Adgully Exclusive | Rhea Saran, Asso. Editor GQ and the story of Laila

The world of books is becoming more and more varied with new authors entering into this space. Today we have books ranging from all topics and more. However I doubt this space will ever get saturated as the market is also simultaneously growing. The written word whether in terms of news or leisure has an eternal life span despite the talk on the contrary.

Rhea Saran, Associate Editor, of GQ recently launched her new book "Girl Plus One'. Saran talks exclusively to Adgully about the experience of writing a novel for the first time. For someone who has always been a writer, this novel came naturally to Saran. "I've always been a writer - but didn't really think I'd do it for a living till after college. Journalism is a natural fit for me, as is GQ, where I am Associate Editor. But I have to admit, writing fiction was a refreshing change."

"GQ truly has among the highest editorial standards of Indian magazines, so I'd say a highlight has been that I've become a stronger writer and editor myself because the bar's so high. Working with an unbelievably talented bunch of people, across departments, has been another highlight," she further added about her association with GQ.

Commenting upon her new book, she said, "Girl Plus One is essentially the story of Laila, a spunky 27-year-old living and working in Mumbai - it follows her friends, her love life, her job. It's about young people living, working and dating in Mumbai and the particular situations they find themselves in as they sort through this sometimes confusing maze called life. Since I live and work in Mumbai, so additional research wasn't really necessary. I'd already lived in the backdrop myself."

From where do writers get their idea or framework for their novel? While most are usually hit by some inspiration of some sorts or takes in heavily from real life experiences, Saran says, "The basic concept was suggested to me by Random House when they commissioned the book after reading my work in GQ. But as for the assertion that there is some percentage of real life incorporated... I agree, to a point. There is some degree of being influenced by your environment and experiences ' but fiction is fiction, it's make believe. The percentage of actual real life influences in this novel is much less than you would think"

According to Saran good fiction writing should have strong characters among other aspects. "I think it's important to have strong characters that are relatable, as well as a compelling narrative that is driven naturally by these characters. There needs to be a certain degree of tension, a certain degree of resolution - no matter what your genre."

"I can't really speak for other writers, but as a woman writing fiction, I find that there's a tendency for people to want to see similarities between what you write and your own life - and that can be inhibiting. While there's a certainly more freedom in today's world, in terms of the subjects you can write about, there's still that throwback attitude that hasn't changed much in the last few decades," Saran said regarding the challenges one faces in this space.

Although there are various books on various subjects, Saran feels the one area that Indian writers haven't touched upon is the mystery genre, also adding to it, she said "It is not to say there aren't people who are writing about it."

Having stayed in Manhattan for a while, she said, "Manhattan is the single best place in the world for young people in the early part of their careers. There's nowhere quite like it. It has an amazing energy, tons of opportunity - both professional and personal ' and you meet some of the most fascinating people from around the world there. It's an experience I would recommend to anyone who is presented with the opportunity to spend some time there." She studied and stayed in Manhattan and still considers it home.

Saran's favourite book is Amitav Ghosh, "The Glass Palace'. | By Janees Antoo [janees(at)adgully.com]