Q.1 Tell us a little about yourself?
A. I’m an Optometrist and Novelist based in Kolkata. After giving
my matriculation, at the age of 15, I joined Himalaya Optical and continued my
studies alongside. Today, I’m close to completing four decades in the company,
and during this time, I’ve garnered lots of learnings and a wealth of
experience.
I wanted to share my knowledge and experiences that I’d had as an
Optometrist and this prompted me to write my first book titled Optician’s Guide, which was published
in 2006. The book quickly got appreciation with Optometry institutes accepting
it, and using it in their curriculum, and with students who benefitted from it.
The success of the debut book encouraged me to take up writing on a more
serious note.
Thereafter, I’ve written and published 7 more books on Optometry.
Recently in 2019, one of my books titled Basics of Computer Vision Syndrome
has been translated into the Arabic language by King Saud University, in Saudi
Arabia. I’ve also
authored non-fiction on Retail Selling, titled The Race for Space – The Art & Science of Retail Selling, and two
fictions thus far, Yet We Marry and most
recently, The Knot.
Q.2 Are we going to read more from you in the
near future? Any new project you’re working on?
A. Yes, I am currently working on 3 books
simultaneously. Two of them are non-fiction, and the third one is again related
to Optometry.
Q.3 What made you write this book?
A. Writing is a passion of mine. I feel immense
freedom in expressing something through words, and have the vision to become of
the known writers of this country someday. My Optometry books are quite popular, and they are used by almost all students across the country, as well as overseas.
Now, I want to take my writing to a wider platform.
Q.4 What advice do you have for writers?
A. As of now, no advice as I’m still learning in
this field.
Q.5 How do you come up with the name of this
book?
A. I had shortlisted 3 to 4 names when I had started
writing, and finally decided to go with The Knot, considering the plot
of the book.
Q.6 If you could tell your younger writing
self-anything, what would it be?
A. The only thing I would say to him is to learn
how to write and then take up writing. Writing is an art as well as science. One
must at least learn the basics.
Q.7 What are the most important magazines or
websites for writers to subscribe to?
A. No idea of that. If you can suggest something, it would be great.
Q.8 What is the most difficult thing about
writing characters from the opposite sex?
A. As such, no difficulties, because you’re
ultimately writing from a human perspective. Yes, sometimes you can observe the
behavioral and characteristic instincts and responses to situations from those
around you, and apply it in your character’s emotions and responses.
Q.9 How do you select the names of your
characters?
A. Name selections for The Knot were done
based upon the character profile, age, lifestyle, and my own preferences. My
elder son Rahul played a helpful role in this.
Q.10 As a writer, what would you choose as your
mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
A. Not yet thought about that.
Q.11 Does your family support your career as a
writer?
A. Good question! Everyone is neutral actually.
However, both my sons are always excited and encouraging. They like it when I
write with absolutely no bounds, and with complete freedom. Since they
appreciate it, it means the world to me and more.
Q.12 Do you believe in writer’s block?
A. Since I’m still learning in this field, I
haven’t experienced it yet. So difficult to comment.
Q.13 Does writing energize you or exhaust you?
A. I spend most of my free time writing. If you
ask me to choose between going for a movie and sitting at home and writing, I’d
choose the latter. That’s my first choice always.
Q.14 Do you have any unique and quirky writing
habits?
A. Nothing in particular. Although, when I ask someone
to read what I’ve written, most of the time I have seen that there is a connection
between my words and the reader. I’m happy that I’m able to express in a way
that touches the right chords.
Q.15 What do you consider to be your best
accomplishment?
A. My younger son’s achievement; when he went to
study abroad is my biggest achievement.
Q.16 What is the most unethical practice in the
publishing industry?
A. Lack of transparency, and lack of opportunity
for new writers. I think this is prevalent in any creative field.
Q.17 Who edited your book and how did you select
him/her?
A. One of my publisher’s team members has edited,
and she was assigned by them.
Q.18 Which famous person, living or dead would
you like to meet and why?
A. Actually, not so crazy about meeting any famous
personality.
Q.19 What is your favorite book and why?
A. I read lots of books. In the non-fiction
category, I like Shiv Khera’s work and in fiction, E. L. James.
Q.20 Share the experience of your journey so
far?
A. It all started in 1997, the first book published in
2006, and since then a total of 8 Optometry books. To broaden my horizon, I
ventured into non-fiction and fiction writing. And I’m currently working on 3
books simultaneously. So, to cut a long story short, writing and writing
consistently has helped me evolve as a writer and better my skills at
expressing something.
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