Author Spotlight and Interview: Olivier Lafont

About the author

Read my review of Warrior (4.5/5) here


Interview:

Kritika: Congratulations on the book. Warrior is a mythological fiction. This genre is still in its infancy stage in India. What made you venture into this genre specifically for a debut novel?

Olivier: The first incarnation of ‘Warrior’ was actually a feature film script I wrote more than a dozen years ago, before I moved to Mumbai, so the story has existed since then. I have read and written in the genres of fantasy and science fiction for a long time before, so writing ‘Warrior’ was a natural development. I originally wanted to create an Indian film that would be on the same scale as big Hollywood special effects blockbusters of the time like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’. 

Kritika: What came first: the plot or the urge to write? Was writing always the plan, & the idea was what you were waiting for? 

Olivier: The urge to write is, for me, overarching and fairly constant, so that would come first. I wanted to write from a very young age, around the same time that ideas for stories started coming to me.

Kritika: How has your experience on getting published been till now? Any insights you'd like to share with our readers?

 Olivier: The experience has been straightforward, and of course seeing my book in print was fun and satisfying.

Kritika: Saam, the protagonist of the novel has endeared himself as a demigod. Although he is divine, his fallibility appeals to the reader. Was there any point in the story that you struggled etching Saam? 

 Olivier: I don’t recall having any trouble creating the character of Saam. Once I knew who he was and what it was he had to go through it just developed quite naturally.

Kritika: Writing fiction requires imagination. Add a slice of mythology to it, and we have fiction and fact intersecting at another level altogether. How difficult was the process of laying down the plot? Do you have some work process/pattern?

 Olivier: I was particularly careful about the intersection of fact and fiction, mainly because I wanted the reader to be able to believe that this could and would happen. The structuring of the many elements happened organically and with a fair degree of ease, actually. In this respect it wasn’t difficult, and I don’t have a particular process I follow. Generally I have a sense of the story and the main characters and I know the broad strokes of where it’s all going, but I leave it somewhat open-ended to allow space for invention.

Kritika: We have no doubt you went under the skin of the characters to make them who they are.  Was there any character you especially love or relate to? 

Olivier:  I really love the character of Saam, my hero. I wanted to create an epic, classic hero, someone who is powerful but struggles with his identity, with his life, for me that made for a compelling and relatable character.

Kritika: What do we have in the pipeline? More from the same genre?

Olivier:  There should be more coming in perhaps several genres, but for now I’m busy with a new film script I’ve written, for the first time with myself as the main character. I’m actually looking for a producer to partner with on it. The film is a really fun comedy, and could be an Indian film or an international one, so the producer could also be Indian or international.

Kritika: Any special moment from the time you were writing the book that you'd like to share? 

Olivier:  Actually every moment of the book was a special moment for me, since I was enacting it in my mind throughout. The thrill of the fights, the fun of the adventure, the threat of danger… all these were moments I felt and experienced intensely, and I hope my readers will as well.

Find the author here: 

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Links to the book:

Quotes from the book:

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Source of the review copy: Freebase Studio (Gina Lafont)

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Book Review: Awaken the Leader in you

About the book:

Awaken the leader in You by Mitesh & Indu Khatri is a business related self-help book based on leadership skills for everyone. In this book the authors discuss the traits and skills required to be a successful leader. It offers a completely new perspective on leadership ,and breaks the myth that leaders are only people at the top management level. Both Mitesh & Indu Khatri have been successfully conducting leadership workshops which has had an impact on many organisations and produced great results. They have used tools and techniques which are simple to understand and implement. This book covers different approaches to leadership in the 21st century, exercises and techniques to make sure you can get something out of every chapter and multiple aspects of leadership which have been validated by some of the best leaders of our country.

About the author:

Mitesh Khatri is one of the most trusted Leadership Trainer, Firewalk Expert, Motivational Speaker & Transformation Coach. With over a decade’s experience he has trained more than 80,000 executives in more than 100 organizations worldwide.
Indu Khatri, the Co-founder of Guiding Light Consultants (GLC) has a rich experience of over 15 years in the IT Industry. She is the principle content designer for all the corporate training programs and coaching sessions of GLC and a co-facilitator of High Impact Programs like Firewalk.
Mitesh & Indu are partners in life and business, which gives them a great advantage in creating extraordinary results in their training programs.
Author website: http://www.miteshkhatri.com/

My Review:

Awaken the leader in you is a book that brings the obvious facts to fore in a way that leaves you thinking about using it in your life. It is essentially a handbook, a guide more than a self-help in its essence. It doesn't preach. only but instead gives out practical tips on surviving as a leader. For those of us who have been/are at a leadership position, it becomes even more relevant and pragmatic.



I started reading it as yet another self help and I couldn't be more wrong. I couldn't read it that way past two pages. This is one book you need to take notes from, use the tips and apply them to practical real-life situations. Hence, I sat down again with the book and post-its and pen to mark important points and do the exercises as given.
The book reads as if you are just attending one of these workshops, and effectively helps you hone your leadership skills.
Even as leaders, we have some glaring flaws, it helps to eliminate or atleast minimize those.

