Out of Print Blog: 2015 DNA-OUT OF PRINT Short Fiction Winner: Zui Kumar-Reddy

Out of Print Blog: 2015 DNA-OUT OF PRINT Short Fiction Winner: Zui Kumar-Reddy

Interview with a literary agent (Jayapriya Vasudevan)!!

Q1. What inspired you to become an editor/writer/publisher?

I grew up in a house full of books. My father was a journalist. I chose to study Literature and it was really the only industry i wanted to be in. I worked in many aspects of publishing, working with a running bookstore and finally using all my experience to set up Jacaranda, India's first literary agency.

Q2. What books have you published/edited.

So many books. I started our list with Anita Nair's first novel A BETTER MAN and Shashi Warrier's NIGHT OF THE KRAIT. We work with authors from all over the world. We are currently working on the India rights of Salinger's biography and Filipino author whose book is on the Man Asia long list. Look at http://www.jacaranda-press.com/ for our author list.

Q3. Do you find your job interesting?

I love what i do . I love writing and the arts. And am a complete people person. To be an agent, you have to be a discerning reader and passionate about the work you represent. You also have to be able to be a sort of sales person!

Q4. Is writing/editing/publishing tiring?

Yes it is. My work is more reading really. And that takes time. And concentration. I edit in more broad, giving an author direction way, which becomes part of the reading process.

Q5. How have your experiences at book inaugrations/releases been?

As agents, we take a backseat and allow the spotlight to be on the author. I do think that book launches are necessary. Especially in the case of newer, emerging authors. That way, the author gets the opportunity to share her work and then get some press and publicity as well. I have done book events in several cities and countries. An author leads such a solitary life. It is events like launches they get to connect with their readers.

Q6. Has your career ever interferred in your personal life?

Yes. Because a have to travel a great deal. But that would be true of many professionals!

Q7. Have you ever regretted being a writer/editor/publisher?

I question my career some days. When i have a particularly difficult time with either my authors or publishers. As agents, we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. We work for the author but need to sell to publishers. We are dealing with very emotional people. That can get exhausting at times. Fortunately the feeling passes. This is what i was meant to do!

Publishing is a wonderful industry to work in!

Infinite Souls Summer Camp

It's that time of the year again! When we announce Summer Camp and start dreaming about pitching tents, apple crumble, Theatre Classes, Music jams, late night performances, early morning treks with Bamboo, Mushroom and Prudence, not to forget Vineet!

This year we're adding some work - we're going to try and dig a rainwater trench running through the course of the land from the highest point to the lowest. So come prepared with hats and shorts. Come prepared for hard work and balloon fights!

Hi! Theatre Lab

The first time I went to Theater lab, I was a bit nervous. As time passed I have come out of it.Theater Lab has given me a platform to express my views and it has helped me in using creativity. Theater Lab is more like an adventure as I learning new things everytime I attend the class.Through Theater Lab I have got new friends and it is a fun place. Theater Lab, I am looking forward to learn more from you.

Trip to Apparao gallery!

One day at Theatre lab, Kirtana told us we were going to an art gallery. We were all excited. We walked and walkeed the endless roads of bangalore, It was really exhausting. Finally we reached the place and went to the fifth floor, It was dark. We then realized we had come to the wrong place. But then, Kirtana told us there was anoher gallery nearby. Apparao gallery!! We were greeted by a paper mache person. Then we had a look at Gautamn Bhatia's work on Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji's face was stuck on other people's body. It was pretty hilarious. It also reflected the way we act nowadays. A pretty bad reflection, I must admit!! We also had a look at many drawings drawn by people many years ago. Later on, the way back to India garage we had smoothies! :)

What is a cinquain?

A Cinquain is a poem that has five lines, and each line has its own special rule.

1st line: One word (title).

2nd line:Two words that describe a title.

3rd line: Three action words about the title.

4th line: Four words that express the thought and feeling about the title.

5th line: One word that means the same thing as the title.

Such as:

Laya(SP)

Bubbly, bouncy

Learning, growing, glowing

Your sincerity is awesome

Trusted

Heres one more!

Pickle.

Bumpy,lumpy,

Crunching, munching, lunching,

Cucumbers making you pucker,

Gherkin.

hey guys i just acted in a movie it was directed by ang lee