I think desk is not important; it's mind. (especially for authors)

Generally, better if both be clean. :)

Pleasure is not one should read for. I trust that 'Reading makes your being'. If you fall to pleasures in your being, how can you evolve and attain perfection? For me, reading is a sweet habit that of course takes my valuable time, attention and energy. Forget pleasure, I must not seek anything sub-standard to 'Inspiration'.

:) Actually the favorite book is only one and it's Bhagavad Gita. In fact 'favorite' is an imperfect adjective to the magnanimous stature of the book. Gita is transformational. What words can be added by the mortals to the eternal glory of this book? All other books that delight my spirit can be said being merely the extension of the same. Bhagavad Gita is better not thought upon as a book (or part of an Epic), but as the voice of the Lord Himself. What else enlightenment one needs, when the very voice of Almighty is so easily accessible? God is obvious in His words.

However, for the sake of your question, let me answer five books which I am always ready to take a plunge in:

a. Yog-Vashistha - Sage Valmiki
b. Living with the Himalayan Masters - Swami Rama
c. Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramhansa Yogananda
d. The Life of Mahatma Gandhi - Louis Fischer
e. Tuesdays with Moorie - Mitch Albom

I am born and brought up in a small town called Ballabgarh, 30 kms southwards from Delhi, India. I think my growing up has lot to do with my writing. My late grandfather, parents, rich cultural heritage and spiritual environment at home must be given the credit for any goodness you find in my work today.

It was somewhere 2009. My first writing was for myself and didn't mean to be published. However later, my publisher friend saw it and insisted on its publication. After my initial hesitation, necessary modifications were made to the manuscript and it was published as 'Sud & Me'.

Mostly, I am writing for my own evolution. And I am happy for the way my published work has been responded by readers. As far as my greatest joy is concerned, it's not writing; it's reading. Reading ancient text from Hinduism (the religion that I acquaint better) and relating it with the human psychology in modern era, is what keeps glued to the books.

A strong realization has gradually settled upon me that more than the 'stories', it's their moral lessons which are important. You see, people often get lost in the stories and forget the silent necessary lessons coming out of the former. Personally I do not come to the terms with a story unless it has the real big 'capability' of conveying the message.

Maybe one of my recent books, 'The Secret World on the Other Side of Mind' captures you with a story and message both.

Fans! Better I do not get 'fanned' by the momentary praise of the people. :)

Fans are not mine. The people who respond with kind words after reading my books, are actually the votary of Eternal Goodness, Truth and Spirituality. I cannot dare to claim having written anything new; the very foundation of my writing is older than one can imagine. Just, the way of presentation can be different.

I pay my respect and wish goodness to my fans and those who are not.

God has promised me to walk along; one more day; forever.

Luckily, I've escaped thinking myself a typical author.

There are lot many other things in life to take care of. :)

Maybe the professional writers take it as a 'process'. For me, it's just the strong compelling inspiration; either yes or no. I would not mind having not written a single paragraph for months, if it's not coming to me.

To the extent possible, I work out the cover design myself. Not being a professional in some design software, I try to extract best out of MS Powerpoint (mostly).

I suppose, however, the writer exists inside the book; not on its cover.

After more than a dozen books, life seems to have chosen for me the path of more learning instead. As of this writing (2015), I am not working on any particular book. Yes, I wish to write more in future, but do not want to force myself into; until the life scenarios are very conducive.

Till year 2014, ridiculously, I felt nice about establishing myself as an author and therefore was trying every marketing technique coming across me. However all went futile. And one day I stopped.

Slowly, I've settled down on the fact that God must have bigger plan for me in store (than merely being an author). Nowadays I am learning to be selfless and contented with the worldly duties that He ordains for me. You see, He works better than me. :)

All said and done, there is no better technique than God. You bet?

So