The following is an interview of an author, Basit Khurshid and his journey with his debut novel his ‘El-Dorado’ that he released with Wolf Books Publishing. The journey is inspiring where he shared his feelings, his to-do list, and post-book launch tasks which are engaging and knowledgeable for new writers who are looking forward to become an author:
Interviewer: How has been your journey as an Author from a writer?
Basit: As an author, the journey to publication can be a long and winding road, filled with challenges, rejections, and moments of self-doubt. Yet despite the difficulties, it is a journey that is ultimately rewarding, both creatively and personally.
For many writers, the journey begins with a spark of inspiration, a glimmer of an idea that takes root in the mind and refuses to let go. From there, it is a matter of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and bringing that idea to life through words and characters.
Interviewer: How did the idea of El-Dorado happened sitting in Kashmir?
Basit: The idea and concept of El-Dorado started in the year 2010 when in a history book I glanced upon the voyages that were set upon by various nations in search of the ultimate prize – the land of El Dorado. The idea stayed with me until the year 2016, when Kashmir was shut down and there was nothing to do owing to a telecom lockdown. I started writing the book in August 2016 and completed it by December 2016. The file remained on my computer for 3 years untouched and unscathed, lost amongst the multiple records until the end of 2019, when I started off with the publishing process. The editing process was
tedious, but the end fruit was delightful. The book saw the light of the day in August 2021, almost 5 years after I started working on it.
The process of writing a book can be a solitary and introspective one, requiring discipline, focus, and a willingness to confront the blank page and the fear of failure that often accompanies it. But it can also be a joyful and transformative experience, allowing the author to explore new worlds, new perspectives, and new aspects of themselves.
Interviewer: What are the step-by-step processes to be followed to become an Author?
Basit: Once the manuscript is complete, the author must then navigate the often-daunting world of publishing. This can involve researching agents and publishers, crafting query letters and synopses, and enduring a sometimes-agonizing wait for responses.
Rejection is a common experience for many writers, and it can be difficult not to take it personally. But it is important to remember that rejection is not a reflection of the author's worth or talent, but rather a subjective response to a particular manuscript at a particular time.
Despite the setbacks, however, many authors persevere, honing their craft, seeking feedback and support from fellow writers, and continuing to submit their work until they find the right fit. For some, this may mean self-publishing or working with a small independent press, while for others it may mean securing a major book deal with a large publisher.
Regardless of the path to publication, becoming a published author is a significant achievement that can bring a sense of pride, validation, and fulfilment. It is a moment of celebration that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Yet the journey does not end with publication. Authors must also engage in the work of promotion, reaching out to readers, connecting with fans, and building a platform that can help support future projects. This may involve social media, book signings, speaking engagements, and other forms of outreach, all aimed at building a loyal and engaged readership.
As an author, the journey never truly ends. With each new project, there are new challenges, new lessons to be learned, and new opportunities for growth and creativity. But with each step, authors can look back on their journey with pride and gratitude, knowing that they have accomplished something truly special, and that their words have the power to inspire, entertain, and touch the hearts of readers around the world.
For those who enjoy stories of fiction, adventure, romance, and self-discovery, I invite you to check out El-Dorado. With its vivid descriptions, complex characters, and page-turning plot, I believe it offers a unique and engaging reading experience. Whether you are a fan of literary fiction or simply looking for a good story, I hope that El-Dorado will capture your imagination and leave you with a sense of wonder and possibility.
El-Dorado is an expression of bounty, abundance, and reward. It represents the worldly desires in addition to ones heartily desires. A man is flesh and bones, but a human is flesh and bones with spirits. El-Dorado as a book represents the life and its rigid value in terms of denominations. Fiction novels give humans an escapade from their daily woes and provide a space where they create their little fictitious self and try to live off this imaginary character in real life. The book tries to burst in enthusiasm towards the expression of fictional heroic living. The book whereas provides an emotional ride also has a touch of VAE VICTIS. El-Dorado gives a light of hope and kindles the optimism sometimes whereas it dispels the positivity and bursts into disapproval yet other times.
Interviewer: Could you specify for our new wannabe writers, what necessary steps to follow after the book is launched?
Basit: With publishing a book comes the mammoth task of “Book Promotion” which is also an ongoing and a tedious task:
Social Media: Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to build a following, engage with readers, and promote your book. Share updates on your writing process, teasers of the book, and information about book signings and other events.
Book Signings and Events: Host book signings at local bookstores or other venues to attract readers and generate buzz. Consider partnering with other authors or organizations to expand your reach and audience.
Book Reviews: Reach out to book bloggers, book reviewers, and book clubs to review your book and post their reviews on their platforms. Positive reviews can generate interest and encourage readers to purchase your book.
Giveaways: Consider offering giveaways on social media or through your website to build excitement and engagement. Giveaways could include signed copies of the book, merchandise related to the book, or other items that tie into the story.
Press Releases: Draft a press release announcing the release of your book and send it to local media outlets, book bloggers, and book reviewers. This can help generate publicity and increase awareness about your book.
Online Advertising: Consider investing in online advertising on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads to target readers who are interested in your genre.
Book Trailers: Create a book trailer that showcases the story and themes of your book. Share it on social media and other online platforms to generate interest and engagement.
Podcasts and Interviews: Reach out to podcasts and other media outlets to request interviews and discuss your book. This can help you reach new audiences and generate interest in your work.
Remember that promotion is an ongoing process, so continue to engage with your audience, build your platform, and seek out opportunities to connect with readers and generate excitement about your book.
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You can buy El-Dorado@
Or. swiggy It Swiggy App and this url https://wolf-books-books.mini.store !
You can reach out to Basit Khurshid at his social media channels to know more about him 1 on 1 –
Email: Basitlanker@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basitlkr/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/basitlkr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/basitlkr
If you wish to publish your own book, try Wolf Books Publishing Submission page!
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