Interview with Lucky Dog Series Author 13-year-old Avyukta Bhattacharjee

Avyukta Bhattacharjee has written 3 books in the ‘Diary of A Lucky Dog’ series. She studies Class 8 at MCC School, Tambaram, Chennai. Let us hear from Avyukta about what motivated her to write 3 books at a young age and her experiences while publishing the books.

Avyukta with her 3 books in the 'Diary of a Lucky Dog' series

1. How did you get an idea to write books? Who is the main hero or protagonist of your books?

During the lockdown, I remember it was the 17^th of May 2020. I convinced my parents to bring home a puppy. But my father was very particular that he would not buy one. So, I adopted a puppy from an adoption center and named it Lucky. Since schools were closed and it was lockdown period, I spent my whole time with Lucky watching his antics. I started thinking about what Lucky would be thinking. So, I decided to pen down my thoughts, and that’s how I got the whole idea to write a book with Lucky as the main hero. I combined facts about Lucky with fiction. So, Lucky has friends, enemies, has adventures in a jewellery shop, and his videos come up on YouTube also. 

Avyukta with her Dog Lucky

2. What is your writing process? How do you write? How many days do you take to complete a book?

I didn’t have any regular process or timetable for writing and even had no idea about publishing. As a puppy, Lucky was very much intelligent than other breeds. All the special moments with Lucky were stored in my mind. So, I started writing them down whenever I felt like it. Sometimes, I wrote for hours, and sometimes I wouldn’t write for a whole week or so. It took me approximately three to four months to complete a book.

3. How was your book published?

After writing my first book, I sent the softcopy to my publisher, Edison Consulting Services. The book was under the I am an Author, Budding Author’s program of Edison Consulting. This program encourages young, budding authors to write more books, develop their skills, and take them to the next level. The publishing process included grammar, spelling, plagiarism check, signing of terms and conditions documents by my parents, editor’s approval, and applying for the copyright. Finally, my book got published. I received a printed copy of the book. The book was then available in the publishers’ online bookstore, The Indie Bookstore, Amazon, and Flipkart.

4. What help did you get from your parents in writing and publishing the book?

My parents were surprised by my storytelling and writing interest about Lucky. They inspired and encouraged me to write more. This is the most encouraging and awarding part of my writing efforts. One of my mom’s colleagues, Dr. C. Tharini, after learning about my writing interest, gave a contact of one of her friends Ms. Sundari, chief editor of I Am An Author, Edison Consulting Services. Ms. Sundari helped to publish the book.

My dad’s friend, who is the president of Lion’s Club International Tambaram Central, Mr. T. S. Sriprakash, saw my book. He encouraged me by arranging a book release function in their installation meeting. I was honored and asked to speak at the gathering.

5. Did you decide at the beginning itself about how many parts your book will have?

Actually, I didn’t have any idea of writing a series. But, after writing and publishing one book, I wanted to write more. So, I ended up with three books in the Diary of a Lucky Dog series.

6. Did you get any encouragement from your school and teachers?

When my class teacher came to know about my book, she was surprised. She praised and blessed me a lot. I felt very encouraged. After my second book was released, two days before teachers’ day, my teacher informed me that I was specially invited to the teachers’ day function by my Principal. And I had to bring along two copies of my book. I went to school that day with my dad. Everyone, after seeing me, wished me a lot and encouraged me. I was asked to stand on the stage with my Principal, Dr. Mary Vasanthi ma’am. I can’t explain how I was feeling right then, standing along with my principal on the stage. It was announced that the two copies of my books will be kept in the school library. I was feeling as if I was at the top of the world. I was then awarded a trophy, cash prize, and a set of books.

Avyukta with her school Principal

Later, the Principal of Madras Christian College, Dr. Paul Wilson, honored me with a gift at a building inauguration function. Like this, I was encouraged by my school and teachers.

Avyukta with Dr. Paul Wilson

7. Have you drawn the pictures in your book? Tell us more about it.

I really love drawing, but I haven’t drawn the pictures in my book. I did draw the cover pages of my three books. The publisher helped me with the illustrations inside the book, as I was not confident about it. But, of course, they discussed it with me before publication and I went through it thoroughly. In the future, I’m planning to do the illustrations for the main story too. Personally, I’m more interested in portrait drawing, which is my all-time favorite hobby.

Cover Pages Drawn by Avyukta

8. Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite author’s list is very long. My first favorite author as a young reader was Sudha Murty ma’am. My other most favorite authors are Jeff Kinney, J. K. Rowling, Enid Blyton, Rachel Renee Russell, and more.

9.    Are you planning to come out with the next Lucky dog book or write a different story altogether?  

The Diary of a Lucky Dog series has come to an end. But, I’m planning to write some fiction adventure stories on Lucky soon.

Lucky Dog

10.  What are your suggestions or tips for aspiring young writers?  

Experiences are always to be shared. It was a very good experience penning down my thoughts in Lucky’s POV. It was amazing reading out my penned thoughts. Likewise, everyone may have some interesting parts and past experiences in their life which they can develop and make use of. 

You can reach Avyukta at  avyuktaandlucky@gmail.com

Do you want to read about the adventures of Lucky? 

Pick the book from https://indie-bookstore.com/ or Amazon. 

Website of Edisun Consulting Services: https://www.iamanauthor.in/