The woes of a millionaire novelist.

[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]

Delhi-based novelist Vikram Seth was to submit the manuscript of his new novel A Suitable Girl to his publisher in June 2013.

He hasn’t – according to media reports.

In 2009, Mr Seth had signed a deal with Penguin to produce a sequel of his bestselling novel A Suitable Boy. He had been paid an advance of $1.7 million.

According to media reports, Penguin Random House wants the money back from Mr Seth.

In 2009, the millionaire author had talked to The Delhi Walla about his work-in-progress, saying, “I really have no idea how many pages Suitable Girl will have. Perhaps between 10 and 10,000.” On being queried about the novel’s hero, he said, “He’s still a fetus. Give him a break.”

When I asked Mr Seth, a single man, if he was certain of finding a suitable girl by 2013, he said, “No, but don’t tell Penguin.”

Oh, Mr Seth.

Perhaps it is still not very late. I offer you a couple of ideas for your novel’s heroine – all are based in Delhi. Get inspired, start writing and keep the dollars.

Some ideas for Mr Seth

1a

1.

1b

2.

2c

3.

4.

4a

5.

5a

6.

6a

7.

7a

8.

8a

9.

10.

12