An Interview with Author Neeraj Kansla | “THE SCHOOL- COACHING JUGGLING ACT”

About the Author:

Mr. Neeraj Kansla heads ATHENS EDUSPUR PVT. LTD., as Founder & CEO and is responsible for controlling and managing the affairs of company. ATHENS is a privately endowed scientific concern and an independent legal entity setting up a culture for ‘Next Level Education in India’.

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A:As an author I have witnessed the struggles and triumphs of young minds, it pains me to observe the silent battles being fought by students within the intimidating realm of education. The facade of academic success often conceals the turmoil our students grapple with daily. They often find themselves trapped in a labyrinth of anxiety and self-doubt. The burden of expectations, sometimes unrealistic and unattainable, perpetuates a sense of isolation and hopelessness. The pressure to secure top grades, conform to societal standards, and meet familial expectations creates a perfect storm, leading to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and even contemplation of self-harm. For these young individuals, the world seems daunting, like an unforgiving battlefield where they are expected to fight the odds alone. The expectations levied upon them often eclipse the vital need for mental and emotional well-being, leaving them to grapple with their struggles in silence.

Q: Tell Us About Your First Published Book? What Was The Journey Like?

A: It had been a labor of love and dedication. The journey from the inception of the idea to holding the published book in my hands was incredibly fulfilling and educational. I began the writing process with immense excitement and enthusiasm. The story had been brewing in my mind for years, and finally putting fingers to keyboard was a surreal experience.

Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?

A: In this book, we will delve into the captivating narrative of Devang, a student whose journey mirrors the hopes and challenges of thousands across the nation. His quest for academic excellence, his unwavering commitment to mastering the intricacies of competitive exams, and his passion for the beauty of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics resonates deeply with every reader. What makes this book truly remarkable is its ability to connect with students at a personal level. It speaks to the dreams you hold dear, the challenges you face, and the potential that lies within you. It acknowledges that the journey to academic excellence is not just about achieving high scores but also about embracing the profound joy of discovery and the enduring passion for knowledge.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: It implies a story or narrative set within a school environment, where students and educators are navigating a complex, multi-faceted, and demanding set of roles, challenges, and expectations. The title suggests a need for balance, agility, and skill in managing academic pursuits, coaching or training, and potentially other aspects of their lives within the educational framework.

Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?

A:”While writing my book centered around Devang’s educational journey and his love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, I delved deeply into the world of academic aspirations and the nuances of competitive exams. I gained valuable insights into the pressures and challenges that students face while striving for academic excellence. Through extensive research and understanding Devang’s character, I learned about the strategies and dedication required to master intricate subject matters and perform well in challenging exams.” “In addition to understanding the academic realm, this writing experience taught me the importance of portraying a relatable and empathetic protagonist. Devang’s struggles, hopes, and dreams became a reflection of the universal desires and aspirations of students across the nation. It reinforced the significance of creating characters that resonate with readers on a personal level, igniting empathy and understanding.” “Furthermore, I discovered the power of narrative in inspiring and encouraging young minds. The story emphasized that academic excellence is not merely about achieving high scores but embracing the joy of discovery, the passion for knowledge, and the persistence to overcome obstacles. Through Devang’s journey, I aimed to convey that education is a voyage of self-discovery and growth, offering the potential to turn dreams into reality.”

Q: Was The Character Inspired By A Real Person?

A: “Yes, the character in my book was indeed inspired by a real person—myself. The character’s experiences and journey are rooted in my own story, reflecting the challenges, aspirations, and passions I encountered during my academic pursuits. However, I’ve taken creative liberties to adapt the character to the modern-day educational landscape, incorporating contemporary exam scenarios and the evolving education framework. The modifications serve to enhance the narrative’s relevance and resonate with readers who are navigating the current academic landscape.”

Q: What Do You Think Happened To The Characters After The Book Ended?

A:”After the book concluded, the character continued to embrace the art of managing life’s intricacies with resilience and determination. Despite the numerous struggles encountered throughout the narrative, the character persevered and applied the valuable life management skills he had acquired. This resilience propelled him to achieve remarkable heights in both their personal and professional life.” “The character’s unwavering commitment to his goals, coupled with a passion for continuous learning and self-improvement, allowed him to thrive in various domains. He became a beacon of inspiration for others, sharing his journey and the lessons learned along the way. As a mentor and advocate for personal growth, the character positively influenced the lives of many, encouraging them to harness their own potential and face life’s challenges with courage and determination.”

Q: What Is The Most Difficult Part About Writing For You?

