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 to express your feelings and experience as a writer, reader and as a
human.
And now as you
have entered this world, how do you feel being a member of it?
A writer's world is amazing. It is a
world that you can enter and leave at will. There are no limits or boundaries
to one's imagination. It is possible to explore topics that you would normally
not broach in regular conversation. The message will permeate better when it is
entwined in a story or experience. And communicating with other writers opens
your eyes to new vistas. It is a unique and privileged experience. It is
enhanced by the ease of communication in this electronic era.
What made you
think your book is different from others? What makes your book special that
reader should pick it?
I have tackled
the topic of religious conversions. The debate in this sphere has usually been
very political and emotive. When gut instincts come to the fore rational
discussion takes a back seat. My novel explores the world of religious cults,
conversion, terrorism and mind control, at an intellectual level. It is a very
important issue facing India and the NRIs and also the West. My novel is unique
and is probably the first in this genre in India. It is a contemporary
historical adventure.
While writing
this book what were your expectations from the book? Were you sure that this
book could give wings to your writing career?
The novel was
first published in Tamil and was acclaimed by critics. One well known editor
even called it the best novel he has read in ten years. However the message
transcends the regional and ethnic demarcation. In my view literature becomes
timeless only when it goes beyond narrow boundaries. When it reaches the wider
audience my message will resonate well with the public.
What do you
think of writing as a career? What importance does literature plays in your
life?
Writing is a passion. I am a surgeon by profession. I have always written poems and academic articles. Recently I started writing novels. I find writing a great way to relax and to give expression to your heart. We are all creatures of our experiences. Each of us is shaped uniquely by our life experiences. When we are able to give expression to our souls by way of writing, it touches not only the peoples' hearts but it also makes them think. In addition to writing I read a lot too.
Writing is a passion. I am a surgeon by profession. I have always written poems and academic articles. Recently I started writing novels. I find writing a great way to relax and to give expression to your heart. We are all creatures of our experiences. Each of us is shaped uniquely by our life experiences. When we are able to give expression to our souls by way of writing, it touches not only the peoples' hearts but it also makes them think. In addition to writing I read a lot too.
What according
to you is the best way to connect to readers? Words shooting from heart, an
extraordinary story or something else?
There needs to be a theme that is interesting and unique. But the expression should pour from the heart. Basically you want others to read what you write, enjoy it, as well as think about it. This last part is important if you want to sustain the readers' interest.
There needs to be a theme that is interesting and unique. But the expression should pour from the heart. Basically you want others to read what you write, enjoy it, as well as think about it. This last part is important if you want to sustain the readers' interest.
Now as your
debut book arrives in the market, what do you expect from your readers?
I request them to read it,
debate it and criticize it. Even if they shred it to pieces it is okay with me,
as long as they do so after reading it. What I don't want to do is to start a
religious controversy. I have walked a tight rope and have tried to avoid
hurting anyone's sentiments.
When you were
in the initial phase of the writing journey, what obstacles you faced as a
debutant author?
First and
foremost obstacle it to find the time to complete the story, edit it and
rewrite it. Having a plot is one thing. Giving it a shape and life and molding
it into a story is another. The next problem is to find a publisher. Leadstart
have been good in supporting me through this. But the biggest obstacle is
marketing. Not everyone can come up with a Harry Potter that will sell
effortlessly world-wide. For others it is all about finding the niche market
and getting exposed to the readership. Blogs like yours render an invaluable
service in this regards, especially to fledgling authors like myself.
What you think
is the purpose of your writing? What difference does writing makes to your
life?
If not writing, then what?
I have always been a very expressive person. The best medium to suit my skills is writing. Writing is like creating, nourishing and delivering a baby. There is a unique fulfillment that comes from this that words cannot express. If I don't write I will probably be a cartoonist to give form to my thoughts and ideas. But I cannot draw well. May be I will learn in the future.
I have always been a very expressive person. The best medium to suit my skills is writing. Writing is like creating, nourishing and delivering a baby. There is a unique fulfillment that comes from this that words cannot express. If I don't write I will probably be a cartoonist to give form to my thoughts and ideas. But I cannot draw well. May be I will learn in the future.
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 inspirer?
This has
happened many times. I have to credit my
inspiration to those who tried to convert me. The rebel streak in me always
wanted to find counter arguments and refused to bow down to mind control. When
I was writing the Tamil version, renowned Tamil writer late Mr. S Ponnuthurai
constantly egged me on to write. After I published it many scholars requested
me publish it in English as the topic is very important. Dr. Parvati Vasudev
helped me with the English translation. My own aunt Dr. Parvathi Nagasundaram
also provided great moral support. The team at Leadstart, especially Mr. Rajan
Bhatia constantly challenged me and made the script better.
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?
In fact I have submitted my next script
to some publishers. It is totally different in every way. It is a historical
novel based in fifteenth century Cambodia. Again I had the plot but to give
life to it I had to do a lot of research. I will start working on the next
novel after I bring out the second book.
Thank you for
sparing your precious time!
We hope you enjoyed the session.Team WordCurd!
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