Interview With Kirti Changlani, The Author of The Search For Belonging

Ravi: Tell me about yourself?

Kirti Changlani: I'm an Author of Two books. Titled "A Life, Less Ordinary" And "The Search For Belonging". I write Youth-oriented stories that revolve around the theme of Self-discovery; Human relationships, friendships, and Love. I'm also a Poetess and Blogger. I have studied Journalism, and via my writing, I bring forth awareness on contemporary social issues that often don't meet the eye of a normal person. I have been a writer since my teenage years and my books are available Globally on Amazon.

My books are a recipient of multiple awards. It includes "Top 100 Debut Novels of India by literature light" "Best Fiction Author - 2021 by Litvoice" And "Writer of the year by FSB records" to name a few.

I regularly write quotes on self-love, healing, positivity, inspiration and share it via my social media. You can find me on Instagram @kirtichanglani

Ravi: What’s your favorite short story?

Kirti: The Man with Blue eyes by Charles Bukowski.

Ravi: The Best piece of writing advice?

Kirti: Eavesdropping on conversations. Lol, might sound unethical and wrong. But often when we overhear conversations, as writers, it gives us something to ponder upon. Many times, writers find ideas too. I won't say listen and write someone's exact story. But definitely, it could give you a direction or a topic to start with.

Ravi: Where do you write?

Kirti: I mostly write on my phone's notes app. I plan out a basic summary or sketch the outline on paper. Many times, I even hand-write my stories. However, later while making the manuscript file, I add more and more. I use MS Word and Google Docs.

Ravi: Where do you get your ideas?

Kirti: I get ideas on random hours of midnight, or while in a full-crowded local train. I might be surrounded by silence or strangers, but if something catches my eye or has the power to emotionally move me. It finds a way to the book.

Ravi: Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Kirti: It depends on how and when I write, from the previous questions you might have got an idea of my methods. So on days, I'm extremely tired but ideas are sitting. Then it could get exhausting. However, when I have an aim of finishing a manuscript, it gives me an energetic high to finish typing, be it one page or a full chapter.

Ravi: How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Kirti: It totally depends on the type of book. My spare time and my willingness to make an effort. I wrote my first book in about six months, the second one took 8-9 months. I'm planning to publish my poetry collection, for which I've been writing poetry for the last 5 to 6 years now. I hadn't really planned to publish poetry, however, it's one of my love alongside storytelling and I believe I've gathered enough courage to take this plunge.

Ravi: If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

Kirti: I wouldn't want to change anything. I've been a reader since my childhood, with time I have read everything from Newspapers, Storybooks, Magazines, and Novels. I take full experience of Life, be it positive or negative.

Ravi: What is your favorite childhood book?

Kirti: There isn't any specific book. However, as I mentioned I used to read Magazines in multiple niches. From spirituality to science and environment.

Ravi: What are your favorite literary journals?

Kirti: None. I haven't read nor subscribed to any.

Ravi: What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Kirti: Procrastination.

Ravi: What was your hardest scene to write?

Kirti: The climax of my Debut book "A Life, Less Ordinary" was a tough scene to write. It's full of emotions and I was straight up crying while writing that. One of my next book, which I'm writing since 2019, the story has multiple such scenes that left me shivering while writing.

Ravi: Do you Google yourself?

Kirti: Of course, Who doesn't. :-)

Ravi: Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Kirti: I don't think anyone knows me this much to be able to decipher it. However, if people closest to me ever read, maybe they might know. And there's one thing I believe, there are no secrets only truths waiting to be discovered.

Ravi: Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Kirti: Yes, I read it all. I'm genuinely grateful to the ones who send me encouraging words and reviews. From my last two years in this writing journey, I could figure the best way to deal with bad or negative ones is to NOT deal with them. Arguing or proving yourself to anyone who doesn't already see your value isn't worth it.

Ravi: Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?

Kirti: I think nonfiction holds a different place than fiction. I connect better with the fiction genre and I discover and learn more about it every time I open a book.

Ravi: What did you edit out of this book?

Kirti: I remove phrases and paragraphs that don't align with the story. I work a lot on grammar and having a smooth plotline. It really breaks your heart to see something just go like that, but that's essential for an impactful book. Nobody really taught me anything in this field and I've learned it all by myself.

Ravi: How many hours a day do you write?

Kirti: It isn't fixed. I could give an approximate of 4-5 hours.

Ravi: How long were you a part-time writer before you became a full-time one?

Kirti: I don't think writing can be done part-time. It requires your heart and soul. I manage writing after I'm done with my studies and other errands. Although, technically whenever some ideas hit me - I note them down - and that way I can say I write 24/7. Actually, writing isn't anything like one 9 to 5 job…it's similar to being an artist; likewise, either you are a writer or you are not. It's like you have stories coursing through your veins and if that makes me one full-time writer...then, maybe I am one full-time writer.

Ravi: What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

Kirti: My books are fictional and I aim to keep them so. With fiction, I research about a particular location or era, if I'm adding elements, say social awareness, then I research upon it. I think fiction doesn't require extensive research like non-fiction unless the topic is such.

Ravi: What’s the best way to market your books?

Kirti: Social media marketing and a digital presence on the right platforms. Besides, connecting with book bloggers also helps. If I knew what's the best way I wouldn't be so stressed. :)

Ravi: How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Kirti: I have two unpublished books. They're both 80% finished in terms of the manuscript.

Ravi: How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

Kirti: After my first book, I became more aware of how to go about things. Which process works for me and in general, experience makes you better. I have made my writing skills more Fast-paced so readers have something news on every page. I'm evolving constantly and learning various aspects of publishing, chalking out my lists. So, yes, overall it gets better. :)

Ravi: What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

Kirti: When I was just starting out, an Author had helped me to copy-edit my book. I'm in touch with many writers, and I think everyone would have something new to teach you if you only wish to learn. I aim to collaborate more with members of my fraternity.

Ravi: Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Kirti: I write for myself and it's my passion. I don't think any word I'd have ever written would be to deliver someone their favorite. Yes, one writer should always have a basic understanding of the Target audience and what type of things would work for a specific genre. A writer learns it either by the experience of honing their skills or from a mentor.

Ravi: What advice do you have for writers?

Kirti: I'd say keep writing and always be open to learning. Grow your confidence and never be discouraged. I think the publishing industry has an excess of glamour and show-off these days. Plus the competition is enough to make anyone go crazy. Put the focus on yourself and believe in your art. Don't delve on only the business part, if you do, it'll make you unhappy and won't serve the purpose either to you or to readers. Well honestly, this is the advice I wish someone gave to me. But here we go!

Ravi: What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?

Kirti: I don't know much. I believe all learning in any form, from videos to eBooks can be available for free. If someone genuinely wishes to learn, they'll find pretty much everything online. You don't have to always subscribe to XYZ magazines in hopes of gathering something.

Ravi: Tell me about your recent book to our Ravi Reads Blog Readers?

Kirti: So my recent-most book is titled "The Search For Belonging" - my book is a travel fiction novel. It was originally released in August 2020. Alongside being a story about three youngsters who are all from different walks of life, together on a trip. The story also has a mild flavor of self-discovery.

Though the book is entirely a light entertainment-based read. It also offers a dose of inspiration and romance.

I think readers must pick my book to get an adventure-like feeling in these tough times. Besides, my second book can even be read by those who don't really read a lot of books, considering I've written in a simple language for them.

To Know more about Kirti's "The Search For Belonging" check out this link.

Thanks to Kirti Changlani for agreeing to this interview! If you know of an author who’d like to be featured in an interview (or you are an author who would like to be featured), feel free to email me at the address on my contact page.