Blog Tour: Laxmi Hariharan's debut, The Destiny of Shaitan!

Today, I am hosting Laxmi Hariharan, 
in celebration of her new release, 
The Destiny of Shaitan.

Check out the guest post below and be sure to 
enter the giveaway at the end of this post 
for a chance to win either a $15 Amazon Gift Card 
or an autographed paperback of 
The Destiny of Shaitan.

Young Adult Forever by Laxmi Hariharan

My sister-in-law turned to me, “when Naman married you, I thought you might lick him into shape. Little did I realise he was marrying someone just like himself.” She was, of course, referring to the ‘happy to spend life in pursuing my dreams’ traveller who never wanted to settle down in one place ­ me.

Coming from a conservative, South-Indian family in suburban Bombay, my biggest fear as a teen was to be ‘trapped’ in an arranged marriage. I always knew I would wait until I found the one; a partner who would accept me for what I am ­ a free spirit, an easy rider kind of person.

So, when my then-to-be-husband woke up one morning and didn’t blink at my, “Uh, how about we just spend the day walking around Singapore, doing nothing... just being?” suggestion, I knew that was him.

It took me a few more years to realise that I was firmly in what the world now calls the Young Adult space. I not only write YA, I am YA. In fact, I have my own quiz to help you figure out if you are also YA.

1.   Do you have more in common with your girlfriend’s fourteen year old (especially your love for Hunger Games, Twilight, et al)?

2.   In workplace meetings, at ‘grown up’ parties or in the pub, are you the only one who knows Formspring (or, for that matter, twitter)?

3.   Are you health conscious (in fact, probably vegetarian) and love to overdose on vitamins in the hope of staying perpetually young?

If you ticked even two of the above, chances are that, like me, you are YA forever.

So, this is how I realised that I write in the YA fantasy space. Then, the biggest surprise was discovering how inspired I was by Indian mythology.

Me, the one who left my home country of India due to wanderlust, running away from the constraints that the Indian society of the 80s placed on its women; the uber Go West kinda gal now churning out fiction inspired by the East ­Indian gods and goddesses, and their adventures? 

I paused, and dug into my memories, going back in time to when I was a little girl of perhaps five in Bombay. Remembering my grandma - Periamma, I called her (literally translating from Tamil as 'Big Mother') - wrapped in her ultra-traditional, nine yards of silk-cotton saree, narrating stories from ancient Indian epics. I had absorbed them wide-eyed, becoming one with them in my dreams, believing I could overcome demons in the real world, and that nothing could stop me. It was these stories, which portrayed powerful goddesses who were stronger than the mightiest gods, who were my role models.

In embracing my roots, I had found my voice.

Through The Destiny of Shaitan and my future books, I hope to share these delightful stories from the rich tradition of Indian mythology, presenting them in a cool, futuristic and simple to understand setting, so that people of all ages, everywhere, can enjoy them.

The Destiny of Shaitan and my next novel, The Seven Islands, will particularly resonate with young adults and the YA at heart, for we dare to dream. We are the imagination engine who sees the future.

If my readers feel just a little of those wonderful emotions that Grandma shared with me, then I will be ecstatic.

 Story summary

Partially set in a dystopian Bombay of the future, The Destiny of Shaitan is a coming-of-age story, painted against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world.

Yudi, Tiina and Rai embark on a mission to save the universe. Sent to retrieve the Isthmus from the ruthless Shaitan, Tiina seeks more than the end of the tyrant; she seeks herself. 

Shaitan is determined to stop them at any cost. The three friends must learn to trust one another and overcome their fears as they fight towards the ultimate showdown. 

The universe is at stake and the combatants are determined. Will Shaitan’s ultimate destiny be fulfilled?

Author bio

I am a writer, technophile and, dare I say it, a futurist, with a penchant for chai and growing eye-catching flowers. 

Wanderlust drove me out of my home country of India and I travelled across Asia, living in Singapore and Hong Kong before coming home to London. 

I am inspired by Indian mythology; I draw strength from the stories my grandmother narrated to me as a child. It is by acknowledging my roots that I found my voice. 

