Shaishav Amrut Solanki, is the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore’s first author – could very well be the first on-campus author among all IIMs. Having just released a book few days ago, the young author is all smiles seeing it do brisk business. The book, the author claims is as much fiction as non-fiction and about a curious boy who wants to learn new things and in this pursuit, fights against all odds. Read on to know more about this new author who is honest enough to admit that his MBA degree will help push his image as a writer.
Why have you written this book, your inspiration? What is the story line and why?
Personally, I am an avid reader myself; I love books which come with a message. One day, I felt I had a message to share with the world; thus I decided to transform the message into a book and result of that decision is MISSION KNOWN. This book is the story of a boy named Schuyler who is fascinated with learning things, in a different manner, from the world around him. It is a compelling story of human will to persevere against all odds. The backdrop of the book being knowledge; it portrays both darker as well as brighter sides of learning. Also, the book follows a unique (Fast-Forward) narration style which puts the readers in the shoes of the protagonist and gives a feel of what it actually means to be Schuyler.
The book offers the reader an opportunity to experience situations in which a certain portion of Schuyler’s life goes missing and he comes to know about it only when and if somebody else (unknown to him) comes up to him and informs him that he/she was a part of his life too. MISSION KNOWN is a book from emotion to love, from obsession to fun; its a book for anyone who has ever had the urge to learn something. More information on :www.shaishavsolanki.com
Why an MBA when you can write books and become more famous?
I chose to do an MBA so that it would help me promote my book and me (as a brand). If writing books will make me famous, then, I feel, writing books along with doing an MBA will help me become even more famous.
What’s been the sale of the book in numbers?
I dont know the exact number, but I think more than 100 copies are sold and the response has been very nice till now
When did you start writing, finish it and why non-fiction?
I dont remember exactly; but I think I started writing around December 2009 and was done with the manuscript by October 2010. When you read the book youll notice the book is more of a non-fiction topic than a coffee-table fiction book. However, I chose to go ahead with the fiction idea because I feel that people are able to relate more to message (of the book) and remember it in the long run when there are characters in the book which readers are able to associate themselves with.
Who are your dream authors and why?
My dream author is Paulo Coelho. The reason why is admire him so very much is because whenever I read his work (be it his books or blog), I feel as if Im reborn with all the wisdom in this world.
Ever thought of writing to change society?
Ive made an attempt to portray some stark realities of our society through my book. However, thats all I can do. I cant change society, nobody can. Its up to society whether it wants to change or not.
Are you the IIM’s first on-campus author?
Im not sure about the other IIMs but Im the first official author from IIM Indore.
When did you really get the time to write – since you guys have busy days?
I had written the book before I joined IIM Indore.
Will the book add to your placement chances or better job prospects?
It doesnt matter; because that was not the reason why I wrote the book.
Where do you see yourself ten years down the line?
I would like to see myself as an author who people admire and adore. Also, I would like see myself doing things that I would like to do at that point of time.
If you had not got into an IIM, would you have still written the book?
I had already written the book before joining IIM Indore.
What’s been the feedback from friends, family, IIM Indore to the book. Have they changed towards you after the publication?
Till now, almost all of my friends (be it back home in Mumbai or at IIM Indore) have loved the book. When my sister read the book, she was very much inspired by Schuyler (the protagonist of my book). All the people whove ever come in my life have always loved me for what Ive been to them and Im really thankful to all of them for their help and support. Everyone at IIM Indore has always been nice to me, even before my book had released.
Who have you written the book for?
The book is dedicated to my parents and my grandparents; however, Ive actually the book for all the students around the world. I hope theyre able to see themselves in Schuyler at some point of time or other.
Any other books planned?
I have a couple of ideas in my mind, but right now Im very busy with the promotion my first book. Ill go ahead with my second book only when and if I feel that people would be able to relate to it and learn something from it.
If not MBA, then what
Working somewhere and continuing with writing and my other hobbies.