1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
I've always been a voracious reader since I was a youngster, but the stories were always in Hindi as I began studying English quite late, and I began composing poems. As I grew older, I realized that writing was my genuine calling, and I resolved to pursue it professionally, despite the fact that it was not my first priority. I wanted to get my Ph.D. and become an English professor. Somehow it could not happen.
I studied English literature at the university, which helped me hone my skills as a writer. I began writing poems after I graduated, journaling about my experience as a novice writer, and posting my writings on several websites.
Eventually, I decided to focus on writing books, and I spent several years working on my first novel, meanwhile, I moved to Delhi from Banaras and worked as a language teacher in schools. It was a difficult yet extremely satisfying process. Seeing my book in print in 2019 was a dream come true, and then it became a bestseller and was put on the university syllabus—it all still seems like a dream to me.
Since then, I've published a poetry book and numerous manuscripts that are unpublished yet.
As an author, I am constantly learning and growing, always striving to improve my craft. Writing is both a passion and a profession for me, and I am glad every day for the opportunity to do what I like.
2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer
Whenever I look back and see my childhood and growing into a promising adult, I find it as if I am in a dream because a man coming from the kind of background I come from is totally impossible. My entire schooling and graduation happened in Hindi, except for English as a subject, and I’m today an English novelist.
But the fact is, I was always surrounded by Hindi literature in abundance through story books and newspapers. I was a keen listener of narration, which mostly village folk used to do.
I started scribbling poems quite early in the Hindi language. Fortunately, I chose English literature after graduation and got the opportunity to read some master storytellers. Reading inspired me and allured me to write in English. After finishing college, I began writing down my memories in a diary, and I soon noticed they were developing into an appealing story. It drove me to take it a bit more seriously and turn it into a fictitious narrative. I thoroughly loved the process and was overjoyed to see a book as the end result.
I found writing in the diary an escape for me in those tender ages, living a solitary life and having the desire to express myself creatively. I discovered my love of writing through personal experiences, and life events that compelled me to share their stories with the world.
Now I am quite aware that I am a writer, that I am striving to improve my art, that I am eager to learn and grow, and that I want to connect with people through the power of words. While the road to being a successful author can be difficult and unpredictable, I find it to be both satisfying and enjoyable.
Today, I am a published novelist and a creative writer for a firm.
3. Is writing a financially stable career?
Writing may be a financially stable career for some, but it is greatly dependent on the kind of writing and the individual's level of success. It differs.
Writers have many work options, such as traditional publishing, self-publishing, freelance writing, technical writing, travel writing, ghostwriting, content writing, and many more. Some authors may find constant work and a comfortable income in this industry, while others may struggle to obtain consistent work or earn enough to make a living.
Writing is a highly competitive career in general, and success as a writer typically demands perseverance, hard work, and expertise in writing. Lots of writers earn additional bucks by working as freelancers in other professions or doing side jobs like teaching or editing. In fact, I have a nine-to-six job as a creative content supervisor.
A writer's financial stability is governed by a number of factors, including the writer's skill level, the market for their work, and their ability to effectively promote themselves. While writing may be a wonderful and gratifying job, it may not be the most profitable or financially secure option for everyone, but it can be for some.
4. Where does inspiration lie as an author
Writing inspiration may originate from a wide range of sources, and it can be unique for every author.
I get inspiration for my writing from my own life experiences. This can range from childhood memories to significant life events that I encounter on the journey.
People and events in the world around me inspire me enormously. I am an astute observer. I enjoy watching people, walking through crowds, moving to different locations, experiencing life events, listening to people's stories, and using them as inspiration for my writing.
Reading the works of other writers serves as a guide for me, so I read widely and study the craft of writing. In fact, it was reading that taught me how to write.
When I write, I rely heavily on my imagination, conjuring up characters, places, and storylines from scratch. I always make certain that I do not write an eerily biography.
