Interview with Sanjay Bordia- Author of the Claim

Today we have an author who introduced investigative auditing to the Indian readers. Please welcome Sanjay bordia, the author of The Claim.

Hi Sanjay

Welcome to my virtual teté-a-teté

To start with, share your CA journey. A short note on the do’s and don’ts will help the aspiring minds.

I completed my CA course in 1986. I passed all my groups in first attempt though appeared for one group at a time.

CA course requires both intelligence and diligence, one trait will not do.  So I advise all the aspiring CAs to work very hard, don’t rot but understand the concepts thoroughly.  The course is very vast, so one need to be mentally strong to handle so many concepts at a time. But remember, it is not impossible.  Regular and informed study is the requirement.

Best thing about CA is that cost of doing it is very less in comparison to other professional courses.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am from Udaipur-Rajasthan, aged 53 years.  My wife takes care of the house and my daughter is in CA final.  I am working in an Indian MNC.

When did you decide to become a writer?

Since childhood, I was interested in writing. Writing for school magazines and local newspapers were my addiction.  In school days I was known as ‘Aashu Kavi’ or a poet who can write on the spot.

In my half yearly exams of 9^th standard I wrote an essay.  The teacher was floored with it and made me recite the essay in 6 classes i.e. two sections each of 9^th, 10^th and 11^th.

In those days I used to write in Hindi. I would like to reveal that I did my graduation in Hindi medium.

Which writers inspire you?

There are many.

In Hindi language my favorite are Shrilal Shukla, Sharad Joshi, Hari Shankar Parsai and a few more.

In English language my favorite are Hanif Mohammad, Frank MacCourt, Nadeem Aslam, Yan Martal, Vinod Mehta, Khalid Hosseni and a few more.

Investigative Auditing is a new genre as far as I am concerned. Can you share your thoughts?

John Grisham, Alexander MacCal Smith, inspires me. These writers use lots of their educational qualification for writing stories.  Since I am a CA, I started observing the things in my office, following these kind of news, discussing with auditors about their experiences.  These all gave me idea to write this book.

Do the auditors actually venture out like investigators? Do you have similar experience?

Yes, many times. In my previous job, I laid my hands on a fraud where ration coal was being sold in black market. 

So, What have you written?

I have written stories, participated in competitions like of Unilever and Honda and won first prizes.  I won prizes in writing intra group competitions.  One of my articles published in Reader’s Digest. 

Honda’s first prize was a trip for four to Mauritius.  Unilever printed my photo on their tea packets for one month distributed across India.

Where can we buy or see them?

I have copies of all of them but may not be available in public domain now.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

The main character is CA Mohan Mohanty. He is a smart, intelligent, sensitive and academically brilliant person.  I have tried to develop his character as a person who is fond of Epic Mahabharata and treat it as a Management Book.

Mohan doesn’t believe in showing off, he is not very smooth with females.

What are you working on at the minute?

At present my focus is on marketing THE CLAIM. Trying to inform about the book to as many persons as possible via social media, mails and personal contacts.

What genre are your books?

THE CLAIM is a detective fiction

What draws you to this genre?

I think I know this genre, I have read many book in this genre.

How was your publishing experience? You book is an apparent bestseller material. Did you find it difficult to find publishers?

I sent the book to many publishers, being a debut writer nobody gave me any importance. Ultimately Leadstart agreed.

Were you interviewed by local press/radio for your book launch?

No book launch has taken place yet.

Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?

I am contacting many insurance companies since it the book talks about insurance fraud.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I did it because I enjoy writing. Write, if you love it.

Where do you see publishing going in the future?

Rising literacy level is generating new readers but the same readers are moving to Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter.

If given a chance, will you make any changes to your book?

If the book goes in second edition, I would like to add a few more pictures in it.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website:www.sanjaybordia.com
Facebook:sanjaybordia
Twitter:@bordiasanjay

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.