Between your storyline and your characters, which takes precedence?
Both. For me, the
characters make the story and building the characters personality as the story
moves is important.
In this
book of mine, my central character grows with her friends and the storyline
ensures that this is depicted throughout the story.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
How much is enough! One
tends to get carried away on a topic, which is very dear or important to one’s
heart. How much is enough on that subject is a
tough decision to make.
The
author might be very passionate about something and might and to write a lot
more on something, but the reader might not emote with him on the same.
So, how much is enough on a subject is quite challenging.
How do you
come up with the concepts and develop them?
 |
| Utkarsh Patel |
Well, I go with the
flow. While, I do have a basic storyline thought
through at the inception, many things are acquired or imagined on the flow of
the narrative.
Can’t say
that everything that has gone in my book was pre-decided.
Who was it that told
you that you could become the author, you are today?
Well, this has to be my wife! When I first discussed the
Shakuntala storyline, it was her idea to see if I could write a novel.
Till then, all I had written were articles for my Blog (www.utkarshspeak.blogspot.in),
which were quite well received.
But then,
they were articles and I wasn’t sure if a novel was my cup of tea, till I was
asked to give it a shot, and sure enough it did turn out to be a novel!
What book is coming
from your desk, next?
Presently, I am working on a novel form of a lesser-known Tamil
epic.
This too
is a woman-centric novel. Should be out in about a year or so.
Your advice to writers
that would like to be published today? How tough is it to be published in
India?
One should write and
try and get published. One should not be deterred
by rejections, as many a times they get rejected because the publisher is
unsure of its marketability, not because of its literary merit.
Also, be
open to criticism, as they will only strengthen ones writing. It also gives an
alternate view-point by a third person, who could take a dispassionate view to
it, unlike we who have written it.
I don’t think it’s very
tough to get anything published today, as there are so many avenues of getting
published. Besides the traditional publishers, we
now have self-publishing, etc., which will enable anybody to get their work
published.
Just
write!
Who are your favourite
authors and why?
 |
| Ayn Rand |
At present, I read a lot of academic mythology, which aids
me in my research for books and lectures and speaking engagements.
However, at one point
of time, I used to read a lot of different authors, with Ayn Rand and Irving
Stone, being my favourites. Ayn Rand was an ideological
favourite and Irving Stone was a marvellous writer of biographies, which told the
life story so beautifully.
Which book are you
currently reading?
Presently, I am reading the English translation of Sanskrit plays by
Bhasa.
What do you do on a day
to day basis, besides writing stories?
I read, write and speak, when I am not writing stories!
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Social
Media links of Utkarsh Patel for readers to find/follow/like:
Website: www.utkarshmp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shakuntala-The-Woman-Wronged-703922499751102/
Twitter: @utkarshmp
Email: utkarshmp@yahoo.com
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You can Read the Review, and the First Part of this Interview right here, and Buy the Book here, as well.
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