000 copies and more than 14 impressions.

2. Where did you get the idea of actually writing and publishing a novel?

It happened after my class 10 boards. I found free time to focus on what I wanted to do and writing came very naturally to me. I felt I had some things to share with other youngsters who were like me.

3. Did your parents support you or were they a bit hesitant as to let you move into the field of writing?

They have always been encouraging. At 16 when I told them that I wanted to write a book they didn’t laugh it off. Instead they told me that I could achieve anything that I set my mind to. Of course they did tell me to always complete what I started and to never be a quitter.

4. Teenagers aren’t considered mature enough to be published. Was the whole process of getting your book published difficult in context to this statement? Or were there problems other than this one?

I did have to wait a few years before Rupa publications decided to publish my work. That was the main problem I faced.

5. Could you tell us a little more about your book?

The first book Pink or Black is based in high school, that too a boarding school. Its based in school because I was in school when I wrote it and I wanted to write for teens. Its a simple story about discovering our true identity and understanding the reasons behind our actions. About learning to not get overshadowed by the people around us. Its a coming of age story. It got great response. I feel lucky that youngsters connected so well with the story

6. How do you relate to the protagonist of the book?

A lot since its a semi autobiographical story.

7. You have also worked as an assistant director on the Hindi movie, ‘Bodyguard’ which was smashingly successful. Please tell us more about your experience working on the movie.

It was intensive. Working in a high pressure environment compared to the slightly relaxed atmosphere of film school was the biggest change I had to adapt to. The experience was worth all the hard work and long shooting hours in difficult weather conditions.

8. What was the best part of working on the film?

Practical training and learning how films are handled on a daily basis.

9. Would you like to further make way into the film industry, or do you want to continue as a bestselling novelist?

Films are my passion as well. I have studied filmmaking from New York Film Academy and worked on two films as an assistant director. I will continue to find my footing in the industry. I do intend to work on screenplays as well.

10. Any piece of advice you would like to give to all the young, aspiring authors.

1.     My only advice is to dedicate a few hours everyday to reading and writing. Also, to be honest in their writings.

  TISHAA KHOSLA'S OFFICIAL PAGE!

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF PINK OR BLACK