Q1. Who inspired you to write this book , is it any event and why you have chosen to write ?
This book has been inspired by my life events. All through life we go through experiences and anecdotes, and each one of them teach us something. I have always had an open mind for learning, and am constantly looking deeper into each encounter, each interaction, each experience to understand why it exists, and to learn what it has to teach me. That is the genesis of this book. I decided to communicate this thought and this inspiration to my readers, by making them go through the experiences with me and understand how it helped me grow and evolve.Q2. How has writing this book impacted your own self development and personal journey ?
As I tried to recall the various incidents and experiences, I actually revisited them and relived them. And in way it reiterated those life lessons to me. So yes, writing this book in itself was a huge learning journey for me.
Q3. How has your or experiences influenced the stories in this book?
Like I said, the book is entirely based on my personal experiences. So its completely influenced by my own life stories and their takeaways.
Q4. Are there any particular themes or messages that you hope readers will take away from your book?
The book deals with everyday incidents and emotions. And what it imparts is also everyday values that can help enrich our lives. What I hope the writer will take away from the book is those lessons and values. Each story, although it seems like a simple anecdote, teaches us something much deeper. And I would like the reader to focus on those lessons as take aways.
Q5. How do you think these stories can impact readers and their perspectives on life?
If the stories and what they convey can impart even a fraction of the lessons they taught me, I am sure the reader would be much richer having read the book.
Q6. What challenges did you face while writing and publishing your book , and how did you overcome them ?
The first challenge was writers’ block, and the sheer procrastination on my part. I started this book a decade ago, when I had the title and theme down on paper and even authored the first 3-4 chapters. Then the book went into cold storage as life took over, and I never went back to it with full-fledged honesty. Then, a year ago, I just decided to revive it and complete it. I was harder on myself this time - I set a goal, found some motivators and supporters to push and prod me, and that worked. I finished the draft in 4 months, and the published it in 6 months’ time.
Q7. What does the title tell us about the book ?
I called this book Touch and Go for couple of reasons, and those are also mentioned in the fist page of the book. I believe that everyone who comes into our lives during my lifelong journey, comes for a purpose. They touch our lives and go away - and it is up to us to understand why they came and what they are meant to teach us. And the learning that nestles in that encounter or experience is also there only for a fleeting time period - if you do not understand the essence of it, it vanishes. Literally touch and go. And hence the title.
Q8. Are there any particular themes or messages that you hope readers will take away from your book and that prospective make this book different from others in this genre?
This book is not like any other usual fiction or non-fiction book. It is unique in the sense it tells you stories - stories with morals, but these are autobiographical real incidents (and not imaginary). In that sense, this is unique. Another salient point about the book is that it is written in very simple, easy to read manner - no flowery words, no efforts to impress the writer with highbrow language, but rather words written from the heart, to reach the reader’s heart. That, I hope, would be another key reason that it would appeal to readers. And it is important to me that it reaches as many readers as possible because the book was written with the intent of helping people open their minds to simple things that life teaches you, in the most beautiful way. And if the readers can read this book and think to themselves “Oh, I recall a similar incident and this is what it taught me”, then my job is done.
Q9. Now , I would like to ask what are your plans for future writing projects and can we read more books from you in the near future ?
I do have plans for a second (and hopefully more) book. Something is in the works - again perhaps a book that can spread some wisdom, some happiness, and help change lives. But not in a heavy-handed preachy manner. But that is still in the works, and I hope I can come back soon with more information on it. Thank you!
Read the Review of the book from my Blog or Instagram .
