Interview with the Author of Tied Hearts

Hello, Bookworms!!
I recently read a book on the LGBTQ community" Tied Hearts " written by Vikram Singh.
We also had a QnA round.
Check out the questions I asked and the answers he gave!!

Simran: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer?

Vikram: During my first year of post-graduation. I started reading novels around the same time.

Simran: How much time does it take for you to write a book?

Vikram: It varies and depends hugely on other works at hand. Writing a manuscript may take a time period of a month to a year.

Simran: One of the qualities you learned from writing? 

Vikram: Patience is crucial. Impatience can kill a story in its bud.

Simran: Where did you get the inspiration for writing such a book?

Vikram: Honestly, it was a random decision.

Back in 2009, I wanted to write a script, because back then I wanted to get into the movie industry (Bollywood), though it still exists somewhere in the back of my mind. One day I was wondering what should my script be based on. During that time, the Delhi high court had ruled out the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, and I got appealed to the avant-garde topic instantly and wrote a story on it after a little research was made.

However, I left it on the shelves after writing it, owing to different things running on simultaneously.

A couple of years later, in 2014, I wanted to write a novel, after getting inspired by another novel “Trust Me” by Rajashree. That was the first novel I had read, and I liked the way it jolted my feelings. Without thinking much, I got down into writing this story.

Simran: What do you like to do when you're not writing? As in, what are your hobbies?
Vikram: Cooking, Singing.

Simran: How did you imagine about writing a novel of this genre?

Vikram: As said already, the Delhi high court’s decision on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in 2009 motivated me.

Simran: Your favorite author?

Vikram: When I started reading, I was addicted to Mr. Chetan Bhagat’s novels. However, I realized, the way I wrote then somewhere resembled his work. I took a decision of not following one and began reading books of other authors to improve and differentiate my writing. Therefore, I read novels of Chetan Bhagat, Ravindra Singh, Durjoy Dutta, Madhuri Banerjee, Twinkle Khanna and quite a few more.

However, considering this year’s read, my favorite author and book would be Kavita Kane and The Karna’s wife.

Simran: What do you think makes a good story?

Vikram: A roller-coaster ride of emotions, if well-put.

Simran: Any suggestions for the budding writers?

Vikram: It’s a horrific jungle out here and the chances of falling prey are very high. Thorough research is very important before getting into the world of publishing your manuscript. If possible, get in touch with authors who are willing to help you in answering your queries and guide through the processes. Don’t jump into being an author, patience and hard work will pay eventually, but the right set of decisions will make your path easier.

PS: -
I am approachable ;)

Simran: Was writing your initial goal?

Vikram: Never.

Simran: Your views on “Tied hearts”?

Vikram: A life-changing, liberating and worth-taking journey for me as an individual and a writer.

I would also appreciate if people can take it as a “Fictional Homosexual Love Story” rather than trying to find the realities involved in it. Besides, readers are mistaking it to be a coming-out story, which in reality is a “Coming-Of-Age-Story”. The sole purpose of the book is to show that the love stories in the LGBT community are just the same as the heterosexual ones. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any discrimination.

Simran: If you were to write a sequel of this book, what would be its title?

Vikram: Certainly not “Tied Hearts – Part 2” ;)

It would  be Tied Destiny and just to let you know, it is coming soon…!

Buy his book from here.