Welcome to an exclusive interview with Sithesh C Govind, the talented author behind the captivating fiction book, “A Nutty Affair.” In this interview conducted by Authortimes.com, Sithesh takes us on a journey into the creative process, inspirations, and themes of his unique blend of novella and screenplay. Prepare to delve into the mind of a visionary storyteller who has dared to redefine traditional narrative boundaries.
Q1. What inspired you to blend the genres of novella and screenplay in “A Nutty Affair”? How did you come up with the concept of Screenella?
Sithesh: The inspiration behind blending the genres of novella and screenplay in “A Nutty Affair” came from my passion for both literature and filmmaking. I have always been fascinated by the power of storytelling in various forms, and I wanted to explore a unique way of presenting a narrative that combined the best elements of both mediums.
The concept of Screenella, which is a fusion of a novella and a screenplay, was born out of my desire to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. I wanted to create a reading experience that was immersive and cinematic, allowing readers to visualize the story in their minds and feel as if they were watching a film, I’m grateful for the opportunity to introduce this fresh and innovative narrative style to the world. ‘A Nutty Affair’ is my humble contribution to the art of storytelling.” “I believe that blending these genres not only enhances the reading experience but also bridges the gap between literature and cinema.”
Q2. Can you share any funny or memorable anecdotes from your writing process or experiences related to “A Nutty Affair”?
Sithesh: Oh, absolutely! Writing “A Nutty Affair” was a truly immersive experience for me. There are a few funny and memorable anecdotes I’d love to share.
Firstly, the protagonist’s phobia, which is a central element in the story, was something that came to me in a moment of inspiration. I remember it was late at night, and I was deep into the writing process. Suddenly, the idea of his unique phobia struck me, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. It was such a quirky and amusing concept that I immediately knew it would add an extra layer of humor to the narrative. From that point on, I was fully invested in the protagonist’s journey, experiencing his fears and anxieties as if they were my own.
Another interesting aspect of the writing process was the creation of the supporting characters. I drew inspiration from my surroundings and the people I encountered in my daily life. Whether it was a humorous neighbor or a quirky relative, I found myself observing their mannerisms and incorporating those traits into the characters of “A Nutty Affair.” It was a delightful experience to bring these colorful personalities to life on the pages of the book, and I often found myself chuckling as I imagined their interactions and antics.
During the nine months, I spent writing the book, I was completely engrossed in the world of “A Nutty Affair.” Whether it was early mornings or late nights, I was dedicated to shaping the story and delving into the lives of the characters. It became a sort of personal journey as if I was living alongside them, experiencing their joys, challenges, and, of course, their humorous escapades.
Q3. What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an author? Have you received any memorable feedback or experiences from readers that have touched you?
Sithesh: Being an author has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. One of the most fulfilling aspects is the feedback and appreciation I receive from readers. It’s truly heartwarming to know that my words have resonated with people and have touched their lives in some way.
I’ve received numerous messages and comments through my social media handles, expressing their appreciation for “A Nutty Affair.” Many readers have shared how they could relate to the situations and emotions of the protagonists, and how the story brought laughter and joy to their lives. It’s truly gratifying to know that the humor and heartfelt moments I aimed to convey have connected with readers on a personal level.
One of the most memorable feedback I received was from a reader who shared that reading “A Nutty Affair” was like a breath of fresh air in their hectic life. They expressed how the book provided a much-needed escape, filled with laughter and relatable characters. Such feedback serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to bring joy and entertainment to readers’ lives.
Additionally, I’ve had readers express their desire to see “A Nutty Affair” adapted into a movie. Their enthusiasm and belief that the story would be well-received by a wider audience is truly humbling. It’s a testament to the strong connection readers have formed with the characters and their journey.
These memorable experiences and feedback from readers have not only touched my heart but also motivated me to continue writing and sharing stories that entertain and resonate with people. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that my work as an author has made a positive impact and brought smiles to the faces of readers.
Q4. As an author, do you have any writing rituals or habits that help you get into the creative flow?
Sithesh: Yes, I do have a few writing rituals that help me get into the creative flow.
First, I always try to write at the same time of day, in the same place. This helps me to create a routine and get into a rhythm as this helps me to focus and clear my mind.
Another important ritual for me is to take some time to brainstorm before I start writing. I like to think about the story I want to tell, the characters I want to create, and the setting I want to use. This helps me to get my creative juices flowing and to come up with ideas.
Once I start writing, I try to focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions. I turn off my phone and find a quiet place to work. I also like to listen to music without lyrics, as this helps me to stay focused.
