Author's interview - sharpen your wit by sunil B. Mashruwala

1. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

A. As such there is no research done for a particular book. I was reading Brain Teaser books and trying to solve the puzzles when I was in college and I continued with that thereafter. It is a continuous process. Reading of these books gave me the hold and grasp of creating my own teasers. Research is not a single time event. It is a journey.

2. How did your journey with teasers begin? Any special memories that pushed or encouraged you more towards it.

A. I, being a student of Mathematics, had penchant for Brain Teasers since the college time. I got hold of many teaser books and started with solving teasers. Soon I got the command and started composing my own teasers.

3. What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing?

A. I was fond of solving brain teasers. That made me think out of the box. Your focus on a thing can give you a good proficiency on the subject. Over a period of time, I created so many teasers that the compiling and printing them became a very obvious next step. Also, my friends were insisting on sharing such a unique teasers to the readers.

4. Your are a man of logic and critical thinking, is there anybody else in your family who is equally inclined towards teasers and problem solving?

A. Not many. My son is fond of solving my composed teasers. Readers will find very few books on teasers especially Indian ones. This is not a subject that is cherished by many. Most of the Indian publishers buy the rights from the foreign publisher or the author and print them in India. You will find very few Indian books on teasers. If my book is compared with the books by other Indian authors on a similar subject, you will immediately see the difference. BecomeShakespeare is probably the first publisher to publish a 100% Indian book on teasers of this standard.

5. Is there any other subject apart from mathematics and logic, that you are interested in?

A. I am a voracious reader. I like biographies and autobiographies, history especially Indian, self-help books and of course teaser/puzzle books.

6. We know that solving teasers help the tired mind to stay sharp and can reduce the risk of memory loss and dementia in a person as his age advances. What's your take in that?

A. I have elaborated this in the preface and the blurb of the book.

7. Before 'Sharpen Your Wits' you have published 'Brain Stretchers' and ‘Math–O–Logic’, What is your favourite out of all your books? Why is it your favourite?

A. Math-O-Logic is close to my heart. It is designed for children. It gives children a brain twisting exercise. Children are the future of India.

8. We expect more books from you? Any plans and preparation for your next book?

A. I am ready with two teaser books and one riddle book.

9. Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?

A. My high-command; my better-half!!!

10. Any last thought for our readers?

A. They should go through the book and solve the teaser at least once before checking the solution. The teasers are devised on everyday life incidences and written in a very lucid language. Hence, they will enjoy reading them.

11. What has been your publishing experience with BecomeShakespeare.com?

A. The experience working with BecomeShakespeare was excellent. The type of support I have received was unprecedented. The project continued for almost one year but at no point of time the cooperation was withdrawn. I am extremely happy with this publisher. The book and e-book have been made error free. The book has come out very well. I have to make a special mention of Mr. Shreyas Prathamshetti and his assistance and help to me. It was extraordinary. I highly recommend BecomeShakespeare.