BANGALORE: After the success of her first two novels — Life is what you Make it and 34 Bubblegums and Candies, Preeti Shenoy is back in action with her latest book Tea for a two and A Piece Of Cake - an out and out romantic novel. The book was released on February 14 by Milan Vohra, the first Indian author for Mills and Boons at Landmark, Forum Mall.
Tea for a two and A Piece Of Cake is an intense fiction which plays with the emotions and enables the readers to relate to situations faced by the protagonist. In an exclusive interview with City Express she talks about her book and upcoming projects.
What is the book about?
Tea for a two and A Piece Of Cake is an inspirational story. It is more than just a sweet love story. It is about a woman desperately trying to win a man and what happens after she wins him.
Above that, the book talks about friendship and marriage. It gives an insights about the elements that need to go into a marriage to make it work. I am sure everyone who is married will be able to relate to it and everyone who is not married will get a glimpse of what might lie ahead. And someone who is divorced, they could probably also relate to it.
Is the book based on a true story?
My first book Life is what you Make it was based on my experiences of my own life. But my second book and this one is totally fictional. However, I would like to add that as writers we always borrow from things we see around us and that is what I have done in this book. The settings of the books are something that are not unfamiliar to me. I have lived and worked in Mumbai, Pondicherry as well-the other two places where the novel is set.
How did writing happen to you?
My first book was a collection of my blog post. I decided to write a book on my blog as it became very popular after a while. I took to serious writing with my second book where I did extensive research work for almost a year before writing it.
Why did you decide to release your book on Valentine’s Day?
The book talks about love and what better day could I have launched it other than the day when love is celebrated all over the world.
What is your understanding of love?
For me love is happiness, it can be with your mother, kids, husband, lover or anyone else for that matter.
What kind of books do you read?
I read all kinds of books including children books. I don’t read books on politics and actions. But if I found something like Nelson Mandela, then I won’t mind a read. I like Milan Kundera, I even appreciate some British authors. I love Salman Rushdie the most.
Why the name, Tea for a two and A Piece Of Cake?
When I was writing the book I came across this situation of tea for two and a piece of cake. For instance, when we are tense or frustrated, we indulge in tea or coffee to take a break. And then, within a matter of a few seconds we tend to feel rejuvenated as if our problems are no more there. That is when it struck me that this title would be apt for my book.
How long did it take you to finish the book and what is in store for you now?
I took exactly one year to finish this book, and I have already started work on my next book but I would not like reveal more on it now.