Interview with Jasveer Singh Dangi
Author of Diary from Heaven
Jasveer Singh Dangi embodies a diverse tapestry of talents—author, podcast host, behavioral trainer, and esteemed health and safety professional hailing from Canada. What began as an unforeseen journey into writing in 2018 with his poignant childhood memoir, Version One and a Half (Version 1 ½), swiftly burgeoned into a prolific career marked by nine published books and two collaborative works.
He recently started his journey in the world of cinema as a Producer of a short film titled ‘Yes Sir’. The film, themed around caste bias, has been exceptionally well-received and featured in over twenty film festivals worldwide. It was third runner-up at the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (DPIFF), 2024, in the Best Short Film category.
Despite his self-professed label as an accidental author, Jasveer’s literary prowess has garnered widespread acclaim, punctuated by a string of accolades and recognition.
- His magnum opus, The Hunter Genesis – Book 1, found its place among the coveted list of summer must-reads by esteemed platforms like ANI Asia, Jio News, and Zee5.
- He was featured in the list of Top 19 most unique writers of 2023 by INKZOID Foundation.
- He was recognized as the author of the Year in Fiction and Non-Fiction category by Ukiyoto Publishing for his book Ensemble – A collection of short stories and essays.
- Hailed as one of the 10 Indian Authors Redefining Modern Literature by Kathmandu Tribune in January, 2020.
- He was recognized by Ne8X with Sahitya Kosh Samman Award in Literature.
- In 2019, Literature Light recognized him as one of the top 100 debut authors for his debut book, Version One and a Half (Version 1 ½).
- He was named as the ‘Author of the Fest’ at the Writing Wizards Fest 2020 for his book, Double One Zero (110) - Out of the shadows. The Writing Wizards Fest is an initiative by The Twilight of Poem (www. twilightofpoem.in).
Beyond the realms of writing, he’s earned commendations for his contributions to health and safety training, further cementing his multifaceted expertise. In 2018, he was awarded by IISSM for his contributions towards the Health and Safety Training domain.
Jasveer loves the outdoors and is a big movie buff, which is quite evident given the use of quotes and songs from movies at strategic places in all his books. He is an avid observer of his surroundings and uses characters and instances from everyday situations for his stories. His works include:
- The Hunter Genesis - Whatever it is, wherever it is, he will find it (Book 1 of the Hunter series),
- The Essence of Ganga – The Story of Mandakini,
- Ensemble – A collection of short stories and essays,
- The Incredible Mr. Sweets – A coming-of-age story of an ex-con who finds his calling in life through music,
- Shahenshah – The story of Shrenik Shah, the cancer conqueror,
- The Metro-Maniac Chronicles - Through the eyes of an Obsessive-Compulsive Metro-Maniac,
- Double One Zero (110) – Out of the Shadows,
- Diary from Heaven - Confessions of an Eternal Junkie,
- Version One and a Half (Version 1 ½) - A glimpse of India in the ‘80s,
- Concealed Words (Co-Author), and
- Life – A culmination of stories (Co-Author).
He also shares his thoughts on www.storymirror.com, www. medium.com, www.merrative.com, #jasveersinghdangi (Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook). His podcast is available on his website - www.jasveersinghdangi.com, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Spotify.
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How would you describe Diary from Heaven to a new reader?
- Diary from Heaven is the story of ‘Arun’ and his struggle with addiction.
What was the inspiration behind Diary from Heaven?
- Drugs are a menace to society & this book highlights the ill-effects of drugs on the youth. Through Aruns journey I have tried to showcase the importance & power of family support in helping a junkie to give up drugs.
Which authors do you admire? How have they influenced your writing style?
- Chetan Bhagat & Roald Dahn. Before I started writing I had never read any books apart from textbooks. These 2 have been my motivation because I have only read their books till now. I use my everyday experiences to write books.
Can you tell us a little about the locations in the book?
- The story of This book is based in Delhi-NCR
What advice would you give to aspiring authors? How would you advise a new author about traditional publishing versus self publishing?
- Many authors (including my cousin) give up because they can't seem to find enough time to write. My suggestion to them is to keep taking baby steps & keep writing. No matter how small it is, don't give up is what I would like to tell them just keep moving. If i don't get time to open my laptop to write then I keep typing in my phone. Self-publishing has been the greatest gift for writers like me. I would pick up self-publishing over traditional printing any day but like all authors, I dream of getting my book published through traditional printing. Self-publishing is about deciding your budget & printing your book as per your convenience but traditional printing is for pros. You need really good stuff for the editors to select your manuscript for traditional printing.
What's your writing process?
- It starts with an idea & then I keep scribbling whatever comes to my mind. Over time I keep combining bits & pieces to put together a story.
Which character in Diary from Heaven has had the greatest impact on readers?
- I think 'Hardev'; Arun's father will have the greatest impact on the readers. Even though Aruns entire family stands by Arun during troubling times but it is 'Hardev' who makes it possible for Arun to fight & come out as a winner.
If Diary from Heaven were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye when you wrote him/her?
- Arun is your everyday likable boy next door. Whoever plays (fingers crossed) the actor should be able to echo Arun's passion.
How have readers responded to Diary from Heaven?
- As per the readers, Diary from Heaven has given them a realistic glimpse into the effects of drugs on the youth.
Where next? What are you working on now?
- My third book is in the final stages. It is going to be a spy thriller titled 'Double One Zero (110)'.
