Excerpt from 13 Steps to Bloody Good Luck

At a recent literary event, a young lady asked: 'What are the factors that contributed to your success as an author?' My reply, probably unlike anything that she expected, was:

After completing my first novel The Rozabal Line, I was in the process of making submissions to literary agents and publishers. After sending over a hundred letters, I was sorely disappointed when polite and not-so-polite rejections arrived. A year later, it was evident to me that no one was really interested in my work. I described my situation to a close family friend who was having dinner with my father.

Taking a generous gulp of his third peg of Johnnie Walker Black Label, the gregarious Punjabi gentleman responded, 'In life, ninety-nine per cent is about good luck! Just remember that, son.' In a slightly argumentative tone I asked, 'But uncle, what about the balance one per cent? Surely that must be hard work or talent? 'Laughing loudly, he declared triumphantly, 'The final one per cent? That's called bloody good luck, my boy! Simply keep at it and wait for your bloody good luck to kick in!

The lasting impression of this story, which remained firmly etched in my grey cells, possibly explains my decision to share it with my audience at the literary event. After the session concluded, the same lady hesitantly approached me in the lobby. 'Could I take a moment of your time, sir?' she asked. Apparently, she had some issues with my anecdote. 'What is the point of working hard or developing one's skills if it all boils down to luck?' she asked. 'One may as well sit back and do nothing at all!'

She had a valid point. Her argument compelled me to examine the concept of good luck more closely. As it turned out, I would spend several months agonizing over it.

Down the ages, humans have tried everything possible to improve their luck. Romans sacrificed animals before battles; Hindus used numerology, astrology and gems to improve their equation with the gods; parts of Africa used magic, witch doctors and spells to drive away bad luck; Europe used exorcisms, papal blessings and good luck charms; much of the world still resorts to prayer and rituals. The list is endless. And that's precisely the problem.

Luck is associated with a variety of incomprehensible objects, superstitions and rituals, but is rarely analysed rationally. This gives good luck a bad rap. Thus, the world usually looks down on people who rely on luck.

(See: Behind the phenomenon called good luck)