This is a moment I’ve been working towards for a long, long time. But now that we’re finally here, I find myself breathless and uncharacteristically at a loss for words.
At this point, I should be writing something flowery and clever — teasing you, dropping coy hints, but nope. Not happening.
Without further ado:
MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!!
Overjoyed, nervous, thrilled, proud and terrified. Throw in a few more vacillating emotions in there, and that will begin to describe how I feel. I have been published before — my short stories, poems and flash fiction have been part of anthologies and novellas across the world. But it is a new high to see my name as the sole author of a piece of merchandise. A tangible object that can be held up, advertised, sold and distributed.
“The Secret of Aum” is a children’s book. Drawing heavily from Hindu Mythology, the story follows the journey of a child — a little boy who comes from a family of Gods, and wonders why he isn’t special yet.
Some of you grew up with this story. Your grandma sang it to you, as she tucked you in on summer nights. Or maybe you read it in one of those sun-kissed books they sold in dusty shops.
And for others, it might be a glimpse into an unfamiliar world — a realm where Gods lived amongst men and knowledge was power.
“The Secret of Aum” is an uncomplicated story. It takes the might and magic of divine beings and distills them into the potent simplicity of a child’s mind.
I hope I’ve done justice.
To the tale and the culture it comes from.
To my massive battalion of friends, well-wishers, readers, and family. You folks have always been in my corner, and I am thankful for every one of you.
And I hope I’ve done justice to my young readers. I wrote this book with you in mind, and I couldn’t have asked for a more honest audience.
More children’s books are in the works – including one I’m dying to reveal. But more on that later. For now, I leave you with a lot of gratitude. And the hope that you’ll like my first solo-authored book.
From my hands to yours.
Happy reading!
Purchase information:
The book is presently for sale at – https://www.ikaroa.in/buy-the-secret-of-aum-online.html
They are not being shipped outside India, YET. But that will definitely be an option in the very near future, so international readers, I will keep you posted!
