It is not new for few authors to come together for an anthology but what set Shvaas apart is that it is not just an anthology - it’s a bold experiment in collective storytelling. Unlike conventional story anthologies, where each author contributes independent tales, this novel intricately weaves multiple narratives into a cohesive story. The authors spent over a year crafting this book, overcoming challenges like aligning their distinct writing styles, balancing each-others, creative inputs, and maintaining narrative balance.

Written by Sumit Menaria, Varsha Shrivastava, Aastha Jain,  Shalini Singh, and Anku Thakur; five well known authors of online platform 'Pratilipi', this  book introduces readers to five unique characters, each representing one author. This way readers not only read the book, they also meet their favourite author. These characters meet on a bus journey and later find themselves in a mysterious resort, the only way out of this resort is their own story! The blend of genres, including soft horror, suspense, mistry  and psychology, ensures that Shvaas offers something for everyone. The meticulous planning and collaborative effort behind the book make it a truly unique reading experience for readers.

The efforts of these authors seems to be paying off by the fact that this book has sold an impressive 500 copies in its first week of release on amazon. This book has struck a chord with readers, offering a unique blend of suspense, thrill, and emotional depth. Menaria, who has previously captivated audiences with his suspense-thriller 'Tashree', has once again demonstrated his exceptional storytelling abilities in this ambitious collaboration.

The Journey Behind Shvaas

The journey of writing Shvaas was not without its challenges. Coordinating the efforts of five authors, each with a unique voice and perspective, required patience and perseverance. Over the course of 12 months, the authors brainstormed, debated, and refined their ideas to create a unified story.

The book was the brainchild of Varsha Shrivastava, a horror genre author who dreamed to pen an unique multi-author book having multiple writing styles blended into a single captive story. She contacted Anku Thakur, a master in murder mystery style writing, who hunted for other three authors and all joined together for the project. The primary editing of the book was managed by Aastha Jain, well known for her women oriented stories, while Sumit Menaria, also a chartered accountant, managed publishing and finance. Shalini Singh, known for her horror-thriller stories will manage the marketing side of the book.

The book’s title, Shvaas is an acronym taking one letter from each author's name but also symbolises  breath and life, reflecting the essence of the stories within. Each character’s journey is tied to a broader theme of self discovery resulting in identifying a writer within them, giving their life a new purpose.

The Udaipur Connection

For Udaipurites, the success of Shvaas is a matter of pride, as it puts the city on the literary map once again. Sumit Menaria, a native of Udaipur, has been an active contributor to Indian literature. His work in Tashree and now Shvaas showcases the potential of regional talent in creating works of national appeal.

Menaria’s previous book, Tashree, is a suspense-thriller that has been widely appreciated for its intricate plot and engaging storytelling. Published by Manjul Publishing House, the book was a commercial and critical success, further adapted into audiobooks and  comics. With Shvaas, Menaria has proven his versatility, successfully transitioning from individual to collaborative writing projects.

What next?

The early success of Shvaas suggests that readers are embracing this innovative approach to storytelling. Positive reviews have poured in, with many praising the book’s rich characters, immersive narrative, and seamless blending of genres.

The readers feel a wish come true by seeing their favourite authors come together for a co-author book. They can get five tastes in one dish.

Looking ahead, the authors plan to promote the book through literary events, book signings, and online platforms. Given its initial success, there is potential for Shvaas to be adapted into other formats, such as audiobooks or web comics, much like these authors' earlier works.