Dear Dear Readers,
It has been one month since 3 came out. Life has settled back to normal somewhat. I go to the office, come back home, play with the kids and go to sleep. I need this for the moment, for I don’t think human beings are designed to handle thousands of opinions and judgements about themselves everyday. Blogs, comments, emails, articles, reviews, interviews, events, sales figures and now even in public places, I get told how good or not good my books are, innumerable times a day. It is a lot to take in, and I am not even sure how much is really going in. But I thought I will tell you the overall consensus that is building about 3 and my books in general. After that, I will give you my personal take on it all. Let me divide it into various categories:
Sales
First of all, the sales figures. The first month sales figures for my three books are as follows:
1. Five Point Someone - 5,000 copies (new author, this was a good number)
2. One Night @ the Call Center - 50,000 copies (since FPS was already popular).
And now for 3, I just received the figure this morning for the sales last month:
3. The 3 Mistakes of my life - 5,00,000 copies.
Wow! Well, first of all, thank you! You made it happen.
I don’t know how 3 achieved 10x increase over the previous book. Maybe the first two books had become quite popular, maybe there was a long gap, maybe we had good media coverage, maybe it was the whole hype about the “#1 selling author in history” or maybe the theme this time had wider reach than the narrow setting of the previous two books. Whatever it is, it is leaving all of us gobsmacked. The book will be the highest selling book of the three pretty soon, (yes, more than FPS too) and that too by a wide margin.
Reviews - Core Readers (hardcore fans who will read all CB books)
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many have insisted it is the best of the three books. I know some people have been disappointed (say 5%). Please accept my apologies, will hope to do better next time. I do want to share this. The readers who enjoy my books most are those who read my book for that particular story and go with the flow. If you have unrealistic expectations or read the story by dissecting and comparing with past works, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Try not to do that.
I do hear the term “Bollywoodish” associated with some of my stories. As long as that is an observation, it is fine. (Good) Bollywood is about drama, plot, message, fun, emotions, action and happy, hopeful endings. I like that about Bollywood. I think most Indians do too. As one comment said, who wants stories that move painfully slow and end in despair? I don’t, and if you do - there are plenty of books in the store you will find like that.
Reviews - Fringe Readers
My fringe readers are those who do not like my books, but read them anyway. They are “I’ve read all 3 books , all are crap” variety. Why did you read the second book if you didn’t like the first? Why did you pick up the third? There are a lot of good books in the bookstore that need reader attention. If I am not to your taste, switch! Let’s have a happy parting. There is no need to behave like an obsessive ex-lover who will hate and care at the same time. Stop visiting this site, look away when you see my books in a shop and the rest will be just fine.
As expected, the fringe readers continue to have this love-hate relationship with me. My third book didn’t work for them, though they read it in the first week of release, and they couldn’t put it down while reading it.
Reviews - Critics
Strangely, the reviews were not as bad as I expected. Maybe they liked the book, or maybe they had a change of taste or maybe they realized that a few million, English speaking, educated Indians can’t be wrong. The lack of insight amongst critics (not everyone, but most) continues to baffle me. The most common observation “he is not literary” is something I said on my own site four years ago. I became bored of that observation so I said “my language is not that good” in a HT Brunch interview. Now most critics carry that observation. (Incidentally, a senior journalist from Guardian UK told me he really liked my language in the books.) I am not looking for praise, but if you call yourself a critic or an expert, you must offer some original, analytical insight about the work - good or bad, to justify your job. Summarizing the plot and repeating past interviews is not that. Anyway, less slamming for me this time, so I am happy. Thank you guys.
Speaking of critics, I do value them. But I want them to be fair, honest and open minded. I am no one to advise them, but I do want to mention a memorable speech from the movie Ratatouille.
“ In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations, the new needs friends. Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau’s famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau’s, who is, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau’s soon, hungry for more. “
My personal take
I feel calm these days. People tell me I haven’t changed after I became a celebrity, and that feels nice. It is extremely important for me to stay grounded, remain down to earth and be a good human being. I am happy about 3, as I wanted to do a story about Gujarat with all the uncomfortable topics included and I wasn’t sure if it would be accepted. I know I used the three friends combo again in 3 like FPS, and there was a reason. Religion is an extremely tough subject to handle, and I wanted to be able to do that well and so chose a character combination I had done earlier. I wanted the story to travel wide, so I put in a lot of entertainment value (which I enjoy doing anyway). What is the point of writing a story on tolerance that is read only by intellectuals who already know that? So, a Bollywood treatment is just fine to get that reach according to me. If Chetan gets slammed a bit more for it and is not called a ‘great’ author, how does it matter? But if next time a reader of 3 can see through the nonsense of politicians, then the greater purpose has been achieved.