After Reading, this book was marked by me at so many places. 

The author goes on to explain how anyone of us can uncap and unleash our potential and take up a role of responsibility. From a position of power, it is very easy to become vain or smug or self-satisfied. This book is more beneficial to readers who already have a leadership position, is what I think. I could relate to so many instances/feelings/events because I have been working as a leader for a while. I am not sure I can say the same about the others, who are yet to become a leader.

Some of the anecdotes are truly amazing, what with examples of famous people ranging from Richard Branson toNarayan Murthy.

Then of course, the practicality of the book is evinced in the various exercises it tells us to do. That is precisely where the book becomes beyond engaging. Littered with scientific, verifiable facts to support the leadership lessons, this book was worth the time.
I believe that if self book is effective, we must be able to seek help in times of crisis. Considering this parameter, this book is an overall success.

Best lines: People have vague fancies with. no specifications. Because people are afraid to create a clear vision for fear of failure.

I received this book as a part of BecomeShakespeare.com reviewers program.

Watch the author's workshops:

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Book Review: Myriad Hues by Rachna Gupta

About the Book/Book blurb:

To me writing is a companion, a shadow that has always been there for me. In good days and bad, nothing has cheered me up as much as putting my thoughts on paper. I have cried while writing some poems and I have also smiled, thinking about the happy thoughts that bring out the words of euphoria in my writing. "Myriad Hues" is as much about me and my life as yours; the feelings that I have spoken about are universal. We all feel because our emotions are the same, despite the fact that the situation occurs at different times. My work is also about nature; this wonderful creation that we have been bestowed with! It's about nurturing our environment and caring about it. And yes, my poems are about the omnipresent God and my conversations and encounters with Him.

About the Author:

In an interview on the blog of Patridge India (the publisher), she describes herself as under, "I am Rachna Gupta, a small-town girl who moved to Pune 12 years ago. An educationist by profession, writing is something that has always interested me. While teaching English, I always encouraged the children to be creative and express their feelings through different mediums like writing, art and drama. There is nothing more magical than using words to create something new!"

My Review:

What are we looking at? Myriad Hues is a collection of sweet and simple poems by a single poet. The themes chosen are such that they delve deeper into the otherwise superficial aspects of life and living.
Poetry reading (and writing) is for those who have a way with words, and those who relish the experience of so many emotions in a few lines. Not to mention, how poetry is often open, sometimes wholly to interpretation while at others open for the reader to devour it and relate the lines to his/her own life and experiences.

Now this book, a compilation of 28 poems, is meaningful. Meaningful and intense describes it best.

Some poetry books for review in my mail. #poetry #books #bookish #bookstagram #bibliophile #instapic #shoutout #myriad...
Posted by So many books, So little time. on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Here's a meticulous dissection:
Yay: There are some pieces I really liked for different reasons.
There is a piece called 'Innocence'. It is a sweet, succinct poetry to denote the actions of kids who are not maligned yet by the ways of the world. But again, open to interpretation, it is so many more things. It shows a girl seeking attention, so maybe the adults are not attentive enough. Maybe it is even more and deep as I make it out to be.

One very special mention goes to the poem titled 'Mood Swings'. It is a short piece, and yet it captures the theme so, so well. The abruptness, the lyrical quality and the scene created- all add up to make the poem give us emotional shivers.
Other pieces I liked were: My birthplace, Revenge, Mistake, Trepidation. My Birthplace has a reminiscent essence at its core, & Mistake is a commentary on the gender situation at the most basic level: in families. Trepidation has a charm of its own which made me like it instantly. The endearing, chirpy and enthusiastic tone also helped in the case of Trepidation.

Nay: I did find the style repetitive. It does not end the stanzas with rhyming pairs. At least not for a major part of the poem. However, I personally relish the use of rhyme as long as it isn't kiddish. Safe to say, I would have loved the poetry if I it had this element as dominantly as it had emotions interwoven.

Links:

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I thank the author for providing me with a copy in exchange of an honest review. 

Book Review: Warrior By Olivier Lafont

About the book:

The novel ‘Warrior’ is a high octane, action-packed story that travels all over India and beyond. The hero, Saam, is an immortal warrior who is forced to come out of hiding in today’s Mumbai to pick up arms again and take to the road. His epic journey spans three days across an India torn by unnatural cataclysms, and even stranger lands. To bring back peace Saam must stoke his consuming hunger for war - but at what cost to himself? 

 The book was shortlisted for the Tibor Jones South Asia prize. 

Olivier at Bahrisons Booksellers, Delhi

Book Blurb:

In Mumbai, driven to its knees by a merciless blizzard, Saam the watchmender is cornered into an intolerable position. As Shiva's only earthly demigod child, it falls upon him to stop his indomitable father. Bred to war, son of destruction, Saam rides with six extraordinary companions into the horror of a crumbling world to face Shiva. He is forced to join hands with Ara, his half-brother he can never fully trust and take with him his own mortal beloved, Maya, on this desperate attempt to stop the End of Days. But his path is littered with death, danger and betrayal. Interweaving mythology, epic adventure and vintage heroism, this enthralling novel will change the way you see gods, heroes and demons. 

