Cupcakes and steaming cups of tea to go with Tea for Two And A Piece of Cake . This was the mood at last week’s discussion with author and blogger Preeti Shenoy at Easylib in Koramangala.
The gathering of book lovers and Preeti Shenoy fans spoke of stories, writing, and the process of characterisation.
Preeti read excerpts from her recent and third book Tea for Two And A Piece of Cake . Preeti Shenoy, who came to be recognised in the writing world with her popular blog, Just A Mother of Two — which has now been changed to Much Love — narrated her transition from being a blogger to an author.
“One of my blog posts was picked up by a radio show host in the US. That’s when the readers really multiplied. I, then, began to write for newspapers and magazines, before I wrote my first book, Thirty Four Bubble Gums and Candies .” Her first book, a collection of stories inspired by her own life, provides a glimpse into everyday happenings.
Her second book, Life Is What You Make It is a story on love, hope and the determination to triumph over the constraints of destiny.
Preeti researched bi polar disorder or manic depression for this book. “I was living in UK at the time when I was writing this book. Being a portrait artist, I attended an exhibition by bi polar artists. Their art work took my breath away, and led me to research on the condition.”
Tea For Two… is a simple love story between two people who have much to lose, yet everything to gain in their relationship.
Although the book involves divorce and heartbreak, it is far removed from Preeti’s own life. “It is not at all autobiographical. I have a very supportive husband and am happily married,” she said to laughs, adding that the book is written in the first person with a conversational tone, and is loosely based on the lives of people she knows.
There are moments in the book, however, that reflect Preeti’s passions. Pondicherry, for instance, where she spent some time in her life, is described in a scene. “While writing this book, I had this crazy urge to visit Pondicherry, so I took off to holiday there for a couple of days,” she recounted.
Preeti revealed that one of the titles she had in mind for Tea For Two ... was Four Lefts From The Centre , but she decided against it assuming most people wouldn’t be able to get it. You’re Really The Best
Preeti likes to write at her own time and pace, but she needs to have an idea of the story than allow the plot to develop as she writes. To be a good author, Preeti says, one should have good observational skills and empathy to write credible characters.
Writing and storytelling go hand-in-hand, believes Preeti. “Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner combines brilliant writing and storytelling, and I confess I like Chetan Bhagat’s stories too.”
Easylib holds monthly discussions with authors. Abhijit Bhaduri will read from his new book Don’t Hire The Best on October 27.
