Published by Pan Macmillan, Bobby Sachdeva’s debut book Stories of Us: The Common Man, a collection of short stories was so well received by the readers that it went on to become the Amazon Bestseller.
He speaks to NEWS WORLD INC on the Indian Society and Short Stories and about his new upcoming book: Once There Was Me.
NWI: Why do you like to write fiction and short fiction in particular—what does writing fiction bring into your life?
Though I like to write fiction but all the content is inspired by true life events. It’s mainly fiction because I feel Stories are accessible while realities are not. People digest reality when it comes as a story.
NWI: How did you get the idea for the book – Stories of Us: The Common Man?
I’ve been observing, reading and analysing the unpleasant events happening in the society. I started writing short stories some three years ago and when I wrote more than 30 stories, I thought of compiling all in a book, but some more disturbing events kept happening and as a result, I had total 41 stories when I approached the publisher.
NWI: What’s your favourite story from your book – Stories of Us: The Common Man?
I wish to be a dog is my favourite story. It’s about the plight of Ragpicker children. Exploitation of children deeply disturbs me.
NWI: How long have you been writing fiction?
It’s just been 3yrs since I started writing.
NWI: In your book you used simplicity at its best to convey the strongest of emotions and hardest of messages for the Indian society. What’s your take on it?
Writing in simple language did not happen by choice as I’m not a professional writer and don’t have a good command over the English language. I am a common man and write about and for the common people. I write how I know.
NWI: In your opinion, what makes a short story complete? What are some of your favorites?
Each story has a beginning, middle and end.
In my view, every story, Short or long should leave a message or a Question for the readers
The Third Gender
The Bright old scooter
A Letter to the President
Are amongst my favourites
NWI:What’s your next book all about: Once There Was Me?
My next book, ONCE THERE WAS ME is a semi autobiography. Most of it comes from my own life but just like my last book, it’s objective is to make readers question things while the medium this time is my own personal experience rather the made up people.
NWI: What books or authors has been your greatest influence?
I’m not much of a reader but out of whatever I’ve read I liked Khalid Hussain’s Kite Runner and Anirudh Kala’s The Unsafe Asylum.
NWI: What’s the best thing you’ve read recently?
To be true I have not been able to read or wite anything creative because of the societal disturbances. I’m too moved by the agony of the jobless, the migrant Labour and other such issues. Hope they end soon and I get back my peace of mind.
NWI: Any publishing advice for struggling authors?
Finding a good publisher is a major struggle. But never get disheartened and stop your thoughts. Don’t follow any rules as there are no rules in writing. We all have minds of our own, So take all the creative liberty to express your thoughts. At last if you are not lucky enough to find your publisher, self publish. Good content will find its reader.
Connect with Bobby Sachdeva: FB: https://www.facebook.com/iBobbySachdeva/ Instagram: ibobbysachdeva Twitter: ibobbysachdeva Website: http://ibobbysachdeva.com