1. What inspired you to write your first book, and why did you choose this subject?
It was like witnessing a real life thriller unfold before my own eyes. The Maoist movement has a long history in India. But the speed with which the movement had expanded in Lalgarh and the dramatic manner in which it fell were both rather unprecedented and made for a story that had to be told.
2. Can you tell us about the journey from the initial idea to the final manuscript?
The initial idea took shape in the second posting. (Lalgarh was my first posting). To start with, I simply put pen to paper and wrote down the thoughts that came to my mind. Those were based on my real experience to a great extent. That way, I had written what would later become one of the scenes of the novel. Then there was a gap of almost 3 – 4 years when I could not find time to write anything. It was a bit of work pressure and a bit of writer’s block. I resumed my writing during the first outbreak of Covid (2020). That was when the idea of rhyming came to my mind. It was inspired by the long poetic traditions of our Epics. Then, I tried to rewrite whatever I had written by using rhyming. I wasn’t sure, I would be able to do it, but somehow the rhyming happened. It was in 2021 that I put in place a structure and constructed the story, broke it down into chapters and then began to put it in place. The initial manuscript was over 2 lakh words long. Then the process of editing took place and thereafter the final book came into existence.
3. What is the core message or takeaway you want readers to remember after finishing the book?
The message I would like to put forth is that while there are many problems in society and the system, we must be careful in the solutions we choose to tackle those problems. May it not so happen that the purported solution, rather than addressing the problem, becomes part of a larger problem. The novel is a critique of the Maoist movement and the violence that it perpetrated on common people in the name of revolution. In a way, it became a problem for the very people it was supposed to help. The faultlines in the system too have been attempted to be highlighted.
4. Were there any personal experiences or real-life events that influenced the story or content of the book?
Many. Atleast three gunfights were adapted from my personal experience.
5. As a debut author, what were the biggest challenges you faced during the writing and publishing process?
Time was the biggest challenge. Being in the police service, especially in field postings, I was short pressed for time. For a first time author, getting a good book deal from a reputed publisher is also very challenging.
6. Who is this book written for, and what kind of readers do you think will connect with it the most?
I would believe it’s written for everyone because it has a plot with twists and turns and would appeal to those who love thrillers. That apart, it has aspects of a literary fiction in the style of writing. It has love, betrayal, jealousy, tragedy all in it. Hence I do believe it has a broad audience base. Since it is written in English, it can cater to the international market.
7. How has writing this book changed you personally or professionally?
It has been as adventurous a journey in a different sense. There were moments of self doubt and overcoming those needed an element of courage, which in turn improved me personally. The idea of completing a novel seemed like a dream till it was done. That itself is personally satisfying.
While writing the novel, I actually researched things that had happened, about which I had little knowledge when I was posted there. For instance, events where I wasn’t directly involved. So, writing the book improved my professional knowledge as well.
8. With your first book now being published, what are your expectations from readers, and can we expect more books from you in the future?
I do intend to write in the future for there is a lot to write. I do hope, my readers enjoy reading and find perspectives in the story that probably even I haven’t had. That would be the ultimate achievement for me as an author.