It’s been a whirlwind week since the launch, last Sunday, and I have been overwhelmed by the support from everyone.
From the blog tour posts (thank you to the awesome hosts), all the sharing of my book release, to the numerous comments of encouragement, I have been overwhelmed!
And, I am so excited to tell you that there are already several 5-star reviews on Amazon AND Goodreads.
But… there are so many people who automatically thought that as I have written a book, it must be about my life.
Er, no, folks, it’s not an autobiography, it’s fiction!
And, if you weren’t aware, I am married, happily! (No unarranging here – it wasn’t arranged at all, total love story here, but that is a personal story 😉)
If you ask any author, they will have been asked similar questions – unless you write science fiction, or fantasy, in which case, most readers will presume you have created your world from your crazy imagination.
It’s true what they say:
“Be careful around a writer – anything you do or say could be used for inspiration.”
But that doesn’t mean that I would take a person from my life and base a character, or story around them. Do I want to be sued?
Sure, there may be elements of different people I have encountered in my life, within certain characters.
I’ll tell you for free that Daddy-ji in Marriage Unarranged is based loosely on my Pops. But the situations in the story are not situations that have arisen in our lives. It’s just his manner and how he handles things. Those who know my Pops would agree.
But aside from the fact that my main character is a young British-born Sikh girl who happens to be from Birmingham, there is nothing to link her to me (other than I created her!)
The places we visit in the book, in the UK and India, are based upon places I have been to. If I haven’t been there, how can I give you the best, most realistic feelings?
In fact, my mum is currenty reading the book, and, aside from making a small comment about a couple of rude Punjabi words used, said that she is enjoying it immensely, and the descriptions of the trip to India are bringing back memories of our own trip to Delhi when we went to do my wedding shopping twenty years ago.
So, no, the book isn’t about me, at all, and it’s not about you either (well, not all of it…😉)
You want to know what all the fuss is about?
‘Chick Pea Curry’ Lit, Chick Lit with an Indian twist
It all started ended with that box…
Aashi’s life was all set.
Or so she thought.
Like in the Bollywood films, Ravi would woo her, charm her family and they’d get married and live happily ever after.
But then Aashi found the empty condom box…
Putting her ex-fiancé and her innocence behind her, Aashi embarks upon an enlightening journey, to another country, where vibrant memories are created, and unforgettable friendships forged.
Old images erased, new beginnings to explore.
And how can she forget the handsome stranger she meets? A stranger who’s hiding something…
On Amazon – click here!
Ritu Bhathal 
I think there is always a bit of personal touch in every fiction story. Even the story itself is fiction the soul of the writer flows through it. As you said, inspiration comes from life and the people in it. Congrats on the reviews, sis 😊
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Thank you, Sis! It’s just funny how many people seem to think I’d find my life so interesting that I’d write a book about it!
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It made me giggle when I read it. Then you definitely had to wait another 20 years in order to write a sequel😄
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you know! At least the next one is most definitely not going to be compared to my life…!
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Now that sounds intriguing 😃
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🙂
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It true we all write about what we know and as you say borrow from those we love! I love this book Sis, I really do. 💜
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Thank you sis! You have been such a fantastic support. I truly appreciate it! ❤
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I am so glad to be on Team Ritu 💜
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Reblogged this on But I Smile Anyway… and commented:
Pop over to my author blog for some reflections since the book release ❤
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Great work, Sis! Even reader think its an autobiografy. Lol
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Lol! Thanks, Bro!
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:-))
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I was invited to a book group whose members had been reading No More Mulberries. One woman arrived late, apologised and then asked, “Have we got to the bit where you marry your Afghan husband yet?” Even when I explained the story wasn’t based on my life she said, “But you did marry an Afghan, right?”
I started reading Marriage Unarranged last night – loving it so far. We’re on our way to India.
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It’s amazing how people will read into it, what they want, regardless! I have to reassure Hubby sometimes too that I’m not writing ‘our story’!
Glad you are enjoying it 💜
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It is really strange (and annoying) that people assume the author IS the main character. When I write in the opposite gender, it alleviates the problem somewhat. I’m a little sick of writing flawed (aka interesting) characters just to have people try to debate me on “my” views. Yeah..not my views….my character’s views. I don’t agree with them on everything
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I can’t believe that so many people think I think my own life is that interesting, that I’d write about it!!!
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Oh my goodness yes! the number of people who have asked if a certain character – usually my hero – is based on this person or that person is amazing. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I was asked I probably would have made more than my royalties lol. Seriously though, I use places, experiences and, well, what I know…and what I don’t know…and make up the rest – and I’m sure you do too.
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Life is our inspiration, definitely. But it’s not like we would lift whole sections of reality and write it… We’re fiction writers, we have imaginations!!!
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I need to order my copy.i
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Please do! And I hope you enjoy it!
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Just from reading about you and knowing you, and following your blog, I knew this wasn’t about you. It is about your strength and culture, and giving power to women to be strong. Breaking tradition and finding oneself is huge. Am I right?
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Definitely, Jennie! I’m so glad you ‘get’ me 🥰
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I do, Ritu. 😍
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