Author Interview : Sharat Komarraju, author of 'The Winds of Hastinapur' Part II

This is the second part of this interesting interview. The first part of the Sharat Komarraju, author of 'The Winds of Hastinapur' Part I is here, and the review here...

From the storyline, to the fact about a second part of the Hastinapur series, to time travelling to the authors he reads, to talking to his wife; this author also has some very good advice to give on writing!

So, shall we begin... ? 


Between your storyline and your characters, which takes precedence?

Character comes first, setting comes second, subject comes third, and structure comes fourth. Plot comes last.

 Did you ever feel the need to write it, in two separate parts?

I am not sure if I understand this question correctly, but if you’re asking whether Hastinapur will have a sequel, the answer is yes. In fact, my intention is to write the complete epic from the point of view of all the prominent women characters.  

The second book of the series is being written now, and if all goes well, should come out late next year.

 

What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

The most challenging part of writing any book is the time you spend planning it. 

Once you begin to write, then there really is no challenge. You write a little bit each day and it gets done on its own after a while.

When would your next book be out?

My next book is called ‘The Puppeteers of Palem’ and it should come out from Westland by May next year, give or take a few months.

Why do you think there is a sudden surge in stories based on the retelling of mythology?

It’s just like any other boom, I suppose. A perception has entered the market that mythological tales are desirable. It may take a few years of over production – at the end of which readers will say ‘enough’ – before we stop.

Then we’ll move on to the next big thing, whatever that is.

Which book are you currently reading?

I’m reading Audrey Niffenegger's ‘The TimeTraveler’s Wife’.

Who are your favourite authors and why?

Isaac Asimov for his clarity. Stephen King for atmosphere. P.G.Wodehouse for style. Agatha Christie for her plots.

What else do you do on a daily basis?

I do very little, apart from writing, reading and talking to my wife.

Any advice that you have for young writers of today?

Don’t wait for advice, and when you get it, do your best to forget it. If you want to write, go ahead and write. Don’t stop until you’re bored of it.