Gone are the days of the kurta-clad, jhola-sporting writers, who carried a sordid expression on the face to justify their ingenuity. The 21st century writers are a dynamic lot, who pursue writing as just another indulgence. The trend in the past few months have seen the authors from fields as varied as modelling, medicine and investment banking pitching in with their works on different topics. And if figures are to be believed, their books are doing brisk business.
Autobiographical elements
Almost all works have autobiographical elements in them. A case in point is of former Miss India contestant-turned-author Ira Trivedi, who caused quite a stir with her latest book, What Would You Do To Save The World. Apparently the book is inspired by her experiences of a beauty pageant in India.
Another 20-something IITian Tushar Raheja’s book, Anything For You Ma’m, is based on his experiences in the institute. And ask them about their writing skills, Trivedi says, “Writing is my forte, so writing a book for me isn’t completely out of the blues.” Raheja says, “I was good at story telling. Although the transition was a bit difficult, I wished to be a writer even before I graduated from IIT.”
Another doctor-turned-author Mani Bhaumik has dabbled in quantum physics and vedanta in his book titled Code Name God. And how can we forget the best-selling author Chetan Bhagat. An investment banker by profession, his first book — Five Point Some One — apparently based on his experiences at IIT while the next— One Night At The Call Centre — delves into the lives of BPO executives.
{{/usCountry}}Another doctor-turned-author Mani Bhaumik has dabbled in quantum physics and vedanta in his book titled Code Name God. And how can we forget the best-selling author Chetan Bhagat. An investment banker by profession, his first book — Five Point Some One — apparently based on his experiences at IIT while the next— One Night At The Call Centre — delves into the lives of BPO executives.
{{/usCountry}}Trendsetters
So what leads the upswing in the writing department? Kapish Mehra of Rupa and Co says, “Some of the authors are really young and this factor helps the younger generation to connect with them and often spur them to write”
Sell-well factor
It’s not just about writers evolving out of the blue and narrating their experiences, some of their works have also emerged as money spinners for publishers. Mehra adds, “Chetan has made records. We sold over two lakh copies and it holds a record for us.
Apart from Chetan, we also have Gautam Bhimani’s (TV anchor) Reverse Sweep that has done reasonably well.” Anil Arora of Book Worm bookstore concurs, “Code Name God has done well for us and Upmanyu Chatterjee’s book is still selling even after years of publication.” So got any idea? Get cracking on it, may be you end up being a millionaire!