Meet Abhishek Mohta: A Novelist, A Screenwriter and An Entrepreneur

 #AuthorInterviews

• Hi Abhishek, please tell us something about yourself?

Ans - Me...? A Novelist, A Screenwriter, An Entrepreneur, A survivor currently working/ residing in Mumbai. I'm also a significant team member at Saffron Broadcast and  Media Ltd.

• You have recently published a book, please tell us something about it.

Ans - I wanted to write an inspirational tale about the meaning of life. Since it was my first novel, I was unaware of some facts. Too my great regret... It somehow lacked. But I believe... it's never too late to learn. Will make the second novel even better!

• What inspired you to write your recent book?

Ans - Well... I was dreaming of becoming a storyteller from past 7 years. But was never too sure, if it's the right time. Later I was impelled "The time will never be just right"

• What do you like more – writing your stories or working in your profession?

Ans - My profession and passion are intertwined together. The only difference- in my profession I need to write screenplays along with the story line.

• What kind of books do you read? Any favourite authors/books?

Ans - I usually read novels based on romance, thriller and science fiction. Besides, memoirs and entrepreneurial books catches my eye.

Some of my favortite books are "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, "The girl on the train" by Paula Hawkins, "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy, "The New Pyramid Age" by Philip Coppens, "The Polyster Prince: Rise of Dhirubhai Ambani" by Hamish McDonald, Dan Brown series, Harry Potter series, etc.

•  What were the key challenges that you face while you write?

Ans - There's a proverb - "The weak died and the coward never tried."

There were lots of challenges, I faced throughout my journey, "from a fickle minded graphic designer to an author... now screenwriter."

My working schedules were hecking. After my work, I used to write till late night, 3 A.M. And half of the book, I completed while traveling in the metro train... since my workplace was faraway. But I never gave up, "In a certain phase of life when we get trap, There’s always a chance to swap." (proverb from my book).

• Which phase of book you hate most? Writing, Editing, Marketing, or something else?

Ans - Honestly speaking, I wasn't aware of the marketing strategies. Earlier, I use to hate marketing headaches, later realized it's as important as writing a book. And even if / when you're going for self-publishing... you need to research and find out the most promising publishers, there are few. And never depend on your publishers entirely. It's your book and your responsibility to make the most of it.

• Are there any words of wisdom that you would like to share with new authors?

Ans - "Do something which arouses happiness in your own bones." - C A L L R E

• Any other projects you are working on? Yes, what are they?

Ans - Currently I'm working on several projects (as a screenwriter), "The Sun is Mine", untitled projects which is my first and foremost priority as of now. And I'm also assisting a team of writers for a web series named "Kalyug" , to be broadcasted on Netflix. After that I'll be completing my second novel titled "Aashiqui" (which is half written, expected to release somewhere in March 2018).

• Lastly, if you have to describe your book in few lines, how will you do it?

Ans - In journey of life we learn, earn and sometimes decide to scribble the whole story in a book. Get it for yourself if you aren't a grammar Nazi and love to read journals. (Chuckles)