A:”For me, the most challenging aspect of writing is finding the right balance between creativity and discipline. Juggling my creative ideas and inspirations while maintaining a structured writing routine often poses a difficulty. It’s about channeling the bursts of creativity effectively into a well-organized and coherent piece of work. For instance, while working on my novel, I sometimes struggled with maintaining a consistent writing schedule while also allowing my creativity to flow organically.” “Another difficulty I encounter is self-editing and knowing when to stop revising. As a perfectionist, I tend to overanalyze and continuously edit my work, sometimes losing sight of the original essence and spontaneity of the piece. Knowing when a piece is ‘finished’ and resisting the urge to make endless revisions has been a learning curve. For example, during the creation of my short stories collection, I found it challenging to strike the right balance between refining the prose and preserving the raw creativity that initially inspired the stories.” “Moreover, crafting authentic and relatable dialogue has been a hurdle. Writing dialogue that mirrors real-life conversations and effectively conveys emotions and character traits is an art. Striking the balance between authenticity and engaging dialogue can be a demanding task. In my playwriting project, I faced the challenge of ensuring that the dialogues felt natural while also serving the plot and character development.”

Q: What, In Your Opinion, Are The Most Important Elements Of Good Writing?

A: “In my opinion, the most important elements of good writing include clarity, engaging storytelling, effective communication, and a genuine connection with the audience. Clarity ensures that the reader can easily grasp the ideas and messages conveyed in the writing. Whether it’s a novel, an academic paper, or a blog post, clear and concise writing is crucial to delivering the intended meaning.”

Q: Do You Try More To Be Original Or To Deliver To Readers What They Want?

A: “I believe in finding a balance between being original and meeting readers’ expectations. While it’s crucial to offer fresh and unique storytelling that surprises and captivates readers, understanding their preferences and delivering elements they enjoy is equally important. Writing with originality allows me to bring a unique perspective to my work, creating an experience that stands out. However, I also consider the genre, audience, and market demands to ensure my writing resonates with readers.” “For instance, in my fantasy novel, I introduced original mythical creatures and a unique magic system that provided a fresh experience for readers in the fantasy genre. However, I also incorporated elements of adventure and camaraderie, meeting the expectations of fantasy enthusiasts who enjoy epic quests and character development.” “I believe that being original doesn’t mean alienating readers; it’s about offering a new angle, a different voice, or an unexpected twist while respecting the genre and the audience’s preferences. By understanding what readers enjoy and appreciate, I can infuse my originality within those parameters, creating a compelling narrative that both surprises and satisfies.”

Q: What Does Success Mean To You? What Is The Definition Of Success?

A: “To me, success is the fulfillment and satisfaction derived from achieving personal and meaningful goals. It’s about setting objectives aligned with my values, passions, and aspirations, and then taking the necessary steps to realize them. Success isn’t solely measured by external factors such as wealth or societal recognition, but rather by the internal sense of accomplishment and growth. For instance, completing my first novel was a significant success for me because it was a goal I had set based on my love for storytelling and writing.” “Success is also about continuous improvement and learning from failures. It’s embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn, grow, and refine my approach. Each failure propels me forward, serving as a stepping stone toward achieving my long-term goals. For example, when my startup faced challenges and didn’t succeed as planned, I viewed it as a learning experience that ultimately led to a more successful venture later on.” “Furthermore, success involves contributing positively to the lives of others and making a difference in the community or the world at large. Whether through acts of kindness, mentorship, or creating meaningful content, success for me includes leaving a positive impact on people. For instance, when I received heartfelt messages from readers about how my book inspired them, I felt a deep sense of success knowing that my work touched and motivated others.”

Q: How Important Is Research To You When Writing A Book?

A: “Research is an indispensable aspect of my writing process, providing a solid foundation for my stories and ensuring accuracy and authenticity. It’s about creating a believable and immersive world for readers, whether the book is a work of fiction or non-fiction. Through meticulous research, I aim to infuse credibility into the narrative, making the readers feel like they are part of the story.” “Moreover, research helps in crafting well-rounded and believable characters. Understanding their professions, backgrounds, and experiences deepens their development and allows me to portray them convincingly.”

Q: Do You Believe A Book Cover Plays An Important Role In The Selling Process?

A: “Absolutely, a book cover plays a significant role in the selling process. It’s often the first point of contact between a reader and a book, serving as a visual representation of the story within. An eye-catching, well-designed cover can captivate potential readers, pique their interest, and compel them to learn more about the book. In the digital age, where online browsing is common, a book cover’s importance is heightened. It needs to stand out amidst a plethora of options, making it a critical factor in a reader’s decision-making process. An engaging cover can prompt a click, leading to a potential purchase or further exploration of the book. “Furthermore, a professionally designed and aesthetically pleasing cover signifies quality and professionalism. It instills confidence in potential readers, indicating that the author has taken the time and effort to present their work in the best possible light. For example, the clean and elegant cover of ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald reflects the literary quality and sophistication of the book.”