When did you first realize you wanted to a writer?
I was an avid reader while still at school. For this reason, perhaps while in all other subjects I was an average performer in the essay writing class which we had once a week I was generally top of the class. Even the teachers were surprised. That gave me the idea that when I grew up, I would be a writer.Where do you get your inspiration?
Inspiration is all around really. It could be an issue that excites you, it could be a person who inspires you, or a journey somewhere. I always have many things I wish to write about. The problem for me has really been to prioritize and decide let’s write on this first and then something else.
Describe your writing space?
Writing is a solitary affair, so sometimes if I am writing something that does not require total absorption, say if I’m doing a second self-edit of a book, I sit in a quiet café and work. Even if there are a few people around it doesn’t matter; rather I enjoy their company. However, when my work requires total absorption that option is ruled out so I find a place, a room in the house that is totally quiet. Outdoors is also a great option for poetic and philosophic stuff just so long as there is little disturbance.
How do you handle literary criticism?
Much better than before. All criticism affects us but good criticism is worth its weight in gold, and every writer who stays the course realizes this sooner or later. Sometimes though there is also unfair criticism. You need to develop an objective trait in yourself that manages to sift the fair from the unfair. Anyhow you need to take all criticism in your stride. Just remember how difficult Van Gogh found it to sell paintings in his life time and now each painting goes for millions.
Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing the story?
It depends. Non fiction generally requires a lot to do before you dive in but once you’ve assembled a reasonable corpus of material you can then do both things write as well as simultaneously research. Fiction is another ball game entirely. Sometimes you do research but at other times you are in total inspiration mode so you just go ahead and start writing, and the story writes itself and takes you along on its journey.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
The last couple of books I wrote were very emotionally draining so I thought of writing on a lighter young gen theme. So, it’s a novel about a young lawyer who falls in love with his best friend’s fiancée. Working title: Guilty of Love, Your Honour.
Does anyone of your books hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?
All my books are special to me in their own way but some are even more special. I would include The Vanishing of Subash Bose: The Mystery Unlocked as a very special book in the non-fiction category.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your books?
The amount of stuff you get to learn. Reading about something helps you to learn about it, but if you also start to write about it that cements, and significantly enhances the learning experience.
What was your favorite part and your least favorite part of the publishing journey?
The least favourite part is the wait. You’ve done your work and given it to the publisher and he tells you there are other books in the queue and it’s going to take another six months and then he says it’s going to be another month and then I’m sorry, just another two months. Favourite part when the book is out and starts to be noticed.
Is writing your full-time career?
By no means. I have worked as a lawyer for many years. I also taught at University for six years at DU and Jamia. And finally, I have worked for a long time with the United Nations in different countries such as Somalia, Liberia, Afghanistan, Kosovo and East Timor. Legendary editor Edmund Wilson advised writers to think twice before giving up their day jobs. A job can also be very useful in terms of experiences that a writer might want to put in words.
What does success mean to you? What is the definition of success?
Singer, poet and Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan says if you wake up in the morning and do all the things you wish to do that’s success. That’s a very subjective definition of success with which I disagree. There are others who believe that if your book earns you a million dollars, even if it was a trashy piece of fiction, and not a particularly meaningful or satisfying experience that’s success. I disagree with such people too. Success to me is a merger of the objective and the subjective. Where you love what you do but also receive a measure of public endorsement.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Go on vacations from time to time, even if they are low budget affairs. In my case I listen to music for at least an hour a day. Very therapeutic.
Are you on social media and your readers interact with you?
Yes, I am on Facebook, Twitter, Linked in and YouTube. Sometimes there is interaction including criticism though I haven’t yet been subjected to trolling. I guess the trolls prefer bigger targets as it gives them more satisfaction from biting bigger, juicier targets.
Any last thoughts for our readers?
Keep an independent mind. Just because a writer is successful doesn’t mean the book is great. There are many less successful writers who have written great books. There is lots of undiscovered talent out there in the world of writing and in the arts. Find the time to discover such writers and artists. You will be rewarded.
