Bhaavna Arora resents being a slave to the ordinary. She has a BEd degree, a double MBA, as well as a PhD from Pittsford University, USA, to her credit. She is a corporate trainer on leadership for professionals. Her debut novel The Deliberate Sinner was well received by readers. And her latest The Mistress of Honour portrays life in the armed forces and brings out the endurance of the soldiers’ families, especially the women who selflessly let go of their sons, husbands, fathers, brothers for the safety of the nation.
Which genre draws you the most as a reader and a writer?
Classifying books in a genre restricts readership. I don’t confine my writings or readings to any particular category.
Which is the best opening line in a book that you have ever read?
“For I am the first and the last, I am the venerated and despised, I am the prostitute and the saint, I am the wife and the virgin, I am the mother and the daughter... Always respect me, For I am the shameful and magnificent one.” — Paulo Cohelo, Eleven minutes!
One fictional character close to your heart and why?
I love the character of Princess Merida, a 16-year-old protagonist of the film Brave. A headstrong, free-spirited girl who wants to be the boss of her own destiny, she is skilled in archery, sword fighting and horse riding. I like that character’s projection as not a stereotypical princess who is only expected to marry a Prince Charming.
Who among the pantheon of writers (past/present) would you like to have coffee with?
I fulfilled that desire recently when I met Sobhaa De over a glass of cold coffee and popcorn at her exquisite residence in Mumbai. She is a very warm person with much grace and poise.
What is your antidote for writer’s block?
Wine or vodka — what would you prefer? Write when drunk, edit when sober. On a serious note, I’ve never faced a situation like that. When I get on with my writing, it grows on me and I take it till the end. I agree that sometimes one does get stuck, but everybody has their own way of dealing with it. I start reading.
