She loves writing. It is her passion. Creativity and writing has always attracted her. Besides that, she loves to sketch and click pictures. Apart from being an avid reader, writer, reviewer, and editor, she is an active blogger too. She blogs at ilashininggem.blogspot.in. Her debut novel, titled, ‘Life and Promises’ created a lot of hype. Five of her poems were part of a poetry anthology, ‘Minds at Work 2’. She is also a part of several short story anthologies, ‘A Night in Paradise’, ‘Moonlit Matinee’ and ‘You Me ‘N’ Zindagi’.
NOW SHE HAS COME UP WITH A NEW NOVEL “Cheer Up - The Worst Is Yet To Come”. Her upcoming projects include ‘Crumpled Voices – Shades of Suffering’, an anthology based on social issues.”
Buy her latest book here: Homeshop18 (and don't forget to drop your reviews)
Here we get to know her a little more closely:
Milan: Is there a key person that has inspired you in the process of writing?
Ila: Well, not exactly. It was just an inborn passion which came to the fore as soon as I got enough time to explore this interest.
Milan: Describe the role books played in your life?
Ila: Books act like an escape route. They tend to transport you to another world especially when reading romantic fiction. Normal life is quite stressful nowadays. Books do provide the much needed relief and at times they expose you to the unknown realities. Sometimes, they inspire you too.
Milan: How did “Cheer up, the worst is yet to come” happen?
Ila: Ever since I started jotting down my ideas and thoughts in a diary, a faint picture of my story started forming in my mind. With passage of time this picture grew sharper and clearer. Till one fine day it was crystal clear. ‘Cheer up, the worst is yet to come’ is the product of my own imagination only.
One fine day, as a friend of mine read and praised my scribbling, I started taking it seriously and worked towards giving it a proper shape and form, and help it see the light of the day.
Milan: You have worked under various publication houses, How's the experience with Gargi Publishers team?
Ila: It’s always a fresh feel to work with different publishing houses. It keeps you vibrant in your mannerism too. All the houses have different ways of functioning so working with them becomes a learning experience. You take the best of all, and keep moving ahead. So far I have worked with Moments (Life and Promises & Moonlit Matinee), Omji (A Night in Paradise & You Me N Zindagi), FirstStep (Minds At Work 2), and Author’s Empire (Life and Promises – Second Edition). Each of them have given a varied essence to me and I am content with all of them.
With Gargi Publishers (Cheer Up & Crumpled Voices), my approach has turned vivacious. It has not only given me opportunity to write, but to edit, review and mentor several interns too. It’s not every day that you get such an exposure. I am overwhelmed and humbled. Enjoying each moment of my work with Gargi.
Milan: What are your views on co-authoring?
Ila: Co-authoring is fun! It helps you improve each day and add on to the book. If one of the writers has a doubt, the other can always come to the rescue! During ‘Life and Promises’ a time did come when we both ended up pointlessly arguing and got mad at each other. There was also a phase, when I completely disagreed with Pulkit, my co-author, and we reached a mid-way! There were days when I suggested some modifications, and he consented to all of them. And then there was a day, when he gave the total authority to me to reform it according to my choice. Though in the end, we managed to develop an understanding and complete the novel without any major conflicts.
Yes, I agree it was tough initially and even today it is difficult to work together at times, but Pulkit guides me well and I’m happy to have him as the lighthouse in the middle of this sea!
Milan: What genre do you particularly like?
Ila: I like romance fictions, though at times they move around the same plot lines. A well written tale, fast and engaging is something I adore. Fantasy thrillers, good mysteries, crime fictions, something which involves magic realism, I like them all.
Milan: What are some things you like to do when you’re not writing?
Ila: In my leisure time, I love to watch Korean movies, listen to Sufi music, chatting, and travel to new places.
Milan: A curious question, what’s your view regarding love?
Ila: A need in this cruel world full of hate. A comfort. A solace. For me, love is no less than a prayer. It is too pure a feeling for me. When I see a happy couple, it makes me happy, I smile and my heart smiles with me. The elixir of life is love. It is in that sense very powerful. I adore the SRK - Gauri love. My latest icons are Gauhar Khan and Kushal Tandon. Gaushal!
I find love in the tiniest things around me. I love my pillow, my clothes, my books, I love me. It pains me to see anyone hurt especially because of me, may be that is what love actually is. I love everyone and everything unless they hurt me or make me hate them. When you start falling for somebody and you can't stop thinking about when you're going to see them again, I love that. In a relationship each person should support the other; they should lift each other up.
Milan: What was the time frame for writing this book?
Ila: Several months of writing and then few weeks of editing before I gave it to the publishing house for consideration.
Milan: How does it feel being an author?
Ila: Being an author is a tough thing. Carrying that tag is a burden at times because it’s a competitive world we live in. But on the flip side, I am enjoying this phase, basking in the glory, cherishing each positive review that I get for my work. Being a part of 5-6 books and having the second edition of your debut book out in less than 2 months of being in this industry is almost like a dream. Amm… it’s feels good overall and gives me a reason to smile when I feel low.
Milan: An editor, reviewer or a writer?
Ila: A combination of all three *laughs* and in addition I like designing promotional material on Photoshop too though I am still an amateur. I like editing a lot, it is challenging and a learning experience in itself. Reviewing others work lets you ponder on your own flaws which is at times insightful. Writing is a tedious task and involves patience in addition to imagination.
Milan: What is your least favorite part of the writing process?
Ila: Oh well, I guess it is editing your own book and marketing too. It requires a lot of patience and accuracy. Also, meeting deadlines is perhaps a hindrance in expressing our emotions beautifully.
Milan: Any specific tips you have for aspiring authors who want to make it in the publishing Industry?
Ila: Everyone has a different way of seeing things, or behaving, and I try not to judge others. I am not into giving sermons. I find a lot of talents around, but the execution is flawed. There is not enough description and nuances in some books. A book has to appeal to the senses. It should have the capability to shake you from within. A few of the books I read have a lot of grammatical errors. This is something, I despise. So, dear budding writers and bloggers work a little more on that raw write up, make it presentable, hire an editor if you must, but never let the first impression go wrong. Best wishes!
Milan: Any message which you will like to give to the readers?
Ila: Life is too short. Fulfil all your promises. Don’t waste your time in over thinking Help others whenever you can irrespective of the fact that how they treated you. Trust me, they will adore you. I have always believed in standing for what is right and being fair in all my decisions, I will continue to do that. I hope you all do the same. It’s very important to be assertive and always follow your heart. Never wait for somebody to come and love you, love yourself. It’s very important to focus on yourself before you expect others to focus on you and make you their priority. Also, it’s equally important to love others, and make them feel heavenly. Do things that make you happy once in a while without thinking what others will say. I always do that.
And how can I forget to thank my readers for always being so supportive. I hope they continue to read my books and drop a feedback at my mail id - ilagarg@ymail.com
Milan: Will Milan Modi (if you don’t know that’s me :P) get a free signed copy of your book? *wink*
Ila: Why not? You just have to promise to write a detailed review.
THANKS ILA FOR SPARING YOUR PRECIOUS TIME. I WISH YOUR BOOK GOES TO THE “BEST SELLER” LIST SOON.
(This interview was taken by Milan Modi under the internship program by Gargi Publishers)
Order her book at: http://bit.ly/1hIjjmK
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