Author Q&A: Ishita Banik (AS WE LAST)
“Everytime I am writing a story, I am living in it. It's like living several lives in a single life-time!”
Indian author Ishita Banik writes thriller/romance novels. She is also an entrepreneur, and blogs about her books, journey, inspiring thoughts, how to write a novel, how to publish a novel, writing process tips, how to self-publish in India, and how to traditionally publish in India.
1.What is your most recent book, and what is it about?
My recent book is AS WE LAST. It is the last and final part of the best-selling Light-year Trilogy. It is a thriller fiction series. First two parts are IF WE LAST and TILL WE LAST.
2. What is your favorite part of writing?
Living in a different world. Everytime I am writing a story, I am living in it. It's like living several lives in a single life-time!
3. When did you first know that you wanted to write fiction, and what inspired you to begin on this journey as an author?
I wrote my first poem or story (can't remember exactly), when I was in first grade. And since that time I wanted to write only. I can remember writing stories and reading those to my grand mom. And she would say that I will become an author one day!
4. Your novels are described as a mix between thriller and romance—what attracted you to writing these genres?
I love thrillers- be it books or movies. And I think it is one of the elements that never fail to keep the readers glued. On the other hand, emotions play a vital part in any story or else it won't feel real at all.
5. Who are the authors or storytellers that have influenced your own fiction?
As said, I am a huge fan of mystery and thrillers, Sidney Sheldon, Agatha Christie, Dan Brown, Gillian Flynn...all are my favorite and inspiration as well. Actually the list is even longer.
6. Many of our visitors at Monster Complex are from around the world—including North America, Western Europe, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brazil, as well as India, and everywhere else. What are some elements about your fiction that might be uniquely Indian and it would help the rest of us if you explained them or gave us context?
Umm...I don't think there is anything as such except the character names maybe! While a few places I have mentioned are of India, many are just imaginary. So, nothing specifically Indian you can say.
7. What advice do you have for young people who wish to write?
Start writing and keep writing. Also, don't compare yourself with anyone not even with the biggest authors, because in that way, you may end up losing your own unique writing style.
And most importantly, believe in yourself and your work even when the world doesn't seem to believe in them.
8. Your experience also includes working in fashion, publishing, and marketing. Do these other experiences influence you as an author, or are they just separate parts of your life? (And how did you get involved in them?)
They don't influence me as an author at all. These all are seperate fields I am interested in. I opened my clothing brand two years back as I love designing and recently I have also started a label for only t-shirts, I design them all.
Though I love writing a lot, I can't do only one thing all the time. So I invest my time in whatever makes me happy or of my interest!