Interview with Laxmi Hariharan

Laxmi Hariharan

Interview Date: 4/12/2012

Biography:

Laxmi Hariharan is Author of Amazon US Epic Fantasy, Kindle best-seller The Destiny of Shaitan. She is also a technophile with a penchant for smoking cigars, swigging chai and keeping secrets. She is convinced that she is actually an old man in disguise as a sixteen year old!


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I distinctly remember the first line I ever wrote “The leaves sway in the trees, like a ship on the high seas.” Terrible right? Part of a poem. And that feeling of absolute satisfaction that came with it. I was five then. No inciting incident. It just came from somewhere within (The force?) and I had complete conviction that I would write a full book some day.


If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")

Teleportation. To get from anywhere to anywhere in the blink of an eye! Fantastic

Kev's response: That would have to be one of mine as well - especially if I could teleport a large object(s) with me. Then I'd call NASA.


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

Batman has been a favourite. Being self made and all that. The line that made a deep impression on me in the ‘origins of Batman’ story was I am in a hurry to grow up. Totally resonated with the teenage rebellious, rock music loving, me.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

Nature. I am fortunate to live close to some big woodland areas in London. A walk in the woods with the massive generations old trees for company and I am inspired.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

My first book The Destiny of Shaitan grew from an organic place, very seat-of-the-pants. But it was pure agony. I didn’t know where I was going for a long time for the characters just had a mind of their own. It was great for them – they were off having all these crazy, mind blowing, adventures. Leaving me the poor author to make some sense of it for the readers. So for the second one, I have worked out the synopsis, chapter breakdown, plotline, etc. I am now starting on the easy bit – the writing. But I feel much more comfortable doing it this way. I can see where I am going.

Kev's response: I can see that - plus it's pretty hard to type when you have a pair of pants in your hands.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

It’s a mix of both. Early mornings are my most creative. So I try to wake up at 5 am (it sounds crazy, I know.) and try to do the pure creative work then, and then use evenings for more the more analytical stuff like marketing, etc. But ultimately the real good stuff happens only when the muse visits. She can be fickle though, so when there is a wave, I try to ride it as far as I can.

Kev's response: Crazy? Heck no! I'm up shortly after 4 am to do my workout....


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

Fantasy and fantasy :) And Romance. My writing naturally veers towards magic realism, but I know this can be very difficult on readers. So am trying to ground myself a lot more, which becomes easier the more I wrote. Right now I write more in the Epic Fantasy space. I seem to be very good at writing fast action-adventure and steamy love scenes. My characters seem to relish sword play, thrive on teleporting or jetting around on space ships and of course fall crazily in love with each other.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

There are no barriers. I can go where I want. Complete freedom.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

No. I don’t think so. Writing is the only thing I can do a 100% naturally....


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

I relate more with teenagers and younger people than with grown up adults and find my reading habits are also similar to a young adult... Sometimes I really think that is odd. It doesn’t help me from a practical real life standpoint.

Kev's response: If you void any claim of sanity, that can help as well. Umm, I've heard....


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

One story at a time. I live and breathe the characters quite intensely.

Kev's response: Me too! I've been laughed at for making faces as I write.


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

They will exist side by side. Video never did kill the radio star did it? So both paper and e-books will survive but readers may just find different occasions of usage. So perhaps one reads ebooks while travelling for the convenience or for entertainment. But for information or academics, ie. non-fiction, the paper book will still be essential.


What are your current projects?

My just launched debut novel The Destiny of Shaitan hit the #2 spot on Amazon US Epic Fantasy kindle books, for which I am very grateful. My second book tentatively titled The Seven Islands should be out 2013 spring.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

Just do it! And when find those who believe in you hang onto them; don't get waylaid by those who try to undermine your writing. You owe it to yourself to put your voice out there. Its the most important thing you can do.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

You can find me here http://www.facebook.com/laxmihariharanauthor, twitter: http://twitter.com/laxmi, blog: http://www.laxmihariharan.com and The Destiny of Shaitan here http://www.amazon.com/The-Destiny-of-Shaitan-ebook/dp/B007M2IBH8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334212002&sr=8-1


Kev's response: Laxmi, thanks for joining me! I wish you the best!



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