How did the journey of being an author start for you?
I started writing at a young age. I would usually write short stories on thrillers and mysteries. However, as I grew up, I was intrigued with sci-fi stories and novels. So, I experimented on writing around intergalactic wars, Space opera and stuff like these. As an artist, I would also make small comic strips with fictional superheroes in a sci-fi context. I continued to write even during my professional career. That’s when I wrote a series of short stories and a novella around mythology, spirituality, futuristic science centered around the main science fiction theme. I published these stories in my debut book ‘The Last War & Other Stories’.
What is the one piece of your work that’s closest to your heart?
An author loves all the stories and books that s/he authors. But then, there are those that are close to the heart. Though I enjoyed writing the mythological sci-fi story ‘The Last War’, the character of Anna in the story ‘Blink’ where she goes through an alien eye transplant that changes her vision and perspective with the incidents that happen around her in her space patrolling ship is one I really cherish.
What are you currently working on? Do you have any preferred genres?
I am currently working on a mythological science fiction novel in which I take my readers further back in time into the world of mythology, fantasy and ancient technologies. So, watch out for my next book launch.
If you could meet any one character that you’ve written about, who would it be and why?
As a matter of fact, I would love to meet all my characters if my stories become a reality. Of all, Princess Charulata is one I would love to meet in real life. She is a brave and valiant warrior who defends her kingdom without caring for her life. If we go back in our epics and mythologies, most of the brave warriors our country has ever produced were women.
What is that one element in your book that can keep the readers hooked to it?
I wrote about different sub-genres within science fiction. So, based on the feedback I received from my readers, my readers loved the smooth amalgamation of science fiction and mythology. They also loved my simple, lucid and fast paced writing style due to which even the first-time sci-fi readers could easily connect with the complex topics.
Did you ever go through writer’s block? How did you overcome it?
I wrote each of my stories within a span of 5 years. There were a few writing blocks especially when starting a new story with a different sub-genre. I would usually take that time to rework on the plot, write a different section of the story and then try relating it with where I felt I could not proceed. That usually helped.
Plot, character, settings, what comes first to you? How do you decide which one to give priority to?
Every writer has his/her own unique style of writing. I use some of my planning skills that I learnt in my professional space, in my writing as well.
My kind of stories need a lot of research. So, it would usually start from the research work, then work on the plot, characterizations and settings. Finally, I would sit down to write. That way it also helps minimize a lot of writers’ block.
What was the most satisfying moment as a writer for you?
The most satisfying moment in this journey as a writer has undoubtedly been the appreciation that I received from my readers, and the fact that my readers really loved the unique concept.
Looking back, what would you convey to your younger writing self?
I wouldn’t really look back. But then, if asked to do so, I will pat my younger self on taking the initiative to write, investing time in the writing passion and learning from the mistakes I made earlier.
How do you balance life and writing?
Due to my hectic professional schedule and family time, I usually tend to take out time for writing on non-working days since it takes a good amount of focus and effort to sit down and write. So, when I sit down to write, I try to avoid any distractions at that time. I thank my family for their tremendous support in this.