This weeks Author of the Week Is Gauri Shanbhag Wagle who kindly took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to me! Let's see what Gauri had to say! Let's start with your book,s what have you published Gauri? 1) CORPORATE ARMAGEDDON – a fiction book (novel) written by me independently and self -published. 2) NEGATIVE TRAITS WHICH CONCEAL YOUR POSITIVE TRAITS- a non fiction self help book written by me independently and self- published Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies! I am an HR professional having 7 years of work experience. Currently, I am remotely working from Singapore, for an educational institution in Mumbai called THE LEARNERS HUB, in the capacity of Corporate Communications manager and HR. I have vast experience in Recruitment as well as in facilitating Training and Developmental activities for my employees. I was instrumental in setting up a Training department in my previous organization thus fostering a learning environment conducive for skill enhancement and personality development. Currently, I am based in Singapore since my husband was transferred here. However, I am from Mumbai, India. I am the proud mother of a bright nine-year-old son Avadhut Wagle and the proud wife of Mr Maheshwar Wagle who is a successful finance professional working for a healthcare company, currently deputed at Singapore. I love to explore a myriad of hobbies like Reading, Dancing, Singing, Acting-Dramatics... It sounds like you're exceedingly busy Gauri! What got you into writing? I love writing and I love the idea of creating characters. I am an expressive person which may also be one of the reasons why writing is one of my hobbies. You're very creative as evidenced by your hobbies! What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing? Writing is a powerful medium to express one’s ideas, thoughts, opinions and creativity. This is what I love about writing. I don’t hate anything about writing, but the only grievance that I have is that there is a lot of book piracy because of which writers do not earn much. Yes, piracy is a problem for many authors. Who is the worst villain you’ve ever written, and why? The worst villain I have ever created is ‘Nikita Bangera’ in my recently finished novel ‘CORPORATE ARMAGEDDON’. Nikita is a corporate professional in higher authority and she misuses her power. She leaves no stone unturned in exploiting her subordinate who is the protagonist of my novel. You would recoil in horror after reading about Nikita’s ploys which are aimed at harassing my protagonist SWARALI. She sounds awful, I hope she gets her comeuppance! What is next on your list to write/publish? My next story is about how a girl combats a mental disorder. It is not yet titled and is in progress. That will be a difficult one to write, good luck Gauri. Who is your favourite author? It is very difficult to name one, but I would say ‘Preeti Shenoy’ for her book ‘Life is what you make it’ Who encouraged you the most to write? My dear husband encouraged me the most. However, my parents and my brother too have been supportive, but my husband was more encouraging. It is so nice when family support you in your endeavours! Are you as avid a reader as a writer? I read books, but I am more avid as a writer. What’s your favourite genre? Fiction –novels and short stories Non Fiction- Self-help books, Motivational books A range of reading materials then! Do you listen to music when you write? I do not listen to music while writing. I can concentrate to some extent (though not completely) if there is some background noise. If you could interview any famous author who would it be and why? I would interview Mr Chetan Bhagat –Indian author of ‘Five point someone’ because I would love to know about how did he muster up the courage to quit a well-paying Investment banking job to become a writer. Now don't be shy, tell me a secret that none of your fans knows! I hate washing utensils and every day I cry about washing them :D That was unexpected, tell me what your main character would say about you! My main character would say that I am very genuine, honest to a great extent, uncomplicated, clean-hearted and above all a very practical person. I have learnt to see things from others point of view. What a wonderful self-image Gauri. Finally, any words of advice? It is easy to do what you love or what you are passionate about. However, It is difficult to do something which you do not like even if it is important for your life or well-being. For example, children do not like studying but education is so vital for their life. Therefore we should do important things for our life, well-being and for the well-being of our family, even if we don’t like doing these important things. In life, one cannot only do what they like, but they have to also do certain necessary things which they do not like. Thank you, Gauri, for talking with me today, It was a wonderful interview! To keep up to date with Gauri please follow her on the following links Author Website: https://gaurishanbhagwagle.wordpress.com/ Author Email: gauriartistic@gmail.com and gauridance@yahoo.co.in Facebook: Gauri Shanbhag Wagle -THE Author Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauri-shanbhag-wagle-608a522b/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gauriartistic Goodreads: Gauri_Shanbhag_Wagle Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/gaurishanbhagwagle
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