About the Author:
K Hari Kumar is a contemporary Indian novelist, born in Tripunithara and brought up in the suburbs of Gurgaon. His first book ‘When Strangers meet..’, an urban fiction with definite tint of the supernatural, was published by Srishti Publishers in May 2013. The book that talked about generation gap was accepted with warmth by the youth of India. The book gradually became a bestselling title, especially in the North Indian belt. His second book, That Frequent Visitor, was released in January 2015 which also opened to highly positive reviews. His third book, a biblical thriller, will be published soon. His titles have collectively sold over 25000 copies till date.
He’s also an international award nominated Photographer and independent filmmaker who has worked in over fifteen television commercials, directed 2 professional short films, 5 student short films, four commercial videos. He is an associate of the Film Writers Association, Mumbai.
He’s also an international award nominated Photographer and independent filmmaker who has worked in over fifteen television commercials, directed 2 professional short films, 5 student short films, four commercial videos. He is an associate of the Film Writers Association, Mumbai.
Interview with the Author:
When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
My mother would read me stories from a Malayalam weekly children’s magazine. The stories fascinated me. It would take me to a different world… and since then I wanted to write, where I could create such worlds and fascinate others by taking them there… with me….
What inspires you to write?
Real life incidents… conspiracy theories… philosophies
What kind of research goes into your book?
Research is vital. I commit myself into an in-depth research before even penning down the title of my book. The city where it is to be based… the culture… etc etc… If I am not able to go there, I do whatever I can on the internet… maps, videos, blogs etc.
What are you working on at the moment?
My first full-fledged Romance novel… Couple of screenplays
How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
I was doing research on Krishna for my third book (which is a thriller… to be published soon). That’s when I came across the legend of Mirabai… Now, most of the people from my generation have learnt about Mira in Hindi textbooks at least (I have no idea what they are being taught these days)… However, this was the first time that I went into a little more detail. Her undying love and faith inspired me come up with theme for a Romance set in a remote Rajasthani village.
Please share three interesting facts about the characters in your book.
Although started out as Maya, I later changed her name to Meera (based on the inspiration). A village girl with no dreams of her own, and an ideal daughter for any father from that part of the world.
If you could pick any famous author to review your book who would you pick and why?
Dr S Radhakrishnan… because his works have inspired me more than anybody else. Followed by Satyajit Ray… ofcourse, both are long gone…
Have you read any books that have inspired you to improve or change yourself in any way?
There have been many… back in childhood it used to be the tales of Vikram and Vetal, it would fascinate me visually as well nourish me morally… while growing up it was replaced by Roald Dahl’s books… then came Alchemist… Off late I have been inspired deeply by Bhagavad Gita & Ashtavakra Gita (non-dualist commentaries)
Name three things that you believe are important to character development?
The character should have a personality that is driven by her philosophy and lays down her motivation. Character should always serve a purpose, even if it has to end up as a red herring. Most importantly it should strengths and weaknesses. Weakness leads to climactic confrontation, while strength is what decides the fate of the character. So, the 3 important things are – Personality, Purpose and Philosophy... 3Ps
Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so what helps you to get over it?
I experience writer’s block when I do not set my priorities right. I set it right… Like I am about to do in the coming month :)
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
The rundown to the climax :)
Do you know the ending of your books before you finish writing them?
Yes. I always start from the end. It’s easier to proceed when you have a fixed target. I am not comfortable with aimless writing.
What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
An author from Chennai once told me to market myself shamelessly to beat all odds. I won’t call it the ‘best’ advice, but it was an honest one… and therefore has stayed with me for long.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Set a flexible target… do your research… and keep writing…
His book:
Why are outsiders not allowed on Vypeen Island after sunset? What brought Richard Baxter to the dreaded Clifford Mansion in 1948? Where did Baxter and his wife disappear on the night of Pournami? Who is the visitor that the fishermen fear so much? How do true love and destiny justify their existence? How far will One Man go for the one he loves? Will he go beyond death?
Six decades later, Shiuli Dutta is mysteriously lured into the Mansion, where she encounters the ghost of Richard Baxter. The grieving ghost tells her an incomplete story of its life.
A story that will reveal the darker side of a man’s mind. A story that shall unveil a venomous truth of the past. A story so sinister that it could alter the fate of an entire nation’s future. A story of courage and cowardice, of deceit and insanity.
The Story of THAT FREQUENT VISITOR.
Great author interview. I enjoy learning about the people who write the stories that we all love.
ReplyDeleteI have not read a story in this type of setting before. This one sounds very interesting and I've added it to my list to read.
Thank you for sharing some things about yourself, Hari.