Finally…
To be able to write on the topic of my choice is the freedom I ask of you. That is a lot more important for me than a) Beating FPS (why? why should I write to beat FPS when maybe another story needs to be written about) or b) Making sure big movies happen (if movie adaptation was my main focus, I’d never do a story on Godhra), or c) Break records everytime, or d) silence my critics. All these reasons means writing for my ego, and I want to write for my passion. There is a big difference.
Having said that, my fourth book will not be so dark. I am done with dark for now and want to do something fun. And the book will not be about three friends for sure. What exactly will it be? I don’t know.
Love lots,
Chetan
PS: I can’t reply to every comment, but I do read them all. Also, other visitors to this site enjoy reading them too. If you’d rather send feedback in private, go to the Guestbook. Comments in the blog are public, and so please don’t write personal stuff or give spoilers. And be nice.
Dear All,
Just a quick short post. Things have been hectic and the response to 3 quite overwhelming. I am still in the middle of launches and so life will settle down only after a few weeks. I have read each and every comment and fan mail that has come to me. The sheer volume makes it difficult to reply (and please forgive me for not), but I do want to thank you for making the effort to give me feedback. And if you liked the book, thanks once more.
Everything about 3 was beyond expectations for myself and everyone in the team. The opening sales, the media attention, the volume of fan mail, the frenzy at the launches.
I am still under equipped at handling all this. I knew the books were popular - but so much? I went to McDonald’s at CST and three people came to me. I had sauce smeared on my face - not very youth icon like at all.
I am trying to come up with a system to better respond to readers, an area where I can definitely improve. To that effect, I am cutting down on media stories for now. I think I have said enough and people have seen the yellow book and me enough times. I have four more cities left for the launches in this phase, and it will end in the next 10 days. The ad is below, see if you can come. Please do.
The most important thing is, a large number of people have liked the book. To match up to the last two is an achievement in itself. I want to thank you for giving these new characters a place in your heart. I had big concerns given the topic, but I have received so many complimentary mails from Gujarat as well. When I received the first mail praising 3 from Ahmedabad, I cried.
More soon.
Love,
Chetan
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Dear All,
My apologies for the somewhat impersonal nature of the last few posts. There was a lot of factual information to be presented associated with the launch, so I put that down first as the date is approaching soon. To avoid confusion, let me reconfirm - The post below shows the launch schedule in this phase. Yes, I will be there at all these launches to talk to you and sign books. Yes, these are public launch events and everyone can come. Yes, the book 3 is priced at Rs95 again (trust me, took tremendous effort. Rs95 of 2008 is not the same as Rs95 of 2004). Yes, I want you to come as this is the rare time I get to interact with my readers. Yes, other cities will also be covered in the next phase. Yes, the book will be available all over India from May 8 onwards.
Anyway, back to what I really wanted to talk about. Thanks for the wonderful, honest comments and the words of encouragement. I have been trying to keep calm but as the D-day approaches, the nervousness is creeping in. While I am confident about the book, the feeling is similar to what you have before a big exam. No matter how well prepared you are, a certain amount of anxiety is inevitable.
So, to counter that anxiety, last night I stepped back from it all and went back to the first principles behind my writing. I had worked in Goldman Sachs earlier, and that firm used to have a set of business principles. Inspired by that, I came up with my own set of writing principles. I thought I will share these with you, 3 days before the launch of 3.
In the coming few weeks, you may see several media stories about me. Some may be accurate, some may not. But everytime you get confused about where I am really coming from, refer to the below!
My Writing Principles - Chetan Bhagat
1) My reader’s interests always come first. My experience shows that if I serve readers well, my own success will follow.
2) I have two goals. My first goal is to make my readers happy. This can come from the enjoyment they get while reading the book, or a positive influence the book can become in their lives. My second goal is a personal agenda to do whatever I can to make India a developed country as soon as possible.
3) I take pride in having an Indian audience. I will strive for excellence to cater to them first. Though my books may be published abroad across various countries, if it came to a choice I’d rather be writing for Indians than anyone else.
4) Be simple yet articulate. The idea of writing is to express, not to impress.
5) Always try something new as that keeps me challenged. I will never arrive, and I don’t want to arrive. The game is to keep going.
6) Every reader is important. While the sheer number of readers may make it difficult to have a one-on-one interaction, reader feedback is to be taken very seriously.
