Author bio: He is a native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. He studied B.Sc from Bipin Bihari Degree College of the Bundelkhand University Jhansi and earned his degree of M.Sc (Physics) from  Agra University. He was an Indian Revenue Service officer and retired as an Assistant Commissioner of Customs. Now he is living in Cochin and pursuing his passion for writing. Ravi Ranjan Goswami’s published titles include Nakam Dushman, Luteron Ka Teela Chambal, The Gold Syndicate, It so happened, and Naveen Bal Kathayen.

Interviewer: First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the release of your book – ‘The Asht Yogis’! Tell us something about your book?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: Thank you. This is a must-read book. It entertains the readers and introduces them to the philosophy and basics of Yoga and Tantra as well.

Interviewer: ‘The Asht Yogis’ is a fiction and fantasy story based on Yoga and Tantra. What was the inspiration for the story?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: The seed of this book was sown in my mind on 11 December 2014, when the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. I desired to write a book on Yoga and as I am basically a fiction writer so the Idea transformed into this fiction novella The Asht Yogis.

Interviewer: Tell us about the process for coming up with the cover. And, what is the significance of the title?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: The story of this book starts from a Yoga Guru’s Ashram in the Himalaya This Yoga Guru is the most important character in this story so I put a yogi on the cover. It is said that by yoga one can attain 8 types of siddhis meaning accomplishments.  In this book, the Guru makes a group of 8 youth yogis for a cause hence the title The Asht Yogis. Asht means 8 in Sanskrit.

Interviewer: What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: Though I was writing fiction I wanted to include some authentic concepts of yoga for which I had to do some research work.

Interviewer: How many books have you written till now? Tell us about your previously published books, where can your readers find the books?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: I have written ten novels, four short stories collections, two Hindi poetry books. I write in English and Hindi as well.

Some of these books worth special mention are like-

My Hindi Short novel ‘Luteron Ka Teela Chambal’ has been included in the list of best 500 Books by Indian authors or books set in India by BOOKSICON.COM in 2018 at 451 number.

Recently my English novella ‘Prallel Love’ has been acquired by Brooklyn public library of New York, USA, and listed in its catalogue.

My books are available on Amazon, Filpkart, Notionpress, Educreation Publishing Delhi, Rajmangal Prakashan Aligarh UP, and all major merchant sites online worldwide.

Interviewer: What is your favorite genre to read, and why?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: Fiction is my favourite genre. Why?  I think It relaxes me and increases my imagination power.

Interviewer: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing? Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: Some of my favourite auhors are Munshi Premchand, Gulshan Nanda, Amish Patel, Vikom Basheer, Pablo Coehlo, and JK Rowing. I read Hindi author Munshi Premchan at a very young age so he has an indelible impression on my psyche.

Interviewer: Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: Yes. I can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and my page on Facebook Un-locking self, Ravi Ranjan Goswami.

Interviewer: Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: I am working on a woman-centric novel. Also, I am converting my previously written books into audiobooks.

Interviewer:  Any message for readers regarding the book?

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: Please buy this book and read it .

Interviewer: Thanks for your time! It was a pleasure talking to you about you. I wish you the best of luck in the future!

Ravi Ranjan Goswami: It is so nice of you. Thank you very much.