Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Ronit, a fantasy author and indie filmmaker from Mumbai, India. I was 11 years old when I decided to write fantasy books. Now, 18 years later, I’m finally publishing my debut novel!
Over the last 18 years, I’ve written 3 complete manuscripts, none of which got published. My fourth, which I wrote for Camp NaNoWriMo April 2023 is the one that I am self-publishing as my debut novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is called ‘Help! My Dog Is The Chosen One!’
The sparks of that idea came to me when I was walking my dog, Joy one night. As we entered our building, she saw a cat and ran after her. However, the cat stood its ground. It raised its hackles, and its eyes flashed red. This prompted Joy to turn and run away whimpering.
It was a funny incident, but it left an impact. It made me wonder, ‘what if that cat were actually a demon or a dark lord?’. A few months later, that idea developed into what ended up being my debut novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not very unusual, but I have always preferred writing on a keyboard because I can type much faster than I can write. However, I can’t type on my phone without at least 2 typos per sentence. The number of typos increases proportionally to sentence length.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Steven Erikson – Malazan Book of the Fallen
Brandon Sanderson – Cosmere
Joe Abercrombie – The First Law
Martha Wells – The Murderbot Diaries
Rob J Hayes – Mortal Techniques, Titan Hoppers
Will Wight – Cradle, The Last Horizon
The list goes on
What are you working on now?
I am working on two projects currently. One is an urban fantasy novella, and the other is a full-length novel set in the world of my main writing project. The novel was meant to be my NaNoWriMo 2023 project, but I couldn’t give it enough time.
If time permits, I intend to finish at least one, if not both before the year ends.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media [Twitter, Instagram, Reddit] are great places to share updates about your books and engage with audiences. Additionally, book promotion sites like yours give indie authors a chance to tell their stories.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’ll repeat what I heard when I was very young. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. These words have stayed with me till date.
As I prepare to launch my debut book, I am excited for what interesting opportunities come my way, but am both mentally and financially prepared for it not working out. Everything I am doing is a calculated risk, and that’s the best approach in my opinion when attempting something entirely new.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you do something with the right motivation, you will never fail. But, if your motivations are misplaced, then failure can break you. I had this discussion with my film school friends just before I shot my debut feature.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading an eARC of City in the Dragon’s Eye by Jordan Loyal Short
What’s next for you as a writer?
To promote my book, to finish my WIPs, and reach a point in life where I can become a full-time author.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Malazan Book of the Fallen.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ronit J Website
Ronit J Amazon Profile
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