Malika Gandhi, an Indian
author living in England, has published her debut novel, Freedom of the Monsoon. Set against the backdrop of the second Indian war
against the Raj, Malika shows us compassion and anger through five individuals
who struggle against the Quit India Movement.
What is your day job or are you lucky enough to write for a living?
I am currently not working at the moment, so I am a home maker/writer. I would love to write for a living, but that
may be a while yet. Readers like authors who write multiple books. I feel I am
lucky as my husband is supporting my writing, so until then...
What books have you written so far?
I have written Freedom
of the Monsoon, which is my debut novel.
It is set in India during 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. The story revolves around five central fictional
characters – Rakesh, Dev, Pooja, Amit and Sunil. As they take us into their
world, we see the devastating effects of the Quit India Movement.
What works in progress do you have?
Currently, I am working on the sequel, which will be
quite different to the first book. The
story is set in 1947 and 2012. In this book, I have focused on two central
characters: Anjali and Arianna. It has a paranormal setting and somehow these
two ladies are connected.
How long did it take you to write your book/s?
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9pm and 2am sometimes!
Do you write linear, or jump back and forth? Do you plan
or write by the seat of your pants?
or write by the seat of your pants?
My style of writing is very much jumping back and forth
as I like to show what happened in the life of the character beforehand, and sometimes the character’s thoughts take us back in time too.
as I like to show what happened in the life 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. I didn’t begin to write seriously until two years ago, with Freedom of the Monsoon.
Where and when do you write? Do you have set times?
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?
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?
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?
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?
I haven’t based a character on someone from real life.
Fave things: animal? food? drink? film? colour? band?
song? place? item of clothing?
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.
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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?
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…
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!
Which three authors would you like to take to the pub?
I would like to take JK Rowling, Kathryn Stockett and VS
Naipaul.
Are you published or self-published? What is your
experience?
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 that 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?
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?
I have two blogs:
One is the base for my book. On this blog I post articles
from myself and other authors. I also do a free ebook/giveaway showcase where
if an author is giving away a book for free, I will post it on my blog, and
advertise it on my Facebook pages and groups for free.
My other blog is called The Unicorn’s Reviews, which is a
review site. I read every book (as long as it doesn’t turn my stomach!). I
don’t read or review erotica, or any book that is too violent.
What other hobbies do you have?
Apart from writing, I experiment in painting using
acrylics, oils and watercolour. It is a source of relaxation for me. My other
pastime, other than reading, is going to the movies.
If you won the Lotto or a major publishing contract, what
would you do with that dosh?
I love to travel so that would be one of the things I
would do. 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...
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?
In the current climate, both have their 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.
Biography
Malika Gandhi lives with her husband and two sons in the
East Midlands, UK. She is a homemaker and in between caring for her family, she
writes her books and dabbles in a little painting too. She loves to experiment
with different mediums, such as oils, acrylic and watercolour.
Malika was born in India, but moved to London when she was
two, where her father was already settled. She travelled with her mother and
brother.
Malika has lived in London, studied in Southampton and moved
to Leicester after her marriage, which is where her husband and his family
live. A girl moves in with her in-laws after marriage, at least for a short
time.
Malika loves to watch movies, visit art and history museums,
and is curious about the universe.
Links
Blogs
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