I do a lot of research for my writing, delving into historical events, or social issues, and studying political twists and turns. Research frequently leads to fresh ideas and views that I may use in my work. I traveled and lived in an exotic place for weeks to interact with the locals of that region, which has yet to be published.
Inspiration can come from anywhere, even while sitting in the community park, and it often takes a combination of different sources to create a compelling and captivating story. I keep my eyes and ears open to the world around me, looking for new experiences and ideas to fuel my writing.
5. What piece of advice would you give to future aspiring writers as an author?
I can offer here a few writing tips.
- Writing is a skill that improves with practice, so make a commitment to write regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. There is no shortcut.
- Reading widely exposes you to different styles, genres, and perspectives, and can help you develop your own voice as a writer.
- Writing is a labyrinthine process that takes time and effort, so be patient and don't expect instant success. Do a job to survive your writing. Take it as a kid - feed it, nurture it, and let it grow.
- Find a trusted friend or writing group to share your work with and receive genuine feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve your writing and identify areas for growth.
- Writing is an iterative process, and failure is an inevitable part of the journey. Learn from your mistakes and keep pushing forward.
- Writing can be a challenging and competitive field, but remember that every successful writer started out as a beginner. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and keep working towards your goals.
- The most important piece of advice I can offer to aspiring writers is to stay true to your voice and vision. Writing is a deeply personal and creative pursuit, and the world needs your unique perspective and insights. Keep writing, keep growing, and never give up on your dreams. It will come.
6. Who is your favorite writer and why?
Charles Dickens and Salman Rushdie are my favorite ones. Both are having something in common- both are great narrators and great storytellers.
I love Dickens because he is a masterful storyteller who created vivid, memorable characters, and intricate plots that drew readers into his worlds. His writing style is engaging and accessible to a wide audience.
I admire Dickens’ writing as it shed light on the social conditions of his time, particularly the plight of the poor and disadvantaged. He had a keen eye for injustice and was able to expose the flaws in society while also highlighting the resilience and dignity of ordinary people. And the way he used language and imagery, beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, and memorable phrases. It keeps me engaged turning the pages. He had a gift for evoking strong emotions in his readers, and his characters and settings have become iconic.
Another side, I love Rushdie for his unique style of storytelling blending fantasy and magical realism with historical events and social commentary – creating a canvas with a varied landscape, intricate plots, vivid characters, and lyrical language that captivates.
These days, I am reading about some of the great Indian writers. I am loving reading Rabindranath Tagore these days.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
Deciding on one favorite book is tough work, as picking one book as a favorite is an impossible task; however, for my one-book recommendation, I am going to say ‘Mayor of Casterbridge’ by Thomas Hardy. I learned much from this book. The book was some of the first few novels I finished that taught me about story writing, particularly characterization, plotting, and putting pathos in the story.
I first read this as it was in our university syllabus, but later I re-read it multiple times.
8. What does your typical day look like?
I do a nine-to-six job, though it is a creative writing designation in a firm. So, personal writing is always a tough part of the day. Sometimes I don’t write, nor do I read. And it sometimes goes on for a week. But most of the time I manage to write in my free hours, on weekends, while I am traveling. In fact, when I am spending a holiday with family I mostly sit with my laptop.
Brief Bio:
He has been invited as a panelist and a guest speaker in some of the reputed institutes and literary festivals, noted- International Book Fair, Pragati Maidan, Accra International Book Fest, Ghana, Gurgaon Literary Festivals, Gurgaon, IIT BHU, Sunbeam College for Women, Varanasi, The Great Indian Book Tour Literary Fest, Ludhiana, DAV PG College Varanasi, Dr. Shakuntala Mishra Rehabilitation University, Lucknow and so on.
Several radio shows and newspaper coverage.
His novel, #Thescorpiongrasses has been an Amazon Bestselling book and number #1 Hot New Release.
Interviewed by - Mitali Jain
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