Interview with author Bhavna Mishra

Name of the author: Bhavna Mishra

About the author:

An alumna of St. Stephen’s College (D.U), Bhavna Mishra went on to do MBA with specialization in Human Resource Management from Amity University.

She started her career as an early childhood educator and went on to mentor over 80 schools spanning diverse regions for their academic support, quality checks and ensuring alignment of processes with institutional objectives.

Having honed her skills for over 20 years in all aspects related to the teaching-learning process, she now brings in vast experience and expertise in her roles as a teacher trainer.This is her first attempt to write a story to inspire, to instill hope, to nurture dreams and to connect with her father through her book.

1.     How did you choose the theme for this book?

The theme is very close to my heart and life. I always wanted to document the teachings of my father in a book form as an everlasting memory. I lost my father when I was very young and I didn’t want his memories to fade away. I maintain a diary where all my interactions with my father are documented and it was a lifetime moment for me when my work got published.

2.     Are your characters purely fictional or are they inspired from real life?

The characters in my book are inspired from real life. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who have impacted me with their strong and positive ways of facing life.

This inspires me to bring their journey alive through my stories as an inspiration to others.

3.     One all-time favourite book of yours.

The first book that comes to my mind is The last Lecture by Randy Pausch.

It gave me a very positive feeling and I could connect with the journey of the main protagonist.

4.     Describe your publishing process.

I was guided in this journey by Suhail Mathur from The Book Bakers.

The Book Bakers team not only helped, they nurtured my dream work through their love and care. Everyone treated my journey with so much of understanding and made my work feel so special. The book was published by Locksley Hall Publishing. Their team was so supportive and gave respect to my manuscript by ensuring it’s well edited and presented before reaching the masses. I was extremely touched with their involvement in my work. I am inspired to write again and collaborate with them.

5.     If you had to do something different other than teaching and writing, what would you do?

Perhaps I would have been a journalist. Journalism inspires me but it didn’t happen as back then I wasn’t well aware of the process.

6. How do you name your characters?

As mentioned my characters are inspired from real life so in my debut book I chose to retain their real names as well with due permission from the concerned people.

7. How did you do the research for this book?

The research was digging my own diary that had minute details of my interaction with my father.

8. A list of your favourite authors.

I am a huge fan of Ruskin Bond and Enid Blyton .

9. What kind of book do you want to write next?

I am getting very positive reviews on my debut book. People are loving my main character Bitti so my 2^nd book will be an extension to Bitti’s story.

10. What do you enjoy reading the most, fiction/non-fiction?

I prefer reading fiction over non-fiction. There is more scope of being imaginative with your thinking.

11. Brief about your writing process.

I love to write on subjects that touch my heart. It comes naturally to me ,might not happen at all times but there are moments in the day when I am bombarded with thoughts and that’s when I pick up a pen to write. My style is very simple and easy to connect with, emotions form the core of my expression.

12. If you could be a character in your book, what character would you choose?

I would love to be Bitti’s dad and get to know more about his thinking process and how much his children mattered to him.

13. Tell me something about your book that is not in blurb.

My book has an important chapter that can be very valuable for educators. It talks about a very capable student who wanted to be a superhero and change the world with his magical powers.

14. How do you handle reviews, both positive and negative?

Positive reviews make me confident and negative reviews are valuable for me to improvise and understand the critical mind of the readers.

15. Your advice for budding writers.

My message to all aspiring authors is hold that pen and write ,let the magic flow through your expressions, don’t hold back, follow your heart and God will always show a way. You have the power within you to inspire and engage people through your stories don’t let this power diminish. Give your expression priority and there will be no looking back.