Kindly brief us about your latest book.
The book is a collection of 16 short stories that offer myraid interpretations of love. When we don’t say that it is false love, how do we arrive at something called as ‘true love’. Love as an emotion is complete in itself. We just have to assimilate it within us. The book can take you through a rollercoaster ride of love, loss, longing, hope, even despair and then fulfillment.
How did “The story begins at the end” happen? Could you describe the journey?
It did not happen overnight. It’s been years of scribbling down my thoughts and experiences. In fact it had been a decade ago that I wrote my first story, on a piece of paper, while travelling in a train back to my Regiment. A lot of people have encouraged me over these years as well and then someone really provided the inspiration to finally publish this debut book.
The title is indeed catchy and mysterious. Through this book, do you want to convey that sometimes what we consider as ending might actually be the beginning?
Yes, surely. It is always like that in life, isn’t it? Do not give up, live in the moment. But remain true to your soul. Also, some stories do have an unexpected twist at the end. If the readers realise the symbolism conveyed in the story, they will find the title even more mysterious.
How much research and efforts were required on your part to complete this book.
Honestly, the short stories did not require much research, unlike the upcoming novels I am working on. The efforts were from a team collaboration perspective. I got a lot of help from a short course with Bangalore Writers Workshop. The painting on the book cover was done by a good friend.
Which writers inspire you most?
Henry is my favorite short story writer. Guy de Maupassant as well. Of the current generation, I have read the complete works of Jhumpa Lahiri.
How would you like to inspire the creative people wishing to make their career in the field of literature?
I cannot go as far to say that I can inspire people to write. I am myself a newbie in this world. I have to learn a lot if I have to make a career in this field. In the words of Robert Frost “I have miles to go before I sleep.”
