1. Can you tell us a little about your book?
The contents of this book are Poems, Prose, Short Stories which are written by Late V.S. Arunachalam who was a philosopher and writer. All the contents were hand written by him between the period of 1897-1956 and are based on his thoughts and analysis of various situations as a common man be it during the World Wars 1&2 and during the British Rule in India. Every bit of writing has a message or a thought provoking idea behind and highly philosophical. The English language used are highly influenced by Shakespeare and William Wordsworth so are the objectives.
2. Is there a specific event that inspired this story or was this an out of the blue idea?
Every bit of content is inspired by his personal experiences and his observations & philosophically driven analysis as a common man in the midst of the World Wars 1&2 and the British Rule in India.
3. What got you writing in the first place?
I am Mr. V.S. Arunachalam's grandson viz; Ravi Iyer and when I went through his writings I realised how beautifully written they are and also how these writings did not feel out of time and place. In fact it seemed all the events and his thoughts are applicable even today in spite of a century old. An Institution in itself, hence i wanted to Publish his writings so that every single person can read and maybe this helps in making a change for our better times in future. A lesson learned is a lesson earned!
4. What was your impression of your first draft when you read it?
RAVI IYER - When I read his content the first time few decades ago, I was much younger and was not able to see through his thoughts due to the superior language and the articulately put thoughts. But as we mature reading th content was an institution in itself and very path breaking for me to understand everything with a larger perspective.
5. Which part of your story connects the most with you? Why?
RAVI IYER - In fact all of it be it poems, prose or short stories. But to name one his poems Close Your Umbrellas and Liberty touched me the most since they immediately made me introspect to start finding my true my existence and how I contribute to this world.
6. What makes your book the one to read?
The superior language, the philosophy behind and there is a certain rhythm to the writings that can be subconsciously felt.
7. What was the best advice you got while writing?
To put away human differences, love humanity and believe in equality.
8. Who’s your all-time favourite author? Which book of his/hers made you fall in love with them?
Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. (quoted by Ravi Iyer)
9. What is your evergreen tip to the writers out there?
Write with your heart and be true to yourself before anything. (quoted by Ravi Iyer)
10. What was your hardest scene to write?
I have never seen my grandfather as he passed away before I was born, but I guess his pen flowed with his thoughts together.
11. Do you have another plot brewing?
Next release will be a novel film/book called Will Force.