We recently interviewed Author Ronnie Desai and here are the excerpts from the interview.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest book? What was the spark that set the story in motion?
For some time now, it’s been accepted that pet dogs have become a part of the family. They are certainly treated as such by their owners: they appear in family pictures, travel pictures, birthday pictures, Facebook posts, Instagram uploads and so on.
Inspired by this fast-growing growing trend, I thought it a good idea to take it forward and write a fictional story in which dogs get legal recognition as equal family members.
How did your journey as a writer begin? Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realize this was your path?
I had some previous experience in advertising copywriting and jingle composition. This required very concise writing. Having done enough of that and having a lot more time on my hands,I decided to try my hand at working on a longer and more imaginative format, Thus the book – Mother. Father. Daughter. Dog.
I cannot say that my journey as a writer has begun as yet. So far I have experimented with my first book. Yes, I plan to write another book. Perhaps, after that, I can be convinced that this is what I want to do in future.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I faced was adjusting to writing freely, without worrying about the length and content as dictated by my previous advertising clients. It was a bit of a task to break away completely and write my own story, rather than execute someone else’s brief.
How much of your personal experience or worldview is reflected in the themes or characters of your book?
As explained in my first answer, in my personal experience with friends who had pets, I observed their close emotional ties, almost like family.
If any further evidence is required of a pet dog being regarded as part of the family, check out this picture of a friend with a pet chihuahua, both studying the menu at a dog-friendly cafe in Bandra, Mumbai.
What does your typical writing routine look like? Do you follow a strict schedule or write more intuitively?
The story idea usually comes intuitively or from tapping the sub-conscious. After that, if I can work out enough details to turn the idea into a comprehensive story , that’s when I start writing.
I do try to stick to a writing schedule, but there’s always good days, when words just flow, and other days when I can hardly manage a worthwhile page.
How do you approach writer’s block or creative fatigue, especially during long projects?
I’ve done just one book so far and I was pretty clear on the story right from the start. I’ve not done enough projects to give any reply other than that.
What role did editing and feedback play in shaping the final version of your book?
Editing and feedback played a huge role in shaping the final version of the book. I only started getting positive feedback from publishers (including Blue Hill Publications) after a second edit. It was a mistake in sending the original draft to publishers before vetting it with reliable editors and unbiased friends.
How has publishing this book changed your perspective—on writing, on readers, or even on yourself?
Publishing the book has given me a clear message that, yes, I can write. The book and it’s reviews are testament to that. All I can do now is to i work on my writing skills to actually succeed as a writer.
What advice would you offer to aspiring writers who are trying to find their voice or get published?
As a one-book writer, I do not have the experience to advise aspiring writers, apart from suggesting that they take the services of an editor before submitting their first drafts to publishers.
What’s next for you—are there upcoming projects or ideas you’re excited to explore?
Yes, I’m working on my next book. the idea has come to me intuitively, so now I need to work out the details and begin writing, writing, writing.
We thank Ronnie Desai for taking out moments from his busy schedule to give us this interview and share these exciting insights about his life.
Team Thinnk.in