Lalsa Verma is a business graduate and post graduate in Advertising, she believes ‘writing’ to be her only skill set. She has been writing for the Indian Television Industry for the last eleven years and has been accredited for her work. She is an author of book BramhaKamal – The love story of Devdasi.

Interview:

Tell us about the idea behind the book?

Well, ‘Brahmakamal’ is a love story! So, the idea is just that ‘love conquers all’. It might not seem like a victory at first but eventually we all realise that the only thing that remains in the end is ‘love’.

Your favourite character from the book?

Without any doubt, it’s Kaveri. She is headstrong yet her rectitude is unblemished. Even while writing, she always reminded me of a kind of woman whom Maya Angelou has portrayed in one of her poems – ‘They try so much. But they can’t touch. My inner Mystery’  

How much time did it take in the process of writing?

It was an entire year! But to be honest, the actual writing happened in three to four months. Rest of the time was spent fighting my fears. How will the book turn out? Am I even equipped to write a book? How well will it be received etc…and of course, these fears eventually turned into procrastination.

What did the process of writing this book teach you?

The whole idea of writing a book was overwhelming for me. So, I read about famous authors, their writing processes etc. They had many valuable advices to offer but sadly, none worked for me. For instance, the most common advice is to make an entire character arc beforehand. But this never worked for me, I simply was not able to do it. My characters were built while writing, as the story progressed, my characters grew. Simple!

What inspired you to write this book?

Since forever, I have wanted to write books! I had already started on a book idea, it was about a serial killer (which I am very fond of) but then something beautiful happened. We all are familiar with that voice inside us that guides us at junctures we need the utmost help. And sometimes it helps us when we don’t even realise that we need some guidance.

I can never forget that beautiful moment when I was engrossed watching Babubali and Prabhas was on screen. It was that moment when the same voice inside me, the voice which I believe came from my soul and whispered in my ear, ‘Lalsa, your first book cannot be about a serial killer, it has to be a love story’ and I knew that I will blindly follow that voice.

The result is Brahmakamal: Love Story of a Devdasi

5 books one must read in a lifetime

1. Bhagavad Gita
2. Man’s Search for Meaning
3. Metamorphosis
4. The Zahir
5. To Kill a Mocking Bird

A book that had an impact on you, which helped you in writing this one?

There are so many books that had a lasting impact on me. If I start with list, I might never stop. But one book which really helped me in writing, Brahmakamal: Love Story of a Devdasi, is ‘Nityasumangali’ by Saskia C. Kersenboom

Tell us about your publishing journey in 5 words.

From being impatient to being patient.

Tell us about your plans? Planning a new book?

Yes, there are a few ideas I am toying with. Let’s see!

What is a literary success for you?

To be able to write books of different genres. I have always seen that authors become genre bound and even the readers expect the same. But I believe that I am writer, I tell stories. I should not be bound by the type of story I tell.

A message for all the readers.

Will it be too in the face if ask them to read Brahmakamal?! Ha…ha…ha! Well to all who read it or are planning to read, thank you very much! I would also like to say that we readers, should never let anyone make us feel guilty for keep buying books. Neither should we bother about those books on our shelves which we haven’t read yet and probably will never read them. It’s okay! I feel it’s a requisite for being a good reader!