I’m very glad to be hosting Shobhan on the first day of her virtual blog tour with Promo 101 Virtual Tours. She has a writing style that I think you will like and she isn’t afraid to tackle the hot button topics. Read on to learn more about Shobhan Bantwal and The Forbidden Daughter.
What inspired the book?
A deep interest in women’s issues combined with the love of fiction inspired me to write a book about gender-based abortions in India. I had an opportunity to bring awareness to the issue by weaving it into a story of romance, intrigue and drama.
What makes this book special to you?
It allows me to voice my opinion on a social issue in a highly creative way. If I had written a non-fiction book on the subject, it would have been boring for me to write and very few people would have read it. A novel is a way to reach a broader audience.
What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
Many Americans, although aware of the general societal patterns of other countries, very rarely know about the more subtle social issues, both good as well as bad. THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER will provide them a rare glimpse into a culture that remains very private about certain negative elements.
What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
Daily newspaper and TV stories are a great source of creativity. For some odd reason, driving on the highway seems to trigger it for me, but sitting in front of a computer makes my creativity plunge to zero.
What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
My biggest stumbling block is my lack of computer savvy, which hinders my ability to use the Internet to optimum capability. Amazon optimization, blogging, chat room discussions, etc. are not something I can utilize for promoting my book mainly because of my inability to use technology.
What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
I believe people become authors because of their deep love for expressing their ideas and opinions to others. It is a way of communicating, by being a storyteller and narrator. For myself, my motivation was to acquire a hobby that would keep my mind alert and provide an outlet for my active imagination and creativity. When I took up creative writing, I had not really dreamed of being a published author, but as I wrote more and more, my ambitions expanded.
Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
I honestly wish I could think of something unusual to do, “outside the box” as they say, but so far I have done only the most traditional things.
FICTION – If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?
I like a small town atmosphere, like the kind I grew up in, so I created a fictitious small town that is very similar to the town I was raised in. It made the visualization much easier, without having to struggle to build a new one. The descriptions came easily and the culture of course is latent to me, so that was not an issue.
FICTION – What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.
Both my hero and heroine are people of strong convictions and generous natures, and they act on them without regard for tradition or personal gain. I find that very inspiring. Their strength and ability to fight and survive, and even win in the face of adversity is what makes them memorable. The main motivator for my heroine is the need to protect her children at any cost. The hero is motivated by his inherent desire to be the ideal doctor – help people in trouble.
FICTION – Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.
The obstetrician who first suggests an abortion and later resorts to more serious crime is the one who first introduces friction in THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER. There are secondary villains who augment the main villain’s deeds with their in their own twisted way. They all serve to add tons of friction that lends plenty of action and drama to my story.
For more information about Shobhan Bantwal’s virtual tour, visit – http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/09/forbidden-daughter-by-shobhan-bantwal.html
The Forbidden Daughter can be ordered at: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Daughter-Shobhan-Bantwal/dp/0758220308
You can visit Shobhan Bantwal at her website – www.shobhanbantwal.com
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