Former corporate employee-turned journalist and author Usha Narayanan has come out with her third book Love, Lies and Layoffs that deals with two youngsters diving head on into the world of corporates and conglomerates. Set in the corporate world, the book is all about the heartwarming story of a feisty journalist Frieda who is a modern woman who wants it all — a successful career and an enviable love life too.
What inspired you to author a book, after having worked in the corporate and media fields I wanted to break free of limitations and aspired for creative freedom in writing. I was fascinated by geniuses like Steven Spielberg who helmed movies ranging from the popular Indiana Jones and Jaws to the realistic Schindlers List. As an aspiring author, I wanted to cultivate a keen sense of observation, empathy, imagination and courage. Who’s your favourite character in the book and was he/she inspired by anybody (fictitious or not) you’ve come across The book is not all about the leading lady. The hero in my eyes is Girik or Geek as he is called, who stands up for what is right, risking his job and his reputation. The book gives a peek into the power politics that plagues any organisation and also deals with the question of whether friendship can be a basis for romance. I have drawn threads of inspiration from incidents I’ve seen or been a part of, but tweaked it to suit the book and my idea.
Considering you’re an avid reader, you’ll know that many other books in the same genre. Have you tried to showcase anything different in yours Do the good guys ever win Or do sharks rule the corporate world, is something I’ve answered with this book. In a formal setting, there’s gossip and friendly banter, but there’s also jealousy and backbiting. There’s the constant backdrop of what people will do in order to get ahead in their career, especially when jobs are at risk. These are situations familiar to all those who work or have worked somewhere and you gasp and laugh along with the characters. This book is for all those who are in love or hope to find love in an increasingly lonely world.