If I get stuck, I take a break and do something else for a while. This might be taking a walk, reading, or listening to music. Sometimes, the best way to get unstuck is to step away from the project for a while.
I find that these rituals help me to get into the creative flow and to write more effectively. They also help me to enjoy the writing process more.
Q5. The book touches on themes of societal pressure and the courage to follow one’s heart. How did you approach the exploration of these themes, and what message did you hope to convey to your readers?
Sithesh: Exploring the themes of societal pressure and the courage to follow one’s heart was a significant aspect of “A Nutty Affair.” I focused on developing relatable characters who experience the weight of societal pressure and the conflicts it brings. I wanted readers to empathize with the characters’ struggles and journey alongside them as they navigate the complexities of their lives.
The story showcases the courage it takes to defy societal expectations and pursue one’s own happiness. It highlights the importance of being true to oneself and embracing one’s individuality, even in the face of adversity. Through the characters’ experiences, I aimed to convey the message that it is essential to listen to our hearts and have the courage to pursue our dreams, regardless of external pressures.
Moreover, I wanted to emphasize the significance of understanding and supporting each other in our unique journeys. By portraying the characters’ relationships and the power of love, friendship, and family, I hoped to convey the message of acceptance, unity, and strength that comes from standing together.
Q6. The characters in “A Nutty Affair” are relatable and endearing. Can you share your process for developing these characters and making them feel authentic to readers?
Sithesh: Developing authentic and relatable characters was a crucial aspect of crafting “A Nutty Affair.” I wanted readers to connect with the characters on a deep emotional level and feel invested in their journeys.
To achieve this, I started by drawing inspiration from real-life experiences and people. I observed individuals around me, their quirks, struggles, and joys, and infused these elements into the characters.
Next, I focused on giving each character a unique voice and perspective. I delved into their backgrounds, motivations, and fears to understand what drives them. This allowed me to shape their actions and decisions in a way that felt authentic and consistent with their personalities.
Additionally, I incorporated dialogue that reflected the nuances of human interactions. I paid attention to the way people communicate, their speech patterns, and the subtle ways in which they express their emotions. This helped me create dialogues that felt natural and genuine, further enhancing the authenticity of the characters.
Throughout the writing process, I constantly revisited and refined the characters and wanted to make sure that readers could relate to their joys and sorrows, and ultimately root for their growth and happiness.
Q7. Are there any other creative outlets or hobbies you enjoy apart from writing? How do they influence or inspire your storytelling?
Sithesh: Apart from writing, I have always been passionate about exploring various creative outlets. One of my major interests and areas of expertise is graphic design. Over the years, I have worked extensively in the field of advertising, creating viral artworks, corporate design layouts, and visual campaigns for leading news portals and magazines. This experience in the visual medium has greatly influenced my storytelling.
As a graphic design expert, I have developed a keen eye for aesthetics and visual storytelling. I believe that visual elements play a crucial role in enhancing the overall impact of a story. Whether it’s designing the book cover or imagining the scenes in my mind while writing, my background in graphic design allows me to bring a visual perspective to my storytelling.
Additionally, my experience in directing docu-fictions and ad films has provided me with a deeper understanding of the visual language and the art of storytelling through the medium of cinema. It has taught me how to create compelling narratives, capture emotions, and engage the audience through visuals and storytelling techniques.
These creative outlets and hobbies, such as graphic design and filmmaking, have a significant influence on my storytelling process. They inspire me to think beyond words and explore different ways to communicate ideas and emotions. They enable me to approach storytelling from a multidimensional perspective, combining visual elements with the written word to create a more immersive and impactful experience for readers.
In essence, my diverse creative pursuits have enriched my storytelling skills, allowing me to incorporate visual elements, aesthetics, and cinematic techniques into my writing. They provide me with a broader palette of tools and inspirations, enhancing the overall quality and depth of my storytelling in “A Nutty Affair” and future projects.
Sithesh C Govind’s “A Nutty Affair” has emerged as a delightful fusion of novella and screenplay, showcasing his passion for both literature and filmmaking. With the birth of the innovative narrative style called Screenella, Sithesh has transported readers into a world that is immersive, cinematic, and filled with laughter. His relatable characters, genuine storytelling, and exploration of societal pressures and the courage to follow one’s heart have garnered remarkable feedback and touched the lives of readers. As an author, Sithesh’s writing rituals and diverse creative outlets, such as graphic design and filmmaking, have played a pivotal role in shaping his storytelling prowess. It is evident that Sithesh C Govind is not only a master of words but also a visionary who continues to push the boundaries of storytelling. With great anticipation, we await his future endeavors, confident that they will captivate our hearts and minds once again.
