#Interview with Ankit Sonthalia, #Author of Stupid Cupid

An Interview with the Author:


When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
It was my immeasurable love for my wife Ankita since my school days which got me into the habit of writing in the first place. I used to scribble cute notes, short stories to impress her. 

What inspires you to write? 
Honestly, I never thought I would actually become a published writer. Ankita was the one who literally forced me to start writing as she believed I had the required skills. When I started, the aim was just to publish a few copies for the friends and relatives. But it is due to her motivation I am doing this interview today! 

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
Well, I love cricket. The amount of love I have for that sport is immense. I was always sure that I want to write a story revolving around cricket as I would be able to express myself in the best way if I do that. 
Secondly, I have seen many people spoiling themselves for someone whom they love without realizing what does love actually even mean. Hence, the idea for ‘Stupid Cupid’ started churning. 

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
Yes! I started writing mine and Ankita's story about 7-8 years ago. I was too young then and didn’t have the experience, nor did I have someone who could push me to write. Being the laid back person that I am, it never materialized. 

Tell us about your writing process.
Thank you for this question! I can go on and on about how much I loved the process of writing stupid cupid. There were days together when I couldn’t jot anything and it used to get frustrating. But, on the other hand, the amount of satisfaction I used to get after writing a few good pages or even paragraphs was brobdingnagian. I realized this was the very purpose I started writing. It gives me peace! Between running after money and some more money, writing is where I found my quantum of solace.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
This one is going to be very difficult to answer. Anyway, there is a chapter where Suhaan, the protagonist, attends a friend's wedding where he meets Namrata, his love interest. I really enjoy reading that. 

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
Not mine, but my friends' actually. There is quite a lot which is common between mine and Suhaan's friends. But I have to admit, some of Suhaan's dreams are my own. 

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I scribble whatever comes to mind. There is no pattern which I follow. I do not follow a sequence of chapters. Like in this book, I wrote one of the middle chapters first, then the end and only then the first part. I feel I am able to express better this way.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
I am a big fan of Dan Brown. I wish I could keep the readers glued to the story like he is able to. I came across Ashwin Sanghi's work recently and liked it very much. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
It came from my father-in- law after he read the book. He asked me to let my creativity flow without thinking that the reader might lose interest. Because if I feel good about what I am writing, even the readers will like it.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
I am too young in the writing world to be advising anybody. I myself have a lot to learn. Still, one should always follow their heart and write whatever comes to them naturally.

What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?
Wow! That would be great wouldn’t it? A few people have told me the book is ‘movie material'! 
Suhaan – Virat Kohli (who better than him to portray a passionate cricketer!) If not him, then Ranvir Singh. 
Namrata – Deepika Padukone
Ashlesha – Anushka Sharma

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
A pillow, a blanket and some mosquito repellant I'll sleep as much as I want. 

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
I like to watch videos on YouTube when I am free. Cricket videos, TED talks, Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah and other stuff. 
I try to find peaceful places whenever I feel I need a break. I felt like I was in heaven when I went to New Zealand. If destiny permits, I would like to buy a home near Mount Cook. 

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
Well, the only thing in my list is ‘Ankita’s bucket list'. If I can fulfill all her wishes (which I mostly do), nothing like it. 

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
- People tell me I have a great sense of humour. They ask me to even try stand-up sometimes! 
- I am a hardcore baraat dancer. I might get hired someday to light up dull baraats.
- I never let go even a single chance to make fun of my friends. 

What do you have in store next for your readers?
I am working on a few ideas. I should be out with something concrete in the next 8-10 months. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
Stupid Cupid is a story which has something in it for every youngster. It is full of entertainment and I am pretty sure the readers will love it. 

About the Book:

Engineer? Doctor? Chartered Accountant? Artist? Or something out of the box?
Students at the cusp of passing out from the high school are often occupied with such considerations and choices.
With Suhaan, it was different. He wanted to do nothing. “Go with the flow” had been the motto of his life, and he had always given life a chance to make decisions for him.
It's only when he starts playing cricket for the college team that his passion is fuelled. He practices hard and gives it his all. But life is still keen on planning Suhaan's life. When he falls in love with Namrata, he is forced to choose one – passion or love.
Will Suhaan make the right choice? Or will life once again call the shots for him?

Goodreads * Amazon