“A Writer Should Be Artistic to the Core”

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I wrote a Hindi story named ‘Jumme Khan’ in 5th standard. It was a story about a single Muslim old age man in a village, living outside the village. He used to help everyone (all Hindus except him) in the village and when he died, the whole town got together for his funeral. (It was written during Babri Riots around 1990 in an attempt to foster brotherhood).

People liked the story and this gave me confidence. Later I started writing English poems and stories, dropped MBA to get into MA English Literature and went to the US for higher studies. After coming back I worked at ad agencies as copywriter till 2016. Post that I have been a full-time novelist. A little I work as a freelancer to sustain himself.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

I decided when I was 17 years old. At that age, few of my poems and articles started getting published in newspapers and magazines. Initially I was impressed by poetry and how poets expressed themselves in few words.

Later, I got into novels and decided to write one. (The autobiography of Dostoyevsky influenced me a lot and I thought I could write a novel too). When I was 31 years old, I came up with my first novel – The Artists of Palkha, based on struggles of creative people and artists in India.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

It is a financially stable career provided you have a passion for writing. When there’s passion, you can negotiate rates and push your terms and conditions. When there’s passion, the output is high-quality and terrific, and clients take it hands on. Stability depends on writer’s dedication. Also, if someone succeeds as a novelist, s/he can earn crores.

4. Who is your favourite writer and why?

Favorite writer is Tagore for the obvious reason that he wrote the extremely beautiful Gitanjali. I love all his poems, short-stories and novels, there’s no one who matches up to him in India. His literature is tremendous, and still relevant.

5. Where does your inspiration lie?

My inspiration lies in deriving joy while doing my work. When I write, I go into trance and that’s extremely joyful. That going into trance inspires me to come back to my desk and write. The joy of writing is enough to inspire me.

6. What does your typical day look like?

I get up around 7 and read newspaper till 9. After meditating for one hour, I complete some freelancing work. In the evening I work on my novel and at night I read a good book. My day has only reading & writing.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

I would ask them to have a deep love and passion for writing, otherwise it’s very difficult to survive. I have been into writing from the past so many years because of the drive within. Next advice is to read voraciously, and then develop an interest in all the arts like cinema, theatre, visual arts, music etc. A writer should be artistic to the core.

Last advice would be to keep on writing, whatever the situation is. If possible, write all the time.Be a good observer if you want to write well.

8. Which is your favourite book and why?

Lust for Life by Irving Stone is my favorite book. It tells the story of Vincent Van Gogh, a famous painter from Netherland, who dropped everything in life just to pursue his passion for painting. His dedication and passion towards his art made him my favorite.

- Saurabh Kumar Das

Interview By - Akansha Gupta