#79 - Arjun Hemmady on Writing Sports Fiction in India | Learning Stories EP79

On Episode 79 of #LearningStories we chat with Arjun Hemmady. Arjun is a full time treasury finance professional, two time published author and freelance sports journalist. His most recent bestselling sports based fiction novel is called, 'Captain Khadoos'. This book explores themes like mental health, training time and media attention in the life of an athlete. Arjun is also an avid memer. He enjoys guiding and mentoring aspiring authors. You can find him on Instagram and Linkedin.

Timestamps

(00:10) - Introduction and Background

(02:10) - Stories from your Childhood

(02:14) - "I was encouraged to read from a very young age"

(02:20) - "My grandfather had got the world book encyclopedia for us as children"

(02:40) - "My grandmother was a librarian"

(03:00) - What are your earliest memories as a reader?

(04:10) - What did you study in high school and university?

(04:20) - "My day job involves managing money and forex exchanges"

(04:40) - "I did a Bachelor in Commerce and MBA degree"

(05:35) - How did you write and publish your first book?

(06:30) - "I had this strong urge to tell and write this story"

(06:50) - "I would write stories for my school and community magazine"

(07:20) - "I did not know much about publishing before releasing my first book"

(07:50) - What are some common mistakes first time authors make?

(08:40) - "I edited my second book everyday for three months"

(09:35) - "I always take time to encourage and guide new authors"

(10:10) - What are finances and costs involved in publishing a book in India?

(10:20) - Why is it hard to make a living as a writer in India?(11:10) - What are some frustrations in the life of an author?(11:25) - "Being an author is a lonely journey"

(11:37) - "Authors will face a lot of failures"
(12:48) - "Writers should find joy in getting their story into the world"

(13:00) - What are the methods of publishing a book in India?

(13:30) - "Most big publishing houses need a literary agent to back your book"

(14:50) - What is the marketing process for an author in India?(19:40) - On getting feedback from readers

(22:50) - On the sports fiction genre in India

(23:30) - On how sports fiction is connected to the real world

(24:30) - "I used to play cricket a lot in my colony"

(24:40) - "The first tournament I remember watching was the 1996 world cup"

(25:00) - What was your experience as an Indian cricket fan?

(26:50) - "Sports has always been there for me since a young age"(27:30) - "The main character Suraj Bhatkal talks openly about mental health struggles"

(28:00) - Who are your favourite cricketers?

(32:30) - How athletes navigate media attention, lack of privacy and fandom?

(34:00) - "Athletes can be lonely and find it hard to trust others"

(36:20) - "Athletes have to focus on things that are in their control"

(37:00) - How to face criticism as an author?

(38:50) - How do you design the book cover and promotional material for a book?

(41:00) - Why you chose to write your book in English?

(41:05) - "I know English more than my mother tongue"

(42:30) - How has reading helped you navigate personal challenges and setbacks?

(44:00) - On thinking and mental health

(45:40) - "Sticking to a daily routine helps with mental health struggles"

(46:30) - How to support a friend that is struggling with their mental health?

(47:00) - On dealing with emotions in your life

(48:50) - "Sometimes you have to pat yourself on the back"

(49:55) - "Everyone is struggling with something"

(51:00) - Book Recommendations(53:00) - Closing Notes