Writeru00a0Pinki Viraniu00a0tellsu00a0FYI about Deaf Heaven, India's first literary cell novel and Audio Mobile Book

After writing three intense non-fiction titles on topics ranging from sexual abuse among children to the fragile social fabric of Mumbai, journalist-turned-author Pinki Virani is back with her first novel, Deaf Heaven. Virani, who won the National Award for her book Bitter Chocolate, chose to interweave India's post-independence history with stories of people from across the nation. Deaf Heaven is India's first English literary cell novel and adult audio mobile book, and will be available to readers on their mobiles through 90 SMSes (3 SMSes per day) over one month at the price of Rs 30. Otherwise, they can dial a number to hear the audio version that costs an initial Rs 30, and Re 1 for every consecutive minute for two 20-minute modules.

Why did you opt for multiple mediums?
Japanese and Korean authors have used cell phones to tell their stories. When I was writing the final draft of Deaf Heaven, I decided to explore the option. Coincidentally, Reliance Communications was looking to diversify their services, and we tied up.

Making the alternate versions was a unique challenge and took time to get used to. Three hundred pages had to be accommodated in 90 SMSes, through snappy, simple sentences. SMS characters lack the depth you usually find in conventional novels. Nothing can really replace a book.