Growing up in a conservative family in Chennai, Sundari Venkataraman always read a lot of books, but never wrote. Writing came one day, out of sheer frustration when she was between jobs. Today, she lives in Mumbai and has 13 titles to her name. Sundari is on a book-a-month marathon, having published seven books in the last 6 months. She talks about her latest — Her Bohemian Husband.
When did the idea for the book germinate?
Her Bohemian Husband is the fifth and final novella in my series called Marriages Made in India. It revolves around the story of the youngest Maheshwari Shatrughan. The story wrote itself when I began to write it. I just planned the basic protagonists — Shatrughan and Avantika — and let them go tell their story. I actually watch my stories like movies unfolding in my head and just write down the scenes in words.
Is any part of it from real life, or based on someone you know?
The situations are as real as they come. It could be happening to any of our friends or neighbours. It’s about the Indian family set up — some old-fashioned, like the heroine Avantika’s parents; and others modern despite hailing from a village, like the Maheshwari parents. I know a lot of people who go to offices to work, same as I used to do a few years ago. And I know how much many of them hate that. So, I tend to portray my protagonists doing something different with their lives. And that’s how Shatrughan became a Bohemian. No, I am not telling more. He’s totally born of my imagination.
Which genre draws you the most as a reader and a writer?
Romance, especially happily-ever-afters.
What is your antidote for writer’s block?
Travel, watch movies, read and forget about the book I am writing. Each one of those works wonders.
One tip for aspiring writers Keep reading and writing.
Nothing like practice making perfect.