7) The ‘celebrity’ factor is essential to promoting my work and fun to a certain extent. However, it is not an end-goal in itself or to be taken seriously. What matters is my work, not my face.
8 ) I am not working alone. While the books carry my name, there is a whole team behind that works relentlessly. The printers, salespeople, editors, promotion departments have all had a contribution in the book’s success. And of course, the biggest contribution is the readers who passionately recommend my books to others.
9) The connection my readers feel to me and my books is greater than one finds in most other books. I think this is an important part of my success.
10) I regularly receive mails from readers who open up about their lives. To breach their confidence and trust is unthinkable. Integrity and honesty is at the heart of my relationship with my readers
11) There is a lot of competition among books and authors.However, I must always be a fair competitor and must never criticize other books and authors. Similarly, all critical feedback is accepted and not to be argued with.
12) Irrespective of the above, never forget that the idea is for all connected to my books to have fun. Don’t be serious, be sincere. There is a difference.
That will be all for now.
Love,
Chetan
- Mumbai- 8th May - 7:00 PM
Courtyard, Near Big Bazaar,
Phoneix Mills Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai
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- Delhi - 10th May - 6:30 PM
Ambience Mall, Big Bazaar,
Ambience Mall, Near Gurgaon Border, NH-8, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Gurgaon
-
- Kolkatta - 11th May - 4:30 PM
Kankurgachi Pantaloons
Pantaloon Kankurgachi, Orchid Point, 33/1A,
Upendra Chandra Banerjee Road, Kankurgachi
-
- Kolkatta - 11th May - 7:00 PM
Hiland Park, Big Bazaar,
Big Bazaar Hiland Park, 6, Hiland Park 1925 Chakgaria,
Near Peerless Hospital, Em Bypass,
Kolkatta - 700094
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- Hyderabad - 17th May - 6:30 PM
Ameerpet, Big Bazaar,
Big Bazaar,-Hyderabad-Ameerpet, 8-3-949/1, Ameerpet,
Hyderabad - 5000016
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- Bangalore - 18th May - 6:30 PM
OMR, Big Bazaar,
Salapuria Nova, No.1 & 2, Varthur Road,Nagavarapalya, Old Madras Road
Bangalore - 560016
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- Ahmedabad - 24th May - 6:30 PM
Himalaya, Big Bazaar,
Big Bazaar, Himalaya Mall, Drive in Road
Near Drive in Open Theater, Gurukul,
Ahmedabad
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- Pune - 25th May - 4:00 PM
Kothrud, Big Bazaar,
Plot No. CC3 of S. No. 20/2, Adjoining City Pride Multiplex, Kothrud
Pune
P.S.: There are 2 events in kolkata on same day. Irrespective of the launch events, the book will be avaliable in bookstores across India from May 8. 2008.
All I would like to say is, if you can come, do come. It will make me very happy.
Dear All,
Thanks so much for you wonderful comments and encouragement. And special thanks to those who remembered/figured-out my birthday. I have some idea about the 3 launch events, though will make a separate post later with all the details. I only get to meet readers at launch time. So, if you are in that city, I want to see you there. As of now, here is what I know about the schedule:
Thu, May 8th: Mumbai
Venue and Time: Big Bazaar, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, 7:00pm
Sat, May 10th: Delhi (Gurgaon)
Venue and Time: Big Bazaar, Gurgaon @ 6:00pm (TBC)
Other cities (Venue and Time TBC):
Sun, May 11th: Kolkata
Sat, May 17th: Bangalore
Sun, May 18th: Hyderabad
Sat, May 24th: Ahmedabad
Sun, May 25th: Pune
More cities (Dates, Venue and Time TBC):
Lucknow, Bhubneshwar, Trivandrum, Jaipur and possibly some others.
We have tied up with Depot, the bookstore chain of Big Bazaar group who will co-ordinate all the launches. They have promised me that they will make me reach as many of my readers as possible and make it the biggest book launch ever. It’s all pretty low key for now but the action will begin soon. So, do join the fun.
My dear friends/ readers,
This is my first post. My third book is complete and releases on May 8, 2008. I am very excited to be interacting with you. We have just updated the site with details about the third book, “The 3 mistakes of my life.” There is an excerpt as well, and after you read that you will find a way to get yet another secret, bonus excerpt.
I am thankful for all your love and support, and look forward to interacting with you more on this blog. I shall be posting more details on the launch of 3 in the coming days.
Yours,
Chetan Bhagat
