In Conversation with Contributors of "i" An Anthology- Limca Book Of Records Holder Book

"i" An Anthology of short stories published by First Step Publishing  has entered into Limca Book Of Records so we got a chance to approach some of the contributing Authors of the book to have their view about the book and the Publishing Firm.
About the book:
Its a compilation of short stories based on the topic "i".
Awards and Credits 
The book has been entered into 

• Limca Book Of Records 
• India Book Of Records 

for the shortest title of book ever published.

Contributing Authors are from 3 Countries 

• South Africa
• U K 
• India

"i" has been written in 10 different languages on the cover which include 5 Indian Languages and 5 Foreign Languages


Aileen Friedman 

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is a huge honour to be a part of this award. To be selected from not only numerous authors but also from a far away country like South Africa is very special.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

They are a superb bunch of people and very honest.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "  

Daphney is returning to her home town after running away sixty years ago. She is to give a talk at her old high school but  the past and her memories of that traumatic evening become very challenging.


Nehali Lalwani

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?  

To be frank enough, I never thought the book consisting one of my short stories will ever be listed in Limca Book Records. I was overjoyed when I was told about it. This book is really close to my heart and it will be close as I have given my first ever written short story for I an anthology of short stories. I really want this book to reach to the masses.  I feel delighted when my parents share this news with their acquaintances and feel proud about it.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

Wonderful! It feels so good to work with a passionate team that works so efficiently. I would like to thank the entire team of First Step and specially Dr. Rohit Shetty for giving me a wonderful opportunity as a debut writer. I have been part of 2 books till date that has been published by first step and honestly, I would like to work  with them in future as well.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i " 

My story, titled as “Destiny wins over love” in I – An anthology of short stories is an inspirational tale about a combat amid destiny and love. Many times in life, we are mistaken in identifying the factual facade of our close ones because, we are blindly entailed into them and when reality strikes in we end up blaming destiny.

The moral of my story is, whatever happens, happens for something good. At times, If God/ destiny seizes away something from you that’s because, destiny have plans to surprise you with something better.
The story ends up with a positive note and I’m sure reader's belief in fate will befall stronger after reading Destiny wins over Love.


Lt Col Ankita Srivastava

1.  Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?  

I am feeling totally honored to have been one of the contributing author in this amazing anthology called "I". It is indeed a moment of rejoice for me and my family to know that the anthology that I contributed in has been selected to be entered in Limca Book of Records.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

I had a very smooth work experience while being associated with First Step Publishing. The entire team had been very efficient and proactive. They were prompt and kept to their words in terms of publishing the author's  work. There was timely updates to each of the authors and they put in lot of efforts in designing the catchy cover with the word I written in different languages. As an author I felt  highly motivated to contribute in their other two anthologies as well.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story titled "The Lost Identity"  is my personal story in terms of what i felt when my short service tenure with the Indian Army got over after putting in 14 years of long  military service. I felt lost in the civil world and how I developed hatred for one of my junior lady colleague whom I could
not bear to see having taken my place. I struggled hard to re assemble my  professional life just to earn my lost identity back.  Three years later when I was called by the  specialist doctors of RR
Military Hospital to help them decide upon a case of Lost identity of a military lady officer who was in coma since last 6 months due to a serious road accident , I come across that same colleague as this patient. I had to make her remember me as only that would have assured the doctors to continue her treatment or else declare her brain dead. I made her recognize me. I made her live. I didn't make her lose her identity of being a living being.

Abhishek Agarwal

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is a special feeling to be a part of Limca Records. It is my first book and being a part of such prestigious list its overwhelming.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

I always wanted to pen down my thoughts and first step gave me the opportunity through " I" . It was a privileged to co-author it with 12 esteemed writers. to I am thankful to all and specially Rajesh and his team of first step for the co-operation.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My Story" Amchi Mumbai" talks about the experience that i had during stay in mumbai, and what actually makes the city different from the rest of the world. Right from impressing a girl to making new friends, Mumbai and Mumbaikars offer experiences which became un -erased pages of my life. I am sure that my readers will develop a new perspective of mumbai after reading the story.



Dr Nayab Patel

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

I feel very proud of the fact that I am amongst the handful of authors whose publication has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. Considering this is my second publication it is a huge achievement for a budding author like my self and others who have contributed towards "i". Although there were some delays with the publication, considering the book has made it to the Limca Book of Records for 2015 it was worth the wait.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

It is a real pleasure to work with First Step, they are very professional and proactive. They deserve credit for putting their trust in new/unpublished authors and giving us a chance to be able to get published. They have excellent Marketing and PR skills and make very good use of social networking website. I am looking forward to working with them in the future.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story "The best or worst years of my life" is about a school year in the live's of five friends. It has a mix of trust, emotion, jealousy and envy and tells a tale of how they go on from becoming the best of friends to complete strangers

Dr Roshan Radhakrishnan

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is really gratifying and a great honour to be a co-author in a
book that is now in the Limca Book of Records. Right from the very
concept onwards, the publishers looked to be unique among all the
anthologies available in India and I am glad it has been recognised.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

The whole experience of working with First Step Publishing was very
smooth. Everything was done with clockwork precision from the contest
entry dates to a timely announcement, lovely bio pages for each author
and publicity campaigns online.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story "The Girl Without A Face" is a true story based on my
experience with a patient in an ICU and how her circumstances, her
attitude and her determination taught me a valuable life lesson.


