Subhechcha Ganguly 
Q1.) How did you start your journey as an author?
Ans:- I used to blog about my thoughts and experiences around life, my pets etc in my blog called natashasnicheblog.wordpress.com. Blogs have been my major source of information, where I learnt a lot from the experiences of others. Likewise, I decided to share my learnings and experiences there. Writing always liberated me so I would give myself that privilege to journal and work on my blog as and when possible.
Q2.) How did the idea of the book “Fathers are Forever” come to your mind ?
Ans:-it is said that the best comes out of the worst. When my father passed away, I did not really know how to grieve or deal with the pain I experienced then. All I knew was that I wanted to hold on to the memories we have shared together, hold on to the values and lessons that he passed on and share them with everyone, the fact that I have the Best Father in the whole wide world, something that every daughter feels.
I wanted my daughter who missed out on spending sufficient time with him to know what kind of a person and father he was. So, I began writing. This book was initially just meant to be a keepsake for her reference, but god had other plans. I found the right people like my publisher, Sapna Sardessai who walked into my life and gave this idea the wings it deserved and helped this story reach out at a whole new level.
Q3.) You are a corporate lawyer. How did you manage time between your hobbies and your profession.
Ans:- I am not just a corporate lawyer, I am a full time mother to a toddler; the single child of a mother who has just lost her life partner; and a pet parent to three dogs too. The point is, you find a way to manage as long as you leave the excuses aside. I would wake up at 4 am to write till I finished, writing and rewriting the book. Then once my editor finished her work, I would read the content for approval. That journey used to give me goosebumps to read the content like a reader after it was edited. Writing brought me and my father back to life! It is the best thing I did for myself to be able to do everything else.
Q4.) There are several challenges while writing the book. Tell us about those challenges.
Ans:- When I first completed writing and sent out the manuscript, it was a good 700 pages of text content. There was just so much I had to say, more than what was necessary I guess. My editor even rejected it saying there was simply too much that needed to be done. I was heartbroken. When I reviewed the work objectively myself, I decided to rewrite the book. Each chapter was reduced by 3-5 pages. It was yet another opportunity for me to begin again, but this time with a whole new perspective. A lot of things I wrote in my first manuscript did not matter anymore when I revisited it. That’s the beauty of writing it out, letting it out and healing. I was magically healing and this time the writing changed and so did the outcome of the book.
Q5.) Finally give out a message to an author who would want to publish her book but lacks the confidence. Also attach the link of your book.
Ans:-Let nothing hold you back when all you want is to flow. Everything else will work out. Just do your part to the best of your ability and the best will follow. If I could write a book, then I believe, anyone can do it. I never thought of the challenges ahead when I wrote this book. I was writing and flowing out. I did not know the editor and publisher too when I started to write, but when the intention is strong, people find you, and just like how you find the right book at the right time, you find the right people to support you. That’s the beauty of it. Do your best, and leave the rest to work out for you. It sure will.