When not writing, I love walking in the woods with my soul mate and indulging my inner geek.

I would love to connect with you on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or my website.

Reviews

“The Destiny of Shaitan is mind-blowing, dark, humorous and clever. It took me on a powerful journey inwards, which was a surprise as I'm not generally drawn to Sci-fi or fantasy.”

- Sonia Ducie, Dip.CSN.AIN, mumerologist and author of 11 numerology books.

“The low-key humour that runs like an undercurrent through this delightful, gripping adventure had me chuckling from page one.”

- Pippa Merivale, author of Rescued by Angels.

“A truly refreshing approach because it is inspired by Indian mythology, direct references to which are few in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. That aside, Shaitan is a ripping yarn and a gripping read and a must-have for every fan of the genre. Besides, it’s bound to win more fans from across genres too. The character of Rai, in particular, is the most fascinating, but that's not to take away from the other players in the narrative, especially Yudi and Tiina and, of course, the titular evil Shaitan himself, who makes Darth Vader look like a kindergarten wimp.”

- Amazon Review by Moviescriptwriter.

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Words with Malika Gandhi

Thanks to Malika Gandhi for this interview

_{What is your day job or are you lucky enough to write for a living?}

_{My day job is being a home maker and dropping my two boys off to nursery/school. It is a full-time job!}

_{What books have you written so far?}

<sub>I have written one book, Freedom of the Monsoon. This is my debut novel. It is set in India in 1942-47, during the Quit India Movement. The novel explores love, loss, sacrifice and the need for justice. It is romantic as well as shocking. Domestic violence is shown too, which is seen time and time again, but where no one can help. The novel is not factual, but there are references to real-life events and situations during that time. Gandhi, the leader of the Quit India Movement, is mentioned many times and his work is referenced here too. The story revolves around the point of view of five central fictional characters – Rakesh, Dev, Pooja, Amit and Sunil – and they take us into their world, showing us the affects of the Quit India Movement.

What works in progress do you have?</sub>

_{Currently, I am working on the sequel, which will be quite different to the first book. Although it is still based in India, following on from the Quit India Movement, which is Partition, it will be an Indian romance centring on one main character, from her point of view.}

_{How long did it take you to write your book/s?}

<sub>Freedom of the Monsoon took me two years to write and that was when my children went to sleep. So between 9pm and 2am sometimes!

Do you write linear, or jump back and forth? Do you plan or write by the seat of your pants?</sub>

_{My style of writing is very much jumping back and forth as I like to show what happened in the lives of the character beforehand, and sometimes the character’s thoughts take us back in time too.}

_{Why do you write?}

_{I like the freedom of the words. It allows me to express myself and bring me out into a world where I can let my imagination explore.}

_{How long have you been writing?}

_{I have been writing for a long time, since my university days, dwelling on short stories and writing a diary, where my ideas and thoughts appear. But, I didn’t begin to seriously write until two years ago, with Freedom of the Monsoon.}

_{Where and when do you write? ­ Do you have set times?}

<sub>I don’t have set times as it is difficult with children. My concentration peaks when all is quiet at night.

Which character from your books do you like most / are most like?</sub>

_{My favourite character from my book is Pooja as she goes through so much and loses a lot too. Before her marriage she is abused, and after she is abused and raped by her husband. She is a lovely character who has grown with my writing.}

_{What/who inspired you to write and still inspires you?}

<sub>Reading books by Roald Dahl and CS Lewis inspired me to write. Their fantastic storytelling made me want to put pen to paper and just write.

What do you think is the ideal recipe for a good novel or story?</sub>

_{A story has to come from your heart; you have to be passionate about what you write and about your characters. This will show in your work.}

_{Have you ever based a character on someone from real life? And did you tell them?}

<sub>I haven’t based a character on someone from real life.

