Interaction with Ishita Bhown, The Author of “ToGetHer – Best Friends Are Forever”

A software engineer by profession, Ishita Bhown belongs to Jaipur, Rajasthan. Young author, Ishita Bhown developed keen interest in writing from early age. She contributed her works in school and college magazines. Her works also got published in local newspaper. Along with writing, she also has interest in reading, blogging, philately and interacting with people.

ToGetHer is Ishita Bhown’s debut novel.

We at Spectralhues got in touch with the author. In a candid interview with Susmita Bose, she tells us about her book, inspiration and journey.

Congratulations on the release of your first novel “ToGetHer – best friends are forever”. What kind of response you are receiving from the readers?

Thank you. The book is getting overwhelming response from the readers. Since the readers are keener to obtain female perspective about the youth generation of the country, the book catches the reader’s attention instantly. Its simple language makes them relate easily with the story. As this was my debut novel, I was apprehensive about the readership, but today when strangers congratulate me and recognize me for my work, I feel very happy about it.

‘ToGetHer’ – The title is both unique and smart. How did you come upon it?

The response is in the tagline itself – best friends are forever. They suggested it. Don’t you think it suits the story too?

How was your experience with your publisher?

I got the book published through General press, New Delhi. Mr Azeem, the CEO of the house is a very supportive and decent person. My experience with them has been very nice. Since it is my debut, Azeem sir guided me through all the processes and I appreciate the support he extended.

What kind of support you are getting?

Writing has been a hobby, but while penning down the book I had not thought of getting it published. Being a college student and from family of engineers, I had no idea about the procedure to be followed. My friends encouraged me to give it a serious thought about turning the story into a novel. The support of family and friends made this a reality. There were times when I had no idea about how to get started. The firm belief and constant encouragement gave me the desired confidence and the publishers support boosted it.

What makes you to write this particular story?

Being an engineer, I can never forget the first day of my college. I presume similar incidences are common among professionals throughout the country. Sharing the experiences of my friends and imagining the situation of other colleges, I could visualize the concept of this novel, which tells about a simple girl Ayesha and her interesting life, full of strange coincidences. The story takes you to the college campus, the carefree days and the excitement each day brought-from the first crush to romantic fantasies, strange co-incidences, to great misunderstandings, from detective instincts to protective feelings. This is a story which any one can easily relate with, and this is something that made me pen it down.

What is your idea of friendship?

Right from childhood, I am very talkative and try to interact with any person that I meet. Friendship is my weakness and this weakness makes me stronger. While growing I realized that friends are a life support system. Friendship is the purest relationship, as friends are the people we choose and enjoy to stay with. They are the pillars of strength who understand us well and accept both the good and bad about us. For me, once a friend is always a friend. I think friendship remains unaffected by time and distance, but is a feeling of care and an inexplicably strong tie of fondness.

Did you have a target readership in mind?

Yes. Definitely the youth!

Is this book a pure fiction or a real story?

Fiction, closer to the reality

Who motivates you to write?

My hobby of reading and the way I lived the characters in the books that I read. It motivated me to write something, which others could relate with. I wanted to touch the lives of people with literary interests. I had a dream to attach other people to my fiction and thus started blogging. The positive response of my blog boosted my confidence and inspired me to write the novel.

Tell us something about your future plans? Have you already started planning for your next book?

Being a debundant writer, I was a bit hesitant about the acceptance of my writing, but the positive response of the readers and their affection as well as feedback is definitely motivating me for a second attempt. I have a plot in mind, and hope to get it in the form of a good writing.

What is the best tip that you can give to the aspiring authors?

I would like to tell them that “have confidence, be realistic and optimistic. Never give up writing, there are people who will appreciate you and recognize your talent.

Which books are close to your heart?

Dave Pelzer’s ‘A child called “it” ‘ . It’s a book about child abuse. I read it when I was a kid, and it touched my heart deeply. I felt bad about the poor condition of the little boy. The book is very close to my heart, even till date. I hope the problem of child abuse is resolved not only in India, but from the world.

Any message for the readers?

I would like to thank them for their support and love. I eagerly await their feedback- both positive and negative, which will tell me about the scope of improvements in my future writings.

That was Ishita Bhown! In a candid chat this talented author tells us her story. Spectralhues is wishing her all the very best for her future endeavors.

• About the Author

About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!