Ashok Banker is one of India’s most famous contemporary authors, renowned for producing works in different genres, which include crime fiction, science fiction, fantasy and horror, and of course the retelling of Indian mythological epics such as the Ramayana, and Mahabharata for which he is most celebrated. His books have sold more than 2 million copies in 16 languages and 58 countries globally. Considered to be a friendly author, Ashok has communicated personally with more than 50,000 of his readers over the years. There are numerous lessons writers can learn from Ashok Banker. Read on to learn about five of them.
1. Read, read and read
Ashok Banker says he began voracious reading when he was 7 years old and loved dictionaries and encyclopaedias. In fact, he used to read during recess breaks in school. Such is his passion for reading. This strategy of reading must be made as a compulsory habit by writers. If you want to become a great writer, then make it a point to read regularly as reading broadens your mind and imagination.
2. Dedication for writing
Writing is an art that requires patience, passion and discipline. When Ashok writes a story or series, he surrenders himself completely to it. This is a tip that aspiring writers should make note of. If you are keen to become a writer, then you should write with dedication. Ensure that you spend quality time writing and in the process even amend your writing so that it suits your story or content.
3. Embrace ebooks
Ashok is one of the first Indian authors to truly embrace digital publishing. This was a response by him to the huge demand for his books by readers, which publishers were unable to meet fast enough. What was Ashok’s reply? Well, he decided to publish and distribute his works as ebooks. These activities have culminated in the creation of his own ebook store called AKB eBOOKs from which readers can get his books much quicker. AKB eBOOKs is credited as being the first independent ebook store in India. If you’ve not published an ebook version of your title yet, there is no better time than the present.
4. Respect your readers
Corresponding with his readers is something Ashok does regularly. This way, he receives feedback for his work. This is something that writers should steadfastly do. You should interact with your readers. Their feedback will help you to become a better writer. Ashok publishes all his books online first and invites people to comment on his books or critique them. He makes it a point to respond to every comment.
5. Be well-prepared to write
The process of writing can be time-consuming. Ashok says that he continuously reads, studies, does research and prepares before writing a book. And he takes his time doing this, which can span over a number of years. This is a good strategy for writers to follow. If you want to succeed as a writer, then you should be well-equipped to write. The number of years of effort you put in doesn’t matter! And by being prepared and not rushing, you’re setting yourself up to write a quality book.
Image credit: Sjblake on Wikimedia Commons and reproduced under Creative Commons 3.0[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Smitha-Abraham.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]I’m Smitha Abraham. I love traveling in my flights of imagination and use these flights to craft short stories and poetry. I am a budding writer from India. My passions are reading, creative writing, listening to music, learning new languages, meeting new people, getting acquainted with different cultures and traveling. Authors like Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, genres like magic realism, historical romance, and writing styles that are imaginative and flow effortlessly fascinate me. I love to unwind with a book curled up on a sofa or by gazing at the stars by the sea shore. I am a nature lover and spending time admiring the sunset and sunrise is relaxing for me.[/author_info] [/author]
