In my college days, a friend handed me a copy of “Krishna” by Bhawana Somaaya. The book explored different communications of Krishna, one of which was the friendship of Krishna and Draupadi.
I read the book, loved it, and moved on in life.
Very recently, as much as 14 years later, I read “The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It is Mahabharat, but written from the point of view of Draupadi. A part of this book also speaks about deep conversations and friendship of Krishna and Draupadi.
Two entirely different books, written by different authors, with a different theme; yet the essence, the spirit of this friendship is captured equally well by both.
When I ghostwrite books, newbies often ask if I write my own ideas in the “author’s name”. The answer is no. I capture the spirit of the author’s ideas, and make it literarily better, simpler, and write it in a manner that connects with the audience. And then sprinkle my own explanations (that are always vetted by the author).
But the core idea remains of the author. Just like the core of friendship of Draupadi and Krishna remains the same, in almost every literature written on them.
So if you are worried about reading a ghostwritten book, please be relaxed, because the author when they read their own book, are surprised that they haven’t “written” it but looks like every single word and essence is theirs.
Words have power. Ghostwriters have more.Â
