Interview with Jasveer Singh Dangi
Author of Version One and a Half
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 Version One and a Half to a new reader?
- Version One and a Half is my naive attempt to searching for happiness and solutions from within before seeking someone else’s help. It’s about changing self rather than trying to change others. Trust me self-help is the best form of support you can get it does wonders to your confidence. I have used my memories from the ’80s for this, see what get’s you going... Remember that the past is only being used here as a reference point; you cannot live in the past.
What was the inspiration behind Version One and a Half?
- My parents are my inspiration for this book. I love them & they have always been a motivation to me.
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?
- This book illustrates my childhood during the '80s in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Delhi & a small beautiful place in Haryana called Nilokheri (District Karnal).
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 Version One and a Half has had the greatest impact on readers?
- The book is about me & my childhood, so, the only character from Version One and a Half which will influence the readers is little old me :)
If Version One and a Half 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?
- A cute little Sikh child actor can play my role :)
How have readers responded to Version One and a Half?
- Readers have replied positively. Many young readers (especially millennials) are loving the idea of '80s India.
Where next? What are you working on now?
- My next book is a tragic story of Arun. It is his journey to Heaven & back. Its called 'Diary from Heaven'. 'Heaven' here is the perceived peace junkies experience when they are high.