Indu Pillai

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it? 

I think the concept of the book in itself was very unique and challenging. The news that 'i' has been entered into the Limca Book of Records 2015s Special Literature Edition is every more thrilling. This is a great achievement and I congratulate First Step Publishing and wish them many more such honours and accolades.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

It was an enjoyable experience. First step Publishing is that breed of publishers who are aiming to look at new formats and work with authors who are interested in telling stories in a unique way.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i " -

The central theme of the story is hope. During the span of just an hour or so the story takes you through the journey of a lifetime.

Paras Bandha

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it? 
I would firstly, like to congratulate entire team and supporters of this book. Secondly, I appreciate each and every member of this book who is linked with this book directly and Indirectly. At last, I would like to sum up in short "It's a wonderful feeling to be a part of this book."

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

Working with Rajesh sir was wonderful experience but We are soon going to launch our next book as editing of that manuscript is done and I find probably fantabulous working with them.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "  

I" is itself explaining so many things within. All I can say is, one can see real life situation easily as this anthology acts as mirror.

Interview with Sabi Shaikh

We got a chance to catch up with Sabi Shaikh, an Indian Author who has a book titled Via Delhi to his credits as well as he is a part of  many anthologies as well.

1. Tell us something about yourself 
Hello to all my readers ... My name is Sabi Shaikh ... I am a Hyderabadi by heart but a Mumbaikar by soul. I am an extrovert by nature ...  An MBA Marketing post graduate from the ICFAI University. I am a huge fan of Mother Nature and an avid animal lover. I am a very simple guy who still prefers Pani Puri over Pasta. I love working out and talking, if not a writer I would have surely ended up becoming a gym instructor or a Radio Jockey. I am just like a coconut. I look pretty tough on the outside but on the inside I am a very emotional and sensitive guy. It’s rightly said that never judge a book by its cover. I love writing but I am not much of a reader. I am a go getter ... An opportunist who never lets any good opportunity pass by. I also love singing at Karaoke bars and partying with my childhood friends.




2. Describe your book
Saifuddin Khan was a Sunni Muslim boy who was pursuing his MBA and resided in the city of Nawabs, Hyderabad whereas Mridu Bhattacharya was a Bengali Brahmin girl who was preparing for her BBA entrance exams and hailed from the beautiful city of Dehradun. Destiny strikes one day and they meet in the early morning in a very unusual manner. They become each other’s moral support in no time. Their bonding grew stronger as the days passed by and beating all the odds the inevitable happened, they fell in Love. Their unique love story stared at the Indian Samaaj right in the face as even today people and parents claim to be very open minded but the thought of Inter religion marriage makes them go numb and the first thing that comes to their mind is “Char log kya kahenge?” These Char log have killed more dreams than anyone else ever could. Saif’s parents had a broader outlook towards life but sadly Mridu came from a very conservative and narrow minded family. They were a modern day couple who always thought that Love is greater than or equal to any religion and were ready to fight the battle for Love in their own respective ways. The city of Delhi played a very important role in their lives even though they belonged to different cities.
Their love story was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride with a series of ups and downs. A twisted love story to be precise...

3. What is the most intriguing feature of your story?
That would be the twists that I have created at the end of every chapter. It will keep you glued on to the book till the very last page.


4. Any future ventures you are working on? 
Yes, I have already started working on my second novel which would also be a very twisted love story just like my Debut Novel VIA DELHI. Apart from that I am also focusing on writing poems and getting them published in International anthologies this year. I will also be launching my own personal website shortly.


5. Tell us something about your published anthologies by far?
My first every published anthology was “The Notebook of Romance” which was a collection of short love stories. “Deaf and Dumb Love” was the name of my short story. Apart from that I am also a published poet in an anthology called “Winged Hearts”

6. Any Rituals for writing??
I usually prefer writing when my side of the world is fast asleep.  I need a very silent and peaceful environment to write so I prefer writing during the night. I don’t really follow any ritual for writing.

7. Any Advice for budding writers?
Write from your heart. At least that is what I do. Don’t write with the intention of making money or getting fame. Write to make people smile ... Write to make them fall in love with your style if writing ... Write to win hearts. Everything else will follow.

