From blogger to bestseller

Preeti Shenoy, the author of five best sellers, has secured a unique position of being the only woman on the list of best sellers in India. Her latest book ‘Why We Love the Way We Do’ was released in November and has garnered accolades from the readers. The book, which is on the list of best sellers, deals with love and relationships, apart from being a collection of select essays from Preeti’s popular column. In the candid interview the love guru of sorts’ shares some insights about her new book and stint as an author

Excerpts

Tell us about your new book?
‘Why We Love the Way We Do’ is a combination of my column and the mails, which I get from the readers. I have been a columnist for a newspaper for two years now and certain parts of the column have been adapted into the book. The stories in the book are true accounts of real people. I have done extensive research and have structured interviews of people.

What was the idea behind the book?
There was a time when I used to get some queries which were similar. So I thought why not compile a book and people with similar questions can go read my book. And, as a columnist I had a word limit, I had to stick to the format, etc, so I mulled to come out with a book which has some parts of the column and real accounts. The book was released November and secured 4th spot in the bestsellers of 2015 list.

Does one have to read the book to fall in love?
One does not need a book to fall in love. But after falling in love, we have doubts like when should I message him or her? Is it the right time to call, etc and this book covers all those doubts.

How was your journey from blogger to an author?
It has been a tremendous ride. I never imagined that I will be a published author though I always wanted to be a writer from my childhood. I wrote my first story at a tender age of 8. I wrote only a few pages and I also illustrated in that book. My father has been a great source of inspiration for me. He had a transferable job and where ever we used to go he would enroll us in the nearest library.

So I used to read a lot. I started the blog in 2006, and gradually it got popular. I got mails from my readers who were from different countries. One reader from Sao Paulo sent me a hand-knitted scarf and hat. I received so much love and made many friends through my blog. I can say if I would not have started the blog there would not have been an opportunity. It opened my door to the world.

What is love to you?
Love is the reviving force of the life. One can be successful and have money but without love, it would mean nothing. If there is no one in life to love you back then all that you gain will have no point. The most powerful and genuine love you will get is from animals especially dogs. Human love is conditional compared to animals.

How do you choose titles for your books?
The title captures the essence of the book. Everything is tied up to the core concepts. For titles, you have to scratch your head. There will be many possible titles and choosing one which will connect to the audience is a task. The title of my book ‘Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake’ was a little-complicated one, and then I thought the titles should be simpler and connecting. So from then I’m keeping my titles simple.