From Written Words to Inspiring Voice | Meeting Author of The Bankster

The First Open BAR (Blogger Author Rendezvous)

It was a bloggers’ meet of sorts arranged by Indiblogeshwari Vinita Bahl and Ravi Subramanian, author of The Bankster. 

Ravi Subramanian

Firstly, for the first time I was the first one to reach a bloggers’ meet (obviously I will force the word ‘first’ too many times here!). I cannot explain the wonderful feeling when I entered Chocolateria San Churro, Bandra, thinking the meet was at 12 pm (it was scheduled for 1 and thank God I was mistaken) only to find that no one had arrived by then! Alright, I travelled and reached with Varsha Bagadia, but I am taking the liberty here as I climbed up the stairs before her ;)

Why I attended this meet?

Those who know me well know that for all my health reasons I will travel all the way from Panvel to Bandra only when it is a really special occasion. For me, there were two reasons to join the gang of Indiblogeshwaris:

1. I had already missed many meets with these wonderful ladies, it was about time to make a weekend really worthwhile.

2. I plan to write a book soon and had no one to guide me. Meeting Mr Ravi Subramanian at this point was just the right opportunity at the right time. A tip or two from a published author could mean a lot!

The meet started with initial introductions over some nice coffee. I must say the venue was perfect for the occasion.

The author was really very patient with our questions and gave us a whole lot of tips. I was wondering if I should ask my rather naïve questions, but I gave it a shot and his answers were really helpful. 

As first-time authors, should we meet the publishers with a concept or at the first draft stage or when? 

He suggested that in the current scenario, when publishers come across many new writers, it makes sense to complete the first draft, maybe consider a few edits, and then approach the publisher.

Author and wannabe authors!

So, we all discussed writing, books, authors, controversies, mistakes that can be avoided… oh it was one fulfilling experience! Then followed another important part – pet puja ;)

The spread at Chocolateria San Churro was delicious too… especially the paneer sandwich, tiramisu cake and chocolate mousse cake.

Of course, Vinita did plan a surprise activity where we had to guess the weight of a small packet of cake and I knew I will do it… as always, I was wrong ;) Now since I have gained some weight, how can I help if 250 gms seems 200 gms to me!

Coins from the chocolate bank ;)

The cherry on the cake was gold and silver coins! Yeah, we all received a beautiful pouch of coin chocolates (the round ones that are wrapped in gold and silver foils with a coin-like feel) courtesy Blogwati Gee! 

I would really like to thank Vinita for getting us all together. And a big Thank You to Mr Ravi Subramanian for all the tips (my first ones) I needed before starting a book. When I become a famous author of many bestselling books, I will really thank you both again! Bank on me for this :)

Photos courtesy Vinita Bahl, Indiblogeshwari