How does it feel? 34 Bubblegums and Candies

A lot of people are asking me how it feels right now. Many ask if I am nervous. Some ask if I am excited. Some do not know what to say and refer to me as ‘Ms.Celebrity’ or ‘Ms.Author’ or something to that effect (Somehow it irks me though I know they mean it well) A few ask me in disbelief “YOU wrote a book?” (No, my children wrote it and I took all the credit) and some say “I am jealous of you.”

Many of course say very positive and wonderful things—the best I have heard so far being “I am proud of you.”, “I feel so happy to share your joy.” “I am delighted and wish you all the success you deserve.” And I know they mean it from the heart—so I accept their words gratefully.

Many many months back, when I had just begun writing, Satish and I went to a book store. I saw rows upon row of books by different authors arranged so well, graded into different categories, beckoning you to pick up one and devour it. Having my book there among all these erudite authors seemed a distant dream, a mere wishful thinking, a deep longing and a fantasy that I did not even dare visualise.

I whispered to Satish in small voice “Do you think one day my book will also be in these shelves?”

His reply, in a clear, unfaltering voice was “Of course it will. Where is the doubt?”

Then he added “See—today no one knows you when you walk in. Tomorrow they will all recognize you.”

I just smiled and brushed it aside as fond praise from a loving husband.

It has been an arduous journey since then consisting of slogging, sweating, toiling and burning the midnight oil, spending hours and hours writing, re writing, editing, contacting publishers and what-have-you and what-have-you-not!

The seemingly distant dream came true yesterday. We went to Crossword last evening and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. One part of me felt overjoyed, elated, and euphoric. Another part of me was filled with sadness that my dad could never be a part of this.

The store had a huge standee of my book launch. All over the store were posters of my book. The moment I entered, some people recognized me and some said “Oh—you are Preeti Shenoy? The book is great.”

Satish was so very proud. For about five minutes Satish and I could not speak, and we stood staring at the book shelves which prominently had my book displayed. I could not talk at all. I was a vortex of emotions—I did not know whether to laugh or to cry and I just stood there posing for the pictures which Satish wanted to click.

The children were so proud. All over the store wherever they saw my book they would call out “Mummy—see your book is here.” “Mummy—look here—your book!” They were excited and yes—they did buy a book of mine with their pocket money.(Scroll down and see previous post for full story)

When I came back home, I called up my mom (who lives in Kerala) and described to her in detail, the day’s happenings. She was so happy she cried. She also felt terribly sad that dad wasn’t there to share her joy. (One of the reasons why she wont be coming for my launches is that she just has not gone anywhere without my dad. She said she was very very proud of me and would pray for my success but she would not be able to bear coming to the launch. I understood completely.)

I gave my first media interview a few days back. It felt strange as usually I am the one interviewing people and here I was being interviewed. The article was published in DNA today. The book has got great reviews. Here is the article. (click to enlarge)

I have started getting invitations from Clubs and colleges to give talks about my book. That will happen sometime in the near future.

Yesterday, I was in conversation with the Editor of Times of India Pune plusses. He was very sweet, supportive and extremely encouraging.

“How do you manage everything—home, kids, fitness routine, writing, painting?’ he asked

“I stay up late.” I said .Then I added “I also have two wonderful children, a very supportive husband, and rock-solid friends.”

For me, more than the money (which to be honest is hardly anything) it is reaching out to people which matters. If this book has made you think, made you smile, made you live at least one day fully, then I’d think it has succeeded. This book was born out of deep grief and helplessness. This book is entirely for my dad.

More than the destination, it is the journey which has made it all worth it.

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Note: 34 Bubblegums and Candies published by SRISHTI is now available at a book store near you if you happen to live in India.(In case it is not you can place an order and they will get it for you within 10 days). It costs Rs.100/-

If you happen to live abroad and want to order it online, you will have to place an order with any of the online sites (Eg:Rediff or Indiaplaza.in) and they will contact the publishers and get it for you.