1.What motivates you to write?
I am someone who firmly believes that fine expression and
comprehension are some things that define being human. As I try to grasp the
meaning of what it means to be human, I cannot help but give in to the urge to
express.
Ever since I was a child, I was brought up on stories. It was the
primary mode of keeping me engaged. It taught me new concepts and strengthened
my morale. As I grew older, the need to express grew stronger in me. The most
natural means for me to express was through stories. This made me want to
write. Through my stories, I express parts of me to the world. They include my
thoughts, ideas, discoveries and experiences. Also, writing helps me discover
newer parts of me that were hidden before. All this makes writing an inevitable
part of my existence.
2. How did you feel after publishing your books?
It is truly a liberating experience. A sense of satisfaction and
tranquillity ensue the process. I can tell myself I have freed a part of me, to
go forth into the society and inspire minds. It is not just about the final
result of having my book in my hands. It is about the transformation that
accompanies the process. It is said a man never crosses the same river twice as
it is not the same man and the same river. So is it with writing. After every
publication, it is never the same author and never the same story. So I feel
like a new person after publishing each book.
3. Who are some of your favourite novels and
authors?
J. R. R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), C. W. Lewis (The
Chronicles of Narnia), Lew Wallace (Ben Hur: A Tale of Christ), J. K. Rowling
(Harry Potter Series).
I enjoy nearly all classic works by Authors like Charles Dickens, Agatha
Christie, Jerome. K. Jerome and G. K. Chesterton.
4. Is there a specific reason for naming your novel?
Yes. Mango showers is a colloquial term to describe the
occurrence of pre-monsoon rainfall. Sometimes, these rains
are referred to as ‘April rains’ or ‘Summer showers’. They help in the early
ripening of mangoes and are hence referred to as "Mango showers." These
rains normally occur from March to April. Their intensity can range from light
showers to heavy and persistent thunderstorms. They occur notably in Kerala, Karnataka and parts
of Tamil Nadu.
These rains are accompanied by a sudden change in the weather that
may seem rather dramatic. Interestingly, these changes then disappear soon
before anyone can fully appreciate the transformation brought by them.
The coming of Anna to Kudukkanghad is metaphorically
compared to Mango showers. Her coming brings out a complex interaction between
so many characters that spirals to a dramatic climax. But again, only to conclude
in a state of normalcy without conspicuous souvenirs. Her dynamic touches the
lives of so many people like mango showers, bringing out a sudden, yet short
lived dramatic change. The change is lasting and bears fruit, like the rain
causes the mangoes to ripen early, but the dynamic withdraws as the rains do
after their job is done.
5. Where do you write from? Do you have a fav spot?
I type into my laptop and mostly work while at home. As a person
with recognisable classic ideas, I prefer to work in my study. I like my own
personal desk and being surrounded by familiar things.
I love other spots like quiet libraries, under trees, on stone
benches in gardens and calm beaches. But such spots often overwhelm me with
inspiration that I would fail to put them down in words systematically. So I
collect clues in such spots and then work on them in my study.
6. What inspired you to write the books(in general)? Any
tales to tell…
I believe every person has something to tell the world. No matter
how remote or simple it may seem. And books are a great way to preserve such
tales across time. They allow the re-reading and re-interpretation of works by
various minds over time, revealing newer ideas after every read.
So, of the available options to pass on those tales that I wish to
tell, I would choose to write them into a book. This is why I write books.
7. What was your biggest learning experience throughout the writing process?
I would say, it was this: ‘There is always more than one way to
say something. And each different way to say something, has its unique
implications. Words are one of the most powerful things to exist. They can hurt
worse than anything, heal better than most things. They can convince and defame.
They can upbuild a society and also destroy one. All that matters is how
appropriately they are used.’
8. Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break
in as a writer?
I respected reviews and feedback. I took them seriously and was
committed to constantly improve my writing. I always sought novel methods to
portray ideas and never allowed monotony in my expression.
Every review can offer valuable insight. Considering that has gone
a long way in making my endeavours a success.
9. Any best piece of writing advice that you would like
to share with new or struggling writers?
As a writer it is one’s duty to be a voracious reader and truly
grasp the perspective of a reader. It is vital to remember that writing and
reading are two sides of the same coin.
At the same time one must be honest and confident about the ideas
being expressed. There is absolutely no need to hurry the mind and twist words.
Last but not the least, as a writer one must never be too lazy to
re-read the manuscript a few times, meticulously before finalising it. Overt
confidence in this juncture can be seriously counter-productive.
10. Something personal about you people may be surprised to
know?
Not really. I am often described as a transparent individual who
goes the way to make it easy for people around to understand him. If you get to
know me, you know me!
11. Any future books that you would like to discuss now?
Currently I have not settled upon one specific idea. So at this
point I have no credible points to discuss on this regard. But I can guarantee
that there will be more books. They would inevitably be human centred and duly
respect real-time human psychology.
12.What other profession excites you the most?
I am a medical student currently in my final year. Modern medicine
has always captivated me. I am deeply interested in pursuing Psychiatry for my
higher studies.
Besides, Theology and apologetics shall always play an important
role in my life. I shall channelise my growth professionally, in that domain as
well.
13.Any special mention about your reader (be it with
reviews/feedback or anything else)
None.
14.Do you write the story at a stretch, or you take your time to
complete it? If you take a longer time, wouldn’t you be forgetting the story?
How do you tackle it?
It took me around six months to complete the manuscript of ‘Mango
Showers’. Amidst my academic obligations, I try to make out time for writing. I
find it truly therapeutic.
I often prepare a rough sketch of the story line and also of the
characters, in my personal notes. I make sure to consult them each time I sit
to write. This is to ensure I am on the right track. This helps avoid mixing up
details or forgetting the story.
15.Traditional or Self-Publishing? Why?
Each has its own pros and cons. Traditional publishing involves
lesser financial involvement. But the role of a good literary agent in this
scenario cannot be possibly undermined. The results often tend to have a
greater potential in terms of better marketing opportunities and reader
accessibility. But most new authors find traditional publishing to be an
exceptionally lengthy process, with little power in their eager hands.
Self-publishing in a way can be seen as a short-cut that offers
more freedom and promises quicker results. But the burden of marketing and
sales would weigh heavier on the authors. In scenarios where the author may be
new to the field, this burden can drown the book from reaching a lot of
potential readers. The wide range of packages offered may seem confusing and
inexperienced authors may fall prey to exceptionally high financial packages in
hope of better results. But it would be wiser to remember that great results
cannot be guaranteed by the manner of publishing alone. If the book cannot
assure a tremendous potential, it might just not be worth the gamble.
16.How is the response so far for the book?
The statistics show a brisk pace in sales. The reviews so far are strong
and promising. We hope for the best.