Interview with Neelam Saxena Chandra

1. Tell us something about yourself
I am a bureaucrat working with Indian Railways. Writing is my passion and I have written nineteen books as of now. I was named by Forbes India as one of the seventy eight most popular authors. My other awards include
•    Awarded by eminent poet/lyricist Gulzarji in a Poetry Contest organized by American Society on the topic ‘Poetry for Social Change’.
•    Received the Rabindranath Tagore International poetry award -2014
•    Awarded Premchand Puraskar by Ministry of Railways (II prize).
•    Awarded by Children Book Trust, India in 2009.
•    Neelam also debuted as a lyricist in Shankar Tucker's composition 'Mere Sajan sun sun' at the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auRmXTmVwrY and the song has won the 'Popular Choice' award  in Folk Fusion category in Radio City Freedom Awards.
•    Neelam is a record holder in the India Book of Records for being the author with highest number of publications in a year.
•    Neelam and her daughter hold record for being the first mother-daughter duo to write a poetry book for the book 'Winter Shall Fade' in Miracle World Records and India Book of records.

2. The Purple Moon  its an intriguing title how did you come up with this title.

After having completed the book, while I was wondering what its title should be, my husband randomly uttered the name and I loved it. That moment was immediately captured by me in the form of the title for my collection.

3. Describe your book

‘The Purple Moon’ is a collection of a hundred poems that emote the different sentiments and phases of love. What really is love? It is a feeling most difficult to define; it is a sentiment, to be felt, smelled, drunk and tasted – for it is the most subtle emotion. , When one is in love for the first time, many raw feelings en wrap him or her. One may just be crazy, have a simple desire to meet the sweetheart or may just feel something very divine…On the other hand, there are chances of one getting annoyed, developing jealousy and hatred and may end up doing random acts. However, as love matures, the feelings also mature and it is then that the lovers realize that love is something more than just these raw feelings.
Love brings out the deepest of emotions and is the purest of all feelings. True love makes one fly, giving the person in love a pair of wings, making one expand one’s horizons.
‘The Purple Moon’ is a treat to all those who have ever experienced love

4. How was it working with First Step Publishing

It was an excellent experience. First Step Publishing believed in quality and everything was done timely and in consultation with me.

5. Describe your path of getting published

I began with reputed magazines. Getting published in them was in itself a satisfaction that my work and its quality is being recognized. It was only after I had made a space for myself that I moved to publishing my own books.

6. any new venture you are working with

I write continuously. I have more than one novel, three short story collections, two poetry collection and eight illustrated books for children under publication with various reputed publishers.

7. Though being poetry, which is not read to that extent in India, The Purple Moon has been in the top charts on amazon. How do you feel about it.

It is a fact that poetry is not so well read in the country. Despite that, ‘The Purple Moon’ remained in best seller list for long. This boosted my confidence. I am sure it must have instilled confidence in other poets minds too, who wish to publish their books.

8. Let us know some details of your titles published by far.

Various books published by me include
1.    Can I have this chance - A novel by Authors Press 
2.    Soul Seekers- A novel by LiFi Publications 
3.    Rishtey Mohabbat ke –  A short story collection in Hindi by Omji Publishers. 
4.    Pankhudiyan – A short story collection for children by Sadhna Publications.
5. The Delicate Wings - A poetry collection by The Poetry Society of India 
6.    Layers of flickering lights – A poetry collection by Authorspress India.  7.    Silhouette of Reflections – A poetry collection by YS Books International. 
8.     The Purple Moon– A poetry collection by First Step Publishing
9.    Hues of Love – A poetry collection by Writers Empire.
10.    Treacherous Lady – A novella by Pageturn Publishers. 
11.    Tales from Sundervan – A short story collection for children by Sahni Publications. 
12.    Chanda – A picture book for children by Room to Read.
13.Five tales – A short story collection for children by Naman Publications
14. Winter Shall fade - A poetry collection along with co-author Simran Chandra published by Omji Publishers
15. Her story – Edited by Neelam, it is a compilation of stories of women around their workplace
16. Rishtey Zindagi ke- A poetry collection in Hindi
17. Skylines by Authorspress
18. As a beginner for a beginning by Authorspress
19. Geet gaata chal by Subhanjali Prakashan

9. Any Rituals for writing??

None. I am a very moody person and I write as per my whims. My heart does not even follow my own mind and chooses its own path.

10. Any advice for budding writers.

Believe in yourself. You cannot become famous overnight. Writing is a serious matter and it requires lot of hard work and efforts to hone your skills. It is almost like meditation.

11. How can your readers connect to you?

My readers can connect to me on facebook at CLICK HERE

Interview with Samir Satam

Interview with Samir Satam author of Postcards From Memory, published by First Step Publishing

We happen to catch up with the poet and his book available on all major Indian online websites and available on Google playstore. Its Samir Satam's First Book and it happens to top the charts of amazon.in.

