Author Interview - Heramb Sukhathankar

What is your writing process like?

I am not sure if readers of my books have experienced this but be it fiction or non-fiction, the genesis of all my works has always been spontaneous. On this initial nucleus of inspiration, I have tried to build my writing. In contrast to the rising trend of writing digitally, I have always enjoyed the solitude of writing on paper, preferably on the blank sides of used papers. Although its role is often undermined, the power of spontaneity is so strong that while working on my debut novella, The Last Nomad, I remember being engrossed in writing and losing track of time.

How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?

That's a challenging question to answer. One never knows when and where ideas will come from. For instance, the idea for my latest short story, When I have time, struck me when I was exposed to world of minimalism. Characters in my stories are based on people I know and have encountered.

What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?

I am aware that these are the most dreadful words for any author. If I am unable to proceed with a work, which hasn't happened often, I halt right there and use the time to delve deeper into the subject. By using different techniques and writing aids, it is possible to overcome such a situation.

How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?

Every book review is more than a feedback from readers. It is like an invitation for more readers to experience the book. Negative book reviews, believing that these are genuine, can be used as a prompt to introspect your writing. If there are only a couple of such reviews, maybe the book is not meant for the reader's literary taste. However, if such reviews are a majority then that work may need to be revised. At the same time, it is crucial that as an author, one should not succumb to reviews.

What is the most challenging part of your writing process?

It may sound strange but I find being completely dedicated to writing challenging. Writing can sometimes spill over into other areas of your life and disturb the balance you have established. This means sometimes you end up walking in the middle of night and scribbling on the paper.

How long have you been writing, or when did you start?

I don't recollect the exact day but it was back in time when I was 13 or 14. Discovering that you can write and stimulate someone is an unexplainable thrill.

What advice would you give writers working on their first book?

Now these words may seem weird but I would say don't indulge in overthinking and trying to be perfect because in trying to write that perfect best-seller or award winning story, you can go on editing it for your lifetime. Stop when you think you have said what you wanted to.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

It is difficult to pick one but as debut works are special, I will chose my debut novella, The Last Nomad. So far, I have written four books, The Last Nomad (a novella), 7 ways to Stay Sane on the Social Media (non-fiction), Untold Stories of Love (anthology of short stories), When I have time (a minimalist short story) and To Company with Love (non-fiction)

What inspired the idea for your book?

It was at the confluence of a multiple inputs that the idea for 'When I have time' was born. We are living in an age where consumerism is reaching extreme levels. It is not only harming the environment but also taking a toll on our mental wellbeing. When I have time is exactly that: a book to detox your mind in troubling times!

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

For me, any uncluttered space which is well lit and ventilated is the perfect writing space.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

From the present generation of authors, I would like to meet Aravind Adiga, author of The Booker Prize winning novel, The White Tiger. This is fantasy but I would love to spend some time with Mark Twain!

Heramb Sukhathankar

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