Author Interview - Manisha Israni of Up Side Down Fitness

1.What has motivated you to write? 

I love writing. Been writing for 20 years now, more in the form scripts for commercials and infomercials. I am a director by profession, and since our company Telebrands is mainly affiliated with fitness products, my area of expertise has become fitness over the years. This knowledge catalyzed with a fleeting desire to remain fit led me down the path of becoming a fitness enthusiast. And no I don’t have spare time in my hand so I have to manage my fitness desires in left over time intervals. Over the years I have seen people making this excuse “time hi nahi milta”. People assume that having a fit body requires a lot of time and effort, which in my opinion is not true, so I though I must pin down the secret of my fitness which is simple and easy. Doable steps towards a healthy and fulfilling life.   

2. How did you feel after publishing your first book?

Honestly, nothing different. I feel I have a lot more to write, so ya, it feels like something I need to do on a consistent basis.

3. What are some of your favourite novels and authors?

I got into reading and consecutively into writing because of Shobha de. My first book I ever read was “speed post”. I yet love that book because of its simplicity and honesty. My other favourite authors are Khaled Hosseini, John Grisham, Paulo Coelho to name a few.

4. Is there a specific reason for naming your novel?

Yup, the reason is that it is just the opposite of what you know about fitness, a rather inverse approach, therefore the title of the book is “Up Side Down” Fitness.  To be honest, I have read quite a few fitness books, consulted some accomplished dietitians and worked out with the best in the industry, but I was quick to give up on them. Somehow the whole process of remaining fit and slim required too much time and effort. It was as though that the -- purpose of life was fitness rather than fitness being a means towards a purposeful life. I am sure you must have faced similar situations wherein you have been struggling with various approaches to reach a certain level of fitness, but somehow not “cracked the code” 

It is about time to take a pause and rethink fitness! We need a more doable and efficient approach towards fitness. A one that is smart and unique, will fit in our busy schedules, will involve less effort and yet give us the desired results. You need an up-side down approach!

5. Where do you write from? Do you go to some specific place, like beach side or the hills? 

My Home

6. What was your biggest learning experience throughout the writing process?

I have learnt that there is nothing more I love, than writing. 

8. Any best piece of writing advice that you would like to share with new or struggling writers? 

Write about what you love, writing is an expression of creativity, your best only comes out when you are writing about what you love and not what others want to read. Be true to yourself and the reader. You may not realise this but your honesty comes across in every word that you write. Also keep your language and words simple. Not every one is Shakespeare!

9. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

That I have been in Mumbai for 20 years and I still am not able to drive, I know how to drive but with so many vehicles around me, I am petrified to get behind the steering wheel, it can make me cry J, oh and I still don’t like the rains, I prefer the sun J

10. Any future books that you would like to discuss now?

Been thinking of writing about raising my 3 boys. I am surrounded by boys, 3 son’s, 1 husband, 1 father-in-law, 1 grand father, 2 male domestic helpers, and an all male college environment. There have been days when I gone without having spoken a single other female. So I would to document this rather hilarious journey of my life as “raising boys and a hell house”

11. What other profession excites you the most?

Editing and Direction, precisely in that order. 

12. How is the response so far for the book? 

So far so good. I have a very positive feedback from who ever has read the book. Crossword is marketing & distributing the book, they are the best, so keeping my fingers crossed. 

You can follow the author who is very active on her Instagram page by clicking here