WF:- What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?
Samir:  No, I do not follow a regular routine. For me to write, I need to be in a certain frame of mind which is possible only when I have a free mind. I have tried writing by deliberately fuelling my imagination but it doesn’t work for me as the pieces that come on paper in doing so do not have that natural flow to it.


WF:- What are the most important elements of good writing? According to you, what tools are must-haves for writers?

Samir: The most important element for me is a peaceful environment. In today’s age note taking tools on smart phones also help to jot down pointers to be worked on later. An internet connection is a must to research the topic I choose to write on. When you write on true events, you are aware that there is a certain responsibility attached to the content. You cannot afford to be historically and politically wrong in those cases.

WF:- What motivates you to write?
Samir: When it comes to poetry, anything in vicinity can be a source of inspiration. Sometimes you realize that your view of a certain thing might differ when thought from a different perspective. When you are thinking as a poet your vision alters to let the subject enter your mind in a different way than usual. The most important part is once you get hold of that thought process and follow it, words start flowing rhythmically, naturally, almost as if you tend to feel you are not writing that poem but the poem is coming to you piece by piece. All you have to do is accumulate it on paper and work on it to make it crisper.

WF:- Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
Samir: Yes, I do suffer from a writer’s block. Every writer tends to. Normally I try to find what chain of thought is stopping me from thinking clearly. In my lowest moments, I don’t stop taking notes. It is wonderful how those same words which mean nothing at a point can inspire you to write when your mind is free again. Sometimes when I have started writing in prose and get stuck at a point in between, I stop writing from the start and approach the subject from the conclusion that I want to reach to and let my thoughts work backwards. It helps in giving a fresh expression to the same thoughts. The most interesting thing you can do is when you are facing a serious wall of a writer’s block, stop everything and start writing about the thoughts that are blocking your mind. It can be anything. If your mind has gone blank, you can end up with an interesting write-up on your own state of mind at that point. It will help you later to deal with a similar situation.

WF:- Do you have any advice for other writers?
Samir: I am not yet proven myself as a writer to advice my peers on how to write. Personally for me what has helped is my ability to Read, Read, Read and while doing so Observe… It helps me to improvise.


WF:-  What book(s) / author(s) have influenced your life and writing?
Samir: There are quite a few. Different books are special for different reasons. Some for their style, some for the content… The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, All Poetry books of Gulzar, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje, Etudes by Aseem Kaul, Being in Love by Osho, Without Fear by Kuldip Nayar, Black Wind and Other Poems by Deepti Naval


WF:-  Being published for the first time, Do share with us the experience as your book is soon to come out?
Samir: I do not see my first book as a goal. I see it more as an important landmark in my journey to perceive my passion further. Having said that, the process of reaching this particular landmark in itself has been an interesting ride and has given me quite an insight in the world of new age publishing. Till now my experience with First Step Publishing has been great. And I look forward to carry on my relationship with them beyond books.

WF:-  Any writing rituals?

Samir: Writing in a secluded corner of a particular coffee shop on a weekday when there are no crowds has helped a great deal. I prefer to sit facing the wall to avoid distractions. As strange as it may sound, the write-ups that have turned out quite well for me have been the ones I have written after having a couple of drinks. I guess it has something to do with the relaxing effects of alcohol. I am not trying to increase the sales of wine but it works for me. Different things may work for different people.

WF:-  Tell us some more about your book.

Samir: Postcards from Memory is a collection of my poems that took birth in me in last three years. Some of them are quite personal while some are born out of pure imagination. Some of them are just an attempt to connect to pain that other people might be feeling in certain unfortunate situations. These poems are classified in 10 different categories based on the themes that these poems are built on.


WF:-  How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in poetry writing?

Samir: I would say it is pretty hard. I remember a literary agent telling me that you have to be a celebrity to publish a poetry book. I still can’t figure out what has celebrity status got to do with writing poetry. Nothing but I realize that selling a book has more to do with a famous face. I guess it is more about market demands and the attraction that people have towards celebrity life. But ironically if you see some of the most legendary poets like Gulzarsahab prefer to lead a rather simple life away from the glitz and glamour that accompanies the life of a celebrity.

WF:- Any Advice for budding writers / authors?

Samir:  Do not change your material as per market demands. Write what you believe in. Even if it never gets published, understand that it is not you who is losing out on much but the world is missing out on something beautiful.

WF:- Any last thoughts for our readers?

Samir: ‘Last thoughts’ sounds more like I am on my death bed ;-) To readers, I would like to say, “Just like friends, choose your books wisely.”

You can catch grab a copy of the book from CLICK HERE
To Know more about the author CLICK HERE