Novoneel Chakraborty is a prolific author of 15 bestselling thriller novels, 2 e-novellas
and 1 short story collection with his works being translated into multiple
Indian languages. Almost all his novels have debuted in the top 3 across India and
continued to be in top positions in various bestseller lists in the country for
several months. His Forever Series
made it into the TIMES OF INDIA’s MOST STUNNING BOOKS of 2017 while The Stranger Trilogy became a phenomenal
hit amongst the young adults. His latest release Roses Are Blood Red is still in the top 10 list across India. Known
for his solid plotting, unpredictable twists, and strong female protagonists, he
is also referred to as the Sidney Sheldon
of India by his readers.
His immensely popular thriller
series The Stranger Trilogy has been
translated into six Indian languages. Book 1 of the celebrated trilogy has also
been adapted into a successful web series named HELLO MINI on MX Player by Applause Entertainment and Rose Movies
amassing a whopping 200 million-plus views.
His erotic thriller novel Black Suits You have been adapted by Alt
Balaji into the smash-hit web series BEKAABOO
along with the digital exclusive novella Red
Suits You which is scheduled to be adapted as a web show soon.
Apart from novels, Novoneel has
written and developed several hit TV and original web shows for premiere channels
like Sony, Star Plus, Zee, and Zee5. He lives and works in Mumbai.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I'm someone who dropped out of college to become an author. I was doing my BBA when the writing bug bite me after which I decided to give up my graduation partly because the course was not adding anything to my life or personality, secondly, I had a moral fight with my college authorities, and thirdly I was kind of done with the Indian education system.
Within a span of 2 years after I dropped out, I published my first novel 'A Thing Beyond Forever' which became a runaway bestseller. I wrote more and a scintillating journey began from there. With the love and support of my readers, I have able to complete 13 years in my writing career having 16 novels, a short story collection, few TV serials, and web shows under my name.
2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
It was during the third year of my undergrad when I was also undergoing the manic depression phase that to vent out I began to write short stories for myself. Wrote around 30 odd stories in few weeks. That's when I realized how much I loved to escape into my thoughts. And soon decided I wanted to be an author. From someone who was planning to be a sports person first, then a neurosurgeon ending up being a thriller writer is in itself quite an unpredictable plot twist I must say.
3. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Umm, I would say I can't write in open spaces. I need to close myself in a room or some claustrophobic surroundings to connect to the best version of me as an author.
4. Where does your inspiration lie?
After witnessing a near-death experience in my late teens, I understood the fleeting nature of life really well. The fact that I'm alive, observing, and consuming whatever life is throwing at me every day while I remain eager to share my ideas, is in itself my inspiration as well as motivation.
5. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
The power of an idea. I wouldn't have understood its real scope if I hadn't created and told my stories.
6. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to pursue a career in sports, preferably cricket. Then it was all about being a neurosurgeon. I couldn't make it to either.
7. Do you have any tips for people who want to be an author?
Keep reading. Keep writing. And never conclude anything about life. Be open. Keep learning.
Novoneel Chakraborty | Bestselling Author of 15 Novels, Web Show/TV Writer
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