First of all, I would like to welcome you in the Literary World. Being capable of expressing feelings in the form of words is itself an achievement. Here, at WordCurd we would like you to express your feelings and experience as a writer, reader and as a human.
- As you entered this world, how do you feel being a member of it?
Well, to say the least, the journey has been a little bit difficult at times, but it has been beautiful. Right from my first book back in 2011 to the latest EMANCIPATION in 2016, it seems like a whirlwind ride.
- What made you think that your book is different from others? What makes your book special that reader should pick it?
The thing which makes my book, EMANCIPAION- A TOWN TALE different from others is the Raw and Life like description of what goes in and around in those small little ‘nudgy’ towns of India. Those are towns, where, the fruits of capitalism , may it be in terms of the westernization of mentality ( which is at times good and at times bad) , or in terms of technical development, have not yet made their foray into the lives of common people, and the book is all about those people living in those towns only.
- While writing this book what were your expectations from the book? Were you sure that this book could give wings to your writing career?
Answering the second part first, well, frankly speaking, No. This book had been facing a lot of difficulties right from the day when I wrote it. First it was all about finding the right publisher, being rejected by many I was heartbroken, when I finally got a message from Mr. Suhail Mathur (now a dear friend) , the person behind the literary agency called “The Book Bakers”. And then, with the help of my awesome agents , The Book Bakers, I found Half Baked Beans Publishing, led by Chetan Soni, who accepted the script based on the uniqueness and decided to go forward with it. My expectations from this book are huge, I really want people to read it, comment on it, and think about what life is in those places.
- What do you think of writing as a career? What importance does literature plays in your life?
Writing , as a career, can be summarized in one sentence “If you have the courage and the conviction that you can pen out of the box successful stories, then it’s for you, or else, take it part time”
Literature plays paramount importance in my life. I read a lot, may it be fiction, non-fiction or magazines, I try to gulp down everything.
- What according to you is the best way to connect to the readers? Words shooting from heart, an extraordinary story or something else?
The best way is to write what you like, because there sure will be many who like what you like. I have been following this idea from Stan Lee, since the last 2 to 2 years.
- When you were in the initial phase of the writing journey, what obstacles you faced as a debutant author?
Finding publishers for my work. You know, it’s a hell of a task to find a good publisher. Apart from that, I struggled with the right methodology to write(Although many say, there isn’t such a thing, but trust me, it exists)
- What do you think is the purpose of your writing?
When I started out, back in 2010, it was all about getting published. But, right now its about a lot of other things, I want people to think after reading my books. With my books, I want to comment on the society, its functioning, its lackings and its structure. .
- Does at any stage you feel like leaving the script in the halfway. Who would you like to give the credit of being a constant supporter?
To say the truth, I have a whole lot of scripts, which I have left halfway, some even after just completing 30 or 40%. But yes, someday I will complete them, I am just searching for the right plot to move forward with them.
- What do you usually prefer-pen, typewriter or computer?
Computer, all the way. Although, I maintain hand written notebooks for each manuscript or idea.
- What are the core qualities an author must possess?
Three P’s- Patience , Passion and ‘Pagalpanti’.
- Every journey teaches us a lesson. What are the lessons you’ve learnt while penning your books?
This journey has taught me a lot of things. First thing, never think of losing, or giving up hope. Stick to the call of your heart, mix it the signal of your brain and there, you have it. Also, its important that you are proactive all the time once the script is out.
- Tell us about your latest book.
Its all about life. Its all about small towns and its about the “Raw Depiction of Truth”. Its about a small town guy, Bankim, who out of chance, meets Tanmay, who has been forced to work in his family business but wants to make a film but is searching for the right story . So, Bankim, who hails from a small town in Assam, starts narrating his tale to him. Bankim tells him about how life is in small towns, how difficult it is for the ‘open’ generation to adjust there. His story spends a lot of time describing the faulty education ‘business’ system there, which has been destroying the education. From love life to family squats to illegal hang out places, the book has it all. Basically, to sum it up, the book, EMANCIPATION- A TOWN TALE contains each and every thing that a small town person growing up there in the late 2000s can connect to. I would not say, it’s a commercial book. After reading the book, even though, its about a teenager, you will be forced to pause and think.
- Does anyone else write in your family or anyone who loves books?
Lone wolf , here.
- Tell us about the best compliment you’ve ever received and the criticism given to you as an author.
I am yet to receive it.
- These days every author wants to come in the list of ‘Best-selling Authors’? What do you think about it?
Its important to understand your script. With a script targeted at a niche audience, its futile to hope for the tag of a “bestseller’. On the other hand, if you write for the masses, you can expect that, but to tell the truth, competition has literally gone up in the past few years.
- Tell us something about your five year goal. Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?
Where? Umm… Maybe somewhere in the streets of Shimla or Mussourie, or maybe , Kanyakumari or even , Jorabat, writing about the lives of people living there.
- If given an opportunity, would you like to be a full-time writer?
I would love to.
- How much time do you take to complete a novel? Is ‘patience’ the keyword to become a successful author?
I have already mentioned “Patience” is the basic necessity. To complete a novel, it depends, on the theme, the environment around me, my personal life.
- Last, but most important question readers would want to know- Are you working on another book? If yes, how different is this from your last work?
Yes, I am working on a script, its about a string of connected lives. It is totally a different theme altogether, but yes, with that book too, I will try to bring out the “Raw Depiction of Truth”.
Thank you for sparing your precious time!
We hope you enjoyed the session.
Team WordCurd!
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