February 23rd, 2012 at the Crossword Book Store, When the Lotus Blooms, was launched by renowned Tamil author, Sivasankari.
“When the Lotus Blooms,” is essentially the story of two Tamil Brahmin families and in order for the book to succeed in India, it has to be successfully launched in Chennai.
Last November, a family friend Latha Kumaraswami connected me to her aunt Sivasankari, whose stories my mother had read out to me as a child. I was elated that she agreed to read my book and I had a copy sent to her in December. Sivasankari read and wrote an excellent review of the book which is posted on my website. Getting validation from her made me confident enough to go ahead with my plans for the launch.
Until the first week of February I had no confirmation of any thing in Chennai. My publisher was trying to get a venue but Chennai is known for its literary activity and everything was booked solid. But I was persistent. I kept my hope alive and was confident I would get something and that author Sivasankari would grace the occasion and release the book. How that was going to happen I didn’t know. When you want something and pray sincerely, submitting to the Universe, it somehow works out.
Two days later my publisher confirmed the Chennai venue and I immediately invited Sivasankari to be Chief Guest and I guess my luck had turned when I got her email confirming she would attend.
I had less than 24 hours in Chennai and was surprised by how much I was able to do in such a short time. That morning I dropped off a copy of the book to actor/producer Suhasini whom my friend Vani Ganpathy had connected me with. As a writer you have to explore every avenue and any lead or contact you get is a future possibility. That is how I have marketed my book so far. I have relentlessly reached out to people without waiting for results. More often than not things have worked out.
The Chennai Book launch was by far the most well attended event. Writer, columnist, blogger and family friend Padmini Natarajan did the introduction.The audience consisted of family, friends and invitees all of whom were avid readers and held Sivasankari in great esteem.The audience even included the author Shreekumar Varma who participated in the discussion that followed.
Sivasankari said my book “sounded like a painting,” making a reference to its descriptive character. What was even more complimentary was that she herself read my book in 2 days. “The hallmark of a good book is that you should not be able to put it down,” she added.
“When the theme is woven with with the craft then magic emerges,” she said. “More than this what can I say about Kanchana. I can hardly believe this is her first book; she writes with so much flair and confidence.”
When I showed the video to my mother tears were flowing down her cheeks, She was overwhelmed that the great Sivasankari had such fabulous things to say about me. For me this is thanks enough. I don’t have to become a bestselling author, it is sufficient that Sivasankari has read and loved my writing.
The book was reviewed the following day in the Chennai Times in glowing terms.
Time will tell how the book is received in India, but I am not worried. I have a deep sense of satisfaction that I have done my part and the Universe will take care of the rest.