About the author:

Lafont is a multitalented and versatile personality who writes fiction, feature film screenplays, and editorial pieces, but also acts in feature films, endorses some of India’s most popular brands on television, and lends his voice to many media in many languages. A French polyglot, Lafont pursues his eclectic interests at the highest standards having worked with some of India’s most acclaimed directors on films like 3 IDIOTS, Guzaarish and two HOLLYWOOD films, and continuing in the same vein with his new novel coming out with Penguin India. He is a familiar face due to his work in over 70 adverts on television.

Author Website: http://oliviersanjaylafont.blogspot.in/

Connect with the author:

     

My Review:

What we are looking at? We are looking at an action-packed, mythological fiction. The story begins with a catastrophic event. It seems the End of Days is near. For Demigods, this is the time to reveal their true identities and to try and save the world. Saam is the son of the Destroyer. Ara is his half-brother. Maya is Saam's girlfriend. Dhuan is the horse. Lalbaal is the son of Vayu, so he is also a part of the Demigod contingent. On their way, they are joined by others, either deliberately with an ulterior motive or by a quirk of fate.
The narration is good. The author goes under the skin of some characters and speaks their minds. The plot is intriguing when seen separate from all other things. It is such a creative fiction, and so conducive to our Indian mythology, it feels real.
But for the character's sake, I think even more details  could be meticulously given away, it would have intrigued me as a reader more and more. This is the only reason that the characters, although epic in how they had been sketched, failed to endear themselves to me.

I loved how the book was full of witty and sarcastic remarks. the dialogues were spot-on and added to the flavor of the respective characters. For example, Ara has some of the most thought-provoking dialogues which found relevance in the plot in mysterious ways, "A funny thing, family. The basis of mortal society. the building block of community, the bastion of human emotion. Yet no one knows better how to destroy you."

The pace of the book was never disappointing: in the beginning when we as a reader need time to take in the enormous fiction, the author gracefully stretched the plot and only slowly unravels it. On the other hand, when we needed pace for the last 200 pages, the author grants our wish.

Now, coming to how it unfolded and ended, I certainly think the author could have employed the use of dramatic at its best in some crucial earth-shattering scenes, only they were not earth-shattering because well, dramatics was conspicuous by its absence. Had this been the case, my attention wouldn't have deviated from this book even once.
Towards the end, the book does manage to take our breath away. One revelation after another, sets the pace just right for us to digest the facts and go ahead with another dose of mystery and revelations.

If you're a fan of mythological fiction, you cannot afford to miss this masterpiece woven around demons and demigods.
Even if this is the first time you'd choose to read this genre, you are in for a good read!

Book Trailer:

Links:

Quotes from the book:

   

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Book Review: Metro Diaries by Namrata

About the book:

Love is one of the most amazing feelings on this earth, one that makes you the most powerful person or the most helpless person in a split second. These stories capture those feelings of despair, longing, love, lust, desire, want, dejection and admiration to create deja vu. Hold onto your hearts as you flip through these pages and take a walk down the memory lane as "Metro Diaries" will revive your innermost feelings and imbibe in you the magic of love. Touching, amusing and deeply moving, Metro Diaries - Love Classics are tales that will hold you from start till end.

About the Author:

Namrata is a prolific blogger known by the name Privy Trifles in the blogosphere who romances life through her writings and aspires to make love the universal language. She dons various hats between that of a contributing author to 7 anthologies a reviewer for leading publishing houses an editor to various books and a columnist. Apart from that she is also the editor for an online magazine called Writer's Ezine. Having mastered the nuances of finance till recently she also held the title of an investment banker closely to let it go to embrace her love for writing fully.

My Review:

This is a collection of some of the most heart-warming love stories. The stories are soulful to their core, and romantic through and through, and each story explores a different emotional dimension: pain, wait, delight, agony, fulfilment, et al. Because well,
"Love stories aren’t created; they are captured."

While I am not very romantic in my choice of books, I'd say this was a decent read. The stories were a giveaway:some of them eventually culminated to the most obvious end, they concluded in a very predictable manner, making romance as cliched as it can get.
However, the surprise was in a couple of the stories which were refreshingly different, and the end was astonishing, in a good way, that is.
There are so many different colors to the stories and a multitude of personalities one can never get bored. There's a vulnerable character haunted by the past, there's someone trying to come out of the closet, then there's another character
I especially liked the pieces of poetry that preceded every story. They have been beautifully written without a doubt, and are heart-rending. Here's an example:

" I want to say a lot of things,

wonder if I will be heard.

I want to hear a lot of things,

wonder if they will be said."

Links:

This book review is a part of b00k r3vi3w Tours.