AN INTERVIEW WITH RAVINDRA RAO
I am Ravindra Rao, writing under the pen name Haribakth. I am a retired Bank officer who has taken Voluntary retirement in 2015 to pursue my passion, The Bhagavad Gita.I hold a Master’s degree in commerce and a graduate of Law from Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India.
What's your motivation as an author and what have you learnt from writing books?
My motivation is to convey the cosmic message of Unity and universality of God and the oneness of His different scriptures.
Krishna states in His Gita, that teaching His message would endear us to Him. That endearment which I seek is the motivating factor.
As an author , what do you think are the positive things about your writings?
Which book or E-books have you published and which are in pipeline?
In the year 2016, I had published a book titled “19th Akshauhini, an algorithm of the Gita”. Being an unskilled author, novice marketer and a sub social personality the book was a fiasco. Mere conceptualization is not sufficient, the ability to translate it into words is required.
My next book would be on the commandments of Bhagavad Gita.
Few links of my books – Aksara Bhagvad Gita & Akshauhini
Do you believe in "Writer's Block"?
Yes. It happens.
What are the problems that you have faced in your Author journey?
The author is always alone. It is a bad bad world. All want to make a fast buck without adding value to the services they offer. Self-publishers wants to make money from you instead of making it from your books.
The traditional publishers have a system that is deeply entrenched in favor of established and the well-connected persons and new entrants are actively discouraged.
What Genre of Books do you create and Why you chose it ?
Religion-Hindu-Philosophy-Spiritual-Hermeneutics. Because my subject of writing is the Bhagavad Gita.
If you could tell something to your younger writing self , what would it be ?
My writing journey commenced only after 2015.
Where can people contact you ?
I may be contacted at haribakthr@gmail.com
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want ?
My genre is not suited to deliver what the readers want. Writers of thrillers, mystery, and romance can afford that luxury. Of course, I try to put sublime concepts in a palatable form.
What's your advice for budding authors?
Keep writing as passionately as you began. You owe it to yourself. Let not the response of others deter you from your passion. Train yourself in marketing skill sets and build social media contacts assiduously.
