Writers & Blogger interview Chandan Lal Patary, author of The Agilist's Guidebook, on his debut book, the benefits of writing courses.
Why do you write?
Like most writers, I write because I feel that I have to. It’s not absolutely an obsession, but it’s quite close to that. Writing makes sense of one’s world, which is what most of us want to do on some level or other. Writing is a continuous improvement process for me. For the last 6 years, I was writing something.
What inspires you to write?
It’s almost more like an obsession at this point, one that’s hard to explain given how frustrating writing can be. There are so many more fun things I could be spending my time doing. Writing can make you want to tear your hair out, but it also contains these abstract moments when you’ve captured exactly what you meant to capture, when you’ve expressed your truth and you’ve expressed it perfectly. Those moments are fleeting, but they’re so intense that once you’ve had one, there’s nothing like it. You’re absorbed. You’ll spend an insane amount of time trying to make it happen again.
How would you describe The Agilist's Guidebook to someone who has not read any of your book?
This book is all about Organizational Agile Transformation. It includes 80+ topics highlighted as a challenge which every agilist will come across.I have experienced what worked with me. The same formula can be implemented and determine how it is served to others. This book has 5 areas covered which are Panch Bhoota of the organization. All these Bhoota if agilist strengthen, the organization will become dominant.
Which part of researching The Agilist's Guidebook was the most personally interesting to you? Were there any facts, symbols, or themes that you would have liked to include, but they just didn't make into the story?
For me, the most impressive aspect of researching The Agilist’s Guidebook was the realization that without taking care of the Organizational Structural change nothing considerable can take place to Agile Transformation. The 5th chapter is all about experiencing the organization and how agilist prepare themselves for this transformation.
Where do you get your ideas?
For me, Organization is my laboratory. I go every day to the organization with the mindset that I will do some fresh experiment and understand the different concept. I search for the challenges in the organization where I can exercise my concerns and gain from it. I am grateful for all the organizations where I have worked they have challenged me all the probable ways.
When working on a new book, what’s the first thing you do?
First, I put everything in a mind map and then I try to explain my mindmaps with text.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Ninety percent of my working day is spent trying to get my subconscious (or my conscious) mind into a 'flow'-state, whereby I'm no longer in charge of what's happening and all I'm doing is being a conduit for something amazing.
What is your writing process like?
I am a working person, I work for the organization, all my weekdays are engaged for that. The weekend I get some time. So I devote myself in an area. I sacrifice my social contact, interaction, meeting with my companions. Occasionally I meet with them.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I noticed people are more concerned about English grammar, expressing in a beautiful way, in a process, they lose the big picture. They have an excellent understanding, but they are fixed in a few sentences. They are worried that people will criticize, they will be tainted as a mediocre thinker etc. so they are stuck.
Focus on the work itself. Ignore the ‘rules’ of writing in a first draft, and ignore the doubting voice in your head. Just write the book you want to read. The editing comes later.
And, on the whole of the writing process, was it a positive or negative experience?
110% positive. I can’t think of a better thing for a writer to do.
Are you an author that interacts a great deal with your readers?
I absolutely love my readers, and try to give them the best possible experience.
How much research went into sculpting the manuscript?
A lot!! It has been last 6 years I am collecting my notes and put into a book format. People may like it, or not, but this is what it is.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Both, it is an arduous process, someday you will have a wow moment some stage you will surrender and will get nowhere
What was the book that most influenced your life — and why?
I have read several books, on top the few books I have written that "Book can Change your life" , one of these is "Winners" by Alastair Campbell
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
No mobile!!! No Facebook, no WhatsApp!!
What advice do you have for writers?
Read as often as you can. Read extensively. Read outside your comfort area. Follow your heart. Find challenges which are worth to write. Look for the best topics which are ample in the organization. Ask how can I make it better. It will trigger the thought process. The Mind is a wonderful instrument, it will regulate you. But we have to focus and cut all interference.
