About the Author:
Manoj Jain has always been interested in human relationships and how they are affected by circumstances. He travels all over the globe, meeting new people and listening to interesting stories, which give him a deeper understanding of the way people think. His passion for writing combined with an education in psychology and a degree from IIM Ahmedabad, empowered him to turn author. Ramona being his fourth book and a sequel to the third titled Balraj, the previous two are The BNO: Sex, Life and Hookah and The THC, Under a Gibbous Moon.
The multi-talented Manoj runs a full-time business dealing in the exports of garments as well.
Interview:
- Tell us about the idea behind the book?
The idea behind the book was to focus of the fact that there is more power and energy within us than we usually tap which is revealed in breathing and meditation techniques, it talks about the power of dreams and more importantly the merging of dualities and the understanding of how life and death are intertwined - How much time did it take in the process of writing?
Normally it takes me about two months to write a book as the complete story is crystal clear in front of me but this book did take longer. I had abandoned it twice in the middle and it eventually took me about six months to write (it seemed forever as it was quite painful) - What did the process of writing this book teach you?
The book took me to many journeys within myself which was intense. I needed many sessions of professional therapy after writing the book. - What inspired you to write this book?
The book that was never supposed to be written…it took birth when I had an epiphany in Varanasi when I was there this February coupled with a series of unusual happenings thereafter. - 5 books one must read in a lifetime ?
Ayn Rand The Fountainhead, Herman Hesse Siddhartha, The Gita / Upanishads, Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach and any good pornographic literature ( so that one does not take life too seriously ???? ) - A book that had an impact on you, which helped you in writing this one?
I was hearing many lectures and analysis of the Gita and the Upanishads before and during writing this book which definitely influenced me in this book - Tell us about your publishing journey in 5 words.
Halfway reached, many miles more - Your favorite part/chapter from the book?
The book is actually two parts – the first part is a back stories of the characters. I do not write in any order (very often writing later parts first); at first, I thought Amrit’s story (chapter one) was interesting but when I re-read the book, it was Surya (Chapter 2) that gripped me. Otherwise, it was the penultimate chapter when Surya meets the guide at night at the Ghat that I enjoyed writing too - Tell us about your plans? Planning a new book?
After every book, I sigh and say it is my last book and I will not write another (as the process of writing takes a lot from me as I enter the mind of my characters. The protagonists and minor players in my books are alive for me so it takes me a lot of time to leave their minds when I finish writing the book). I have two clear cut ideas at present but the characters have not started peaking to me so I have not started writing the books yet - What is a literary success for you?
Literary success for me has changed over time. It does not involve being recognised by the fraternity or attending book fairs or giving talks. For me success is having my book read by many people, and being able to sit and discuss it with them over a coffee or chai. - A message for all the readers.
Discover the power within
