Journalism, though popular, is not a very comfortable profession. But being a journalist has its own advantages, says Tina Sharma Tiwari who turned author with Who, Me? She says being in print journalism helped her write, and write well. Here the writer shares her story of hopping profession, what induced her to write and why fast reads will always be popular. Excerpts...How has been the journey from being a journalist to an author?Exhausting! Also really exciting, a little scary and great fun. It would be such a cliché to liken it to a roller coaster ride, so I'm not going to, but you get my drift. It's unnerving to step out of your comfort zone – a zone where you are confident of your competence – and into completely uncharted territory so I had several nail-biting moments along the way. But all the nerves, the late nights, the sheer hard work has been totally worth it!Did it help that you were already aware how media works while writing your book?Not particularly, at least not in any way that immediately springs to mind. Yes, of course it helps that I had started my career as a print journalist so writing comes naturally to me. But other than that, I think creative writing and journalism are two opposite ends of the spectrum. Not only because of the obvious fact versus fiction thing, but also because I think one is a very public expression and the other extremely personal. Even though you want millions of people to read your book, you actually write for yourself.How did the idea of Who, Me? come up?Being a sports journalist, my favourite kind of story is that of the underdog who bounces back to win the fight. Its also the kind of movie I love. So when I sat down to write, the clear image I had in mind was that of this reticent, wallflower-type girl who breaks the mould and turns into the belle of the ball. So, yes, in a way it is also a Cinderella story but the difference is that it doesn't revolve around finding Prince Charming but rather around self discovery.Are there any similarities between the characters of the book and people you know?Yes, of course there are! Show me a writer who says his characters are not influenced by people he knows, and I'll show you a liar. Most of my characters are a blend of people I've known in life. Those who have inspired me or amused me or infuriated me - there are shades and nuances that I borrow from people around me. And in some cases, I borrow quite liberally!Who are your target readers?Young, independent women are my target readers, for sure, but I wouldn't say the appeal is limited to them. The story, the situations, the trials and tribulations of love and relationships in our times - are all themes that young Indian men would also relate to quite easily. Moreover, its a window into what women really want! So I think guys would do well to read it. Also, anyone who likes to laugh should read 'Who, Me?'. Seriously.Would you like to work as a lead if the book is made into a movie? If not who will you like to cast?(Laughs) In a fantasy world, who wouldn't want to be a glamorous film star? But unfortunately in the real world, things like weight issues and crooked noses get in the way. So, no I wouldn't be able to play the lead role if 'Who, Me?' is adapted for a movie, but I think someone like Parineeti Chopra would be perfect! And Jacqueline Fernandes should play the femme-fatale best friend!Do you plan to write more? If yes, what are you planning to write next?I write all the time! It is a constant process with me, irrespective of whether or not those stories ever see light of day. Right now there's two projects I'm working on - one is a collection of short stories that explore the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Some of the stories are funny, in keeping with my usual style, but there are others that are poignant, ethereal or even melancholic. I'm experimenting a lot with these stories. The second manuscript is a chick-lit thriller, if there is any such thing! At all times I have a million ideas swarming around in my head.Who are your favourite authors? What are you reading these days?I have read everything that Stephen King, Robin Cook and Dean Koontz ever wrote... (laughs) and I'm not ashamed to say it. And I am obsessed with the Hunger Games trilogy. So clearly, I like thrillers. But I do read a lot across genres as well, so currently on my bedside table is the hilarious Wilt, by Tom Sharpe and Sachin's Playing it My Way.Do you think today's youth is too impatient to read a thick volume book?Not really. I have a friend whose eight-year-old daughter has just finished the entire Lord of the Rings series. So there's hope yet (smiles). But in all honestly, it is a rare thick volume book that has been able to hold my interest, so who am I to preach? I think there will always be takers for both kinds.And that's why fast-read is becoming popular?Fast reads will always be more popular because they appeal to a much wider range of people. And also because they can be read on a flight or a train journey. You don't have to put your life on hold for a quick, fun read. And I don't see anything wrong with that. It's like Bollywood's masala potboilers. They don't always stay with you like an Arth or a Madhumati but they sure are fun and popular.Do you think ebooks and audiobooks are a threat to publishing industry?Frankly, I hope not but I'm not entirely sure. See, its not as if the internet or even television news have wiped newspapers out. But newspapers have had to evolve with the challenge of this new media. So I think perhaps the publishing industry will also adapt and continually evolve, embracing e-books and audiobooks, assimilating them into the system. iTunes has done it with music, after all, hasn't it?What advice would you like to give to first-time writer?Just. Keep. Writing. The book will not magically appear on stands and store windows. You have to sit down at that desk and write, it. Night after night. Or dawn after dawn, if that's your thing. The first draft may be drivel, the second may need another six months of work, but in any case, you still have to write it. Don't just dream.

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