"Read, write, repeat. There are no other short cuts!!!"
Thats what the youth icon and one of India's best-selling paperback writer, Chetan Bhagat has to advice the new writers, though he confesses that he was nervous himself while experimenting a move from his trademark fiction style to non fiction in his latest book, " What young India wants".
Excerpts form an interview with Gunjan Sharma
Q. How is this book different from your previous bestsellers?
A. It is a non-fiction compilation of my columns, whereas the other books I have done are stories or fiction. Hence, it is a new genre. Its an experiment, which now I feel is worth done.
Q. Your previous titles have been based on fiction where as the style that you have adopted in your columns in Times of India is more of editorial style. You wished to experiment or you wanted to keep a difference between novel and column writing?
A. I wanted to expand my range as a writer. Also I wanted my writing to not just entertain, but also bring about change. The book contains existing columns, but I have also done some new essays and structured the book around themes such as society, politics and youth.
Q.Don't you think the title, " What young India wants " is vague to some extent to sum up the desires and aspirations of today's youth? Please tell about the reason for choosing this title?
A. I think youth are bulk of the population of this country, and we should take into account what they want. Somehow the voice of the youth is not heard. I am trying to change that. There is of course a different issue and hence different message in each column, but overall I want a prosperous India with good values in society.
Q. How much of the book is realistic and based on research of what the youth actually wants?
A. I am a motivation speaker too, and have visited over 75 cities in India and interacted with thousands of young people in each city. That became my research. The columns are based on what is happening in the country, particularly issues I feel affect many of us.
Q. How was your experience and what were the challenges you faced while writing a book different from your trademark style?
A. It is unnerving to get out of your comfort zone. I was nervous how readers will accept me as a non-fiction writer, but the response to the book is good. I am relieved now. The next will be a fiction novel, and should be a love story out in 2013.
Q. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
A. I won't take names as there are too many, but Indian writing has seen wonderful new voices come out recently. Indian writing has dramatically changed in the past few years, particularly in English. We have more people reading, and that is good. However, regional literature needs a push.
Q. What would you like to advice to the newcomers in the field of writing?
A. Read. Write. Repeat. There are no short cuts!. I want people to aim high in life, not underrate themselves and learn from mistakes. This goes a long way in life.
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