Fave things: animal? food? drink? film? colour? band? song? place? item of clothing?</sub>

_{My favourite things:}

_{Animal: elephant.}

_{Food: pasta and Paneer (Indian cottage cheese).}

_{Drink: has to be Diet Coke!}

_{Film: oh there are so many, but I love When Harry met Sally and You Got Mail.}

_{Colour: blue.}

_{Song: no particular song, but I like variety.}

_{Place: anywhere where there is sun, sand and sea – preferably HOT.}

                       

_{When you were a kid, what did you want to do/who did you want to be when you grew up?}

_{I wanted to be an author when I was a kid, or an artist as I love to paint and draw. I now have the opportunity to showcase my work through my book (the illustration on my book is my own).}

_{Would you say that your dreams have come true or are you still working on them?}

<sub>My dreams are still some way ahead before I can reach them. I believe a dream will always expand once you reach a certain level. As for now, I am happy that I have become published, but I don’t want to stop here.

You’re walking in the forest and you bump into an alien librarian from Mars. He wants five book recommendations from you…</sub>

_{The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis}

_{Matilda by Roald Dahl}

_{Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling}

_{Miguel Street by VS Naipaul}

_{The Help by Kathryn Stockett}

_{Who is your favourite character from any book and why?}

_{Like so many, it is from a Classic – Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, for his brooding personality, which is logical and romantic at the same time. I also love Jo’s character from Little Women. She is endearing, and kindles inspiration and ambition!}

_{Ah Mr Darcy is one of my faves too... what a man! I love that book. But, since watching the superb BBC adaptation, I'm always going to have the image of Colin Firth coming out of the water... -- Vickie} 

_{Which three authors would you like to take to the pub?}

<sub>I would like to take JK Rowling, Kathryn Stockett and VS Naipaul.

Are you published or self-published? What is your experience?</sub>

_{I am self-published. The experience is tough as the marketing is all down to you, but it is also exciting to be in control of your own work and what direction you want it to take.}

_{How do you find the marketing experience?}

_{Very hard. As an Indie author who is very new, finding people and groups who may be interested in your work is the first thing, but it is getting them to like the idea to buy, which is hard. Every moment I get, I am thinking of new ways of promoting my work, and the people I speak to have helped me.}

_{What advice would you give other writers just starting out?}

<sub>To never give up and keep persisting as that is the only way you will achieve your dream goal. Be patient also – which is one thing I am still learning.

Do you have a blog? What do you blog about?</sub>

_{Yes, my blog is: www.malikagandhi.wordpress.com}

_{It is about my book, but I have also posted some articles on the history of India and an interview with my fictional character, Pooja. I plan to do more.}

_{What other hobbies do you have?}

_{I love to paint and draw, and I love films. I love to read and always have a book with me.}

_{If you won the Lotto or a major publishing contract, what would you do with that dosh?}

<sub>I love to travel so that would be one of the things. I would also put some money away for my boy’s university education and a considerable amount towards the beginning of their future.

Complete one of these stories in 100 words or less…
1. There was once a wee worm called Fred…
2. In the deep and darkest reaches of the dank forest...
3. One day Charlotte decided she was going to change the world...</sub>
 

_{In the deep and darkest reaches of the dank forest, a woman crouched with her daughter, hiding away from the crazy man. She was afraid to use her magical aura; she knew she mustn’t abuse it. The Lords wouldn’t forgive her.  There would be consequences. She had been warned. Sarina looked at her daughter of three. She had been touched by the aura – she knew it. Her bronze locks shone and shimmered, a slight vibration and her hair would glow. She had to hide Petal somewhere, out of reach, out of sight forever...}

_{What question do you wish I’d asked and, of course, what is the answer?}

_{Do you think Traditional Publishing is better than Self-Publishing?}

_{My answer:}

_{In the current climate, both have its advantages and disadvantages.  It is getting harder for publishers and authors as there is so much competition. It has come down to the author to do most of the legwork, whether published traditionally or self-published, especially as a new, unknown author. It is nice to get the backing of a traditional publisher, of course, but if that doesn’t work then try self-publishing.}

_Links:

_Blog: www.malikagandhi.wordpress.com

_Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freedom-of-the-Monsoon-ebook/dp/B0070VV9TI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330512626&sr=8-1

_Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Freedom-of-the-Monsoon/359731577386799

To win a copy of Malika's book, just leave a comment... she'll pick out her favourite :)