1)
Can you tell us a little about your Book?
Black is a journey between reality and alienation through the dark paths from the author's arrangement of words and phrases. The story shows us the presence of two narratives: the mine and…well, read to find out what's in store.
2)
Is there a specific event that inspired this story, or was this an out-of-the-blue idea?
Black is inspired by not a specific event but by several. It is a product of several events that I've witnessed. Also, the pandemic of the 'Corona' virus in 2020 did provide us all with an uninvited lockdown but with much time to create and self-reflect/update - A time during which I've been able to not only gather but jot down all events, thoughts, ideas, and scenarios that form this story.
3)
What got you writing in the first place?
Writing came to me after my mother's death. I wrote a poem titled "At her Death" as a tribute to her. I've read the poem out on several platforms, and all I could see was people tearing out. It was not amusing to see people sad, but the very act of words to teleport everyone to my shoes and breath during that final hospital visit was quite interesting to me. Fast-forwarding to today, the day "BLACK" is more than an idea, and a living-breathing-waiting to be read a novel is just surreal. But, I add that it is a product of consistent writing and updating that the pandemic and the inner writer in me thrives on presenting.
4)
What was your impression of your first draft when you read it?
I never thought I'd have a first or second draft. I thought writing would be progressive, but as it turns out, not quite so. Well, my first draft did teach me a lot; it taught me how a writer has to succumb to his emotions (at times) and paradoxically (at times) may have to channel into them even; Maintaining a balance between your narrative world and writing world is critical is what I've learned after that and lastly but most importantly being able to present them in your 'own' unique style that may/may not reach an audience is critical as I feel every writer needs to have his signature.
5)
Which part of your story connects the most with you? Why?
This story will connect to several readers (s) of this era (including myself). Especially one’s that love to dig out hidden semantics in the plot and do not focus on the grammar (or rules) of a language rather its depth, decay, and development (of the reader, writer, and idea).
6)
What makes your Book the one to read?
"Addiction" has a binary definition in our society and one labeled primarily on drug users. BLACK is a novel that echoes a narrative on this label and its aftermath. It tries to break down the stereotypical definition of 'addicts' and broaden its range universally. As I feel, everyone has their addiction(s); yet, society will never hesitate to label only a few of them as 'addicts.' In addition, this novella tends to look into how 'mania,' 'madness,' and 'violence' go hand-in-hand and with a 'possible' explanation of 'why' as well.
7)
What was the best advice you got while writing?
The best advice I got while writing was 'never to stop writing' as thought and ideas may be shabby, but they can be polished later, but having nothing to polish is destruction.
8)
Who's your all-time favorite author? Which Book of his/hers made you fall in love with them?
My favorite author does not have a name; they are "anonymous." But, their Book is a New York Times Best Seller, and the title of the Book is 'Diary of an Oxygen Thief.' What I do love personally about the Book is how it makes the reader feel the 'breath' of the narrative, and the words are put together so well that it's hard not to feel that way from its' flow.'
9)
What is your evergreen tip to