Presented by Nimo N. Menon
Three poems from the book “Towards a new harmony with life” were read out at the onset-‘Sense & Sensitivity’ (Poornima Tandon), ‘The Street Child’ and ‘Moods’(Sujata L.)
1) Discussed in detail how my book,’Towards a new harmony with life’ came to be-with regard to content (prose written in the form of poetry), visuals, my search for the perfect Visualiser, my experience of working with him, deciding on the book’s format( a Hard Bound, Coffee Table book),how I worked out the pricing adding on what I would have to pay the Distributor (usually 50% of the S.P.),shortlisting printers and selecting the ideal printer based on his rates, delivery schedules and quality of work. And most importantly, their understanding of my requirements.
(Visualiser: M.B.Suresh Kumar; Printers : Vykat Prints Pvt. Ltd.)
2) The two reasons which made me decide I would publish the book myself-1) The response I got from major as well as not so major publishing houses-that they required a minimum of 6 months to revert to me after receipt of manuscripts-as they have too many manuscripts already lined up.
I had just come out of a major brain surgery-and was determined to bring out the book at the earliest possible date.
3) The next search was on for a Distributor who would do justice to my book-I took a trip to Mumbai as well before I decided to work with East West. I zeroed in on Westland Publications( earlier East West Publications), recently acquired by the Tata’s. They were big time, with plenty of credibility in the market. They did warn me that Poetry did not sell as well as Prose in our country especially-something I took in my stride-I was not going to let 27 yrs of work-even if it began with scribbles-go up in smoke!!
Actually, most of the poems were done in the last 10 years. However I have certain pieces dating as far back as 1982. I decided I would also do my bit-with book stores-meet up with them, check if my books are on their shelves-otherwise inform the distributor and ensure action is taken. It was no easy task.
A fellow member, Sujata related the experience of her friend who had her book of fiction launched by none other than Shabana Azmi, published by Penguin and the stores did not stock the book just 2 months after launch. The publishers clearly told her she would have to follow up with the stores. Period.
Now, in that case my efforts at ensuring my books were on bookshelves for over a year after launch was creditable-especially since mine was a poetry book. My years in advertising and marketing surely helped-I did my very best to make sure the books were on the shelves as long as possible!
4) The Distributors advised me on how to procure my ISBN No. and barcode by writing to Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, Govt. of India, Ministry of H.R.D., N. Delhi. I had my ISBN no: sent to me in 10 days time.
5) I had already got my manuscripts ready-with the visuals by this time. My sister Sita Nayar was my chief editor. Her command over the English language is the best
I have ever encountered in my entire life.
My friend Mamtha Adiga was my advisor-she had me remove parts she felt were not necessary-she could view it more objectively that I could, I guess!
6) Here are some of my observations:
- Commercially viable books are the call of the hour.
- Works of fiction sell better than poetry.
- people are no longer die-hard romantics, they want books that make sense, less
frills, not high brow, books that tell a good story.
-In an article I read a in a newspaper-it was written in bold:
Cover Story : Wanted Writers who can tell a good story, whether crime, humor, travel, sci fi, chic lit, filmi or sheer pulp fiction…
Harper Collins, has made commercial pulp fiction its mission and the discovery of the new writers its quest. Genre writing in its simple form-which reaches out not to the elite readers alone-but to the younger readers as well as people venturing into the world of reading perhaps for the first time, became the call of the hour. People want a good story-simple and straight forward.
7) -I believe for good writing one needs to possess an inherent complex imagination and subtle sensitivity, it cannot be learnt. A good writer has to be empathetic and compassionate.
-Good writing comes from within the being and cannot be taught. One must feel good before you write. As Juhi Sinha, filmmaker said in her latest book ’Beyond the Dunes-journeys in Rajasthan’ - ‘Writing becomes art when it comes from the heart’
-When you write your senses and emotions must be aroused.
-A good writer is focused, steadfast & disciplined; good writing deals with
making good sentences,in the right pitch, tone and pace.
-Like writer and poet Rukmini Bhaya Nair said, ’A piece of writing becomes an art when it takes flight and captures your imagination.’
-Seek a stimulus-like a bunch of flowers, greenery around you to set your thoughts flowing.
-Writing can be inspired by a good book just read and likewise painting can be inspired by a good work of art-but eventually it is your original piece which will sell.
-Quoting an article I once read entitled ‘Can everyone become a writer’, Fatima Bhutto said at the Jaipur Literary Fest (early 2008), that:
‘the best writing is honest and true, by opening your mind and heart to a topic and letting it take you to places and feeling that you weren’t prepared for, you create good work. If that can be taught then that’s wonderful”
“Art of writing is just that, an art. It can come in many shapes and forms, colours and textures, sizes and feelings (brings to my mind my poem, ‘moods’ which was just read out to you). Write what is true to you; honest writing is hard hitting”.
-If you want to be an outstanding novelist, you need, in addition to the innate imagination, an inspiration whose source is a mysterium , and which lies outside one’s self and about which Ghalib wrote ’My thoughts come to me/From somewhere Beyond/When Ghalib is attuned/To the music of the stars”
8)Finally, I have this board here which tells you my website, (www.nimomenon.co.nr) from where you can access my online store, and gives you press clippings of the book launches I had in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai., review on the book, and Q&A Session, based on what was asked to me at the Mumbai Launch. (This was read out to the members, by Ralph at the forum)
I had printed 1000 book out of which I have to date sold 500 books-in India, Monaco, parts of Europe and USA. I have recovered half the amount I have spent-including what the distributor made). And guess what-I haven’t given up yet!
I plan to work on two books on fiction-one targeted at the adult segment and one for young adults. The ideas are there waiting to take form! Meanwhile I have been overpowered by another passion-painting portraits-oil on canvas.
I must now show you a compilation of poems brought out by the Delhi Poetree Association-‘In Many Voices’-something to inspire us. This was published using the money collected by the Association by organizing events over the years.
A Simple Exercise
Write a short essay-150-200 words, on an experience which has aroused a deep emotion within you-be it empathy, compassion, concern-be it a take-off on something you have read, be it something you are creating at this very moment.
A tip:
To begin with spend a few minutes thinking about what inspired you to write this passage-a stray dog, a street child-just anything.
Good Luck &
Cheers!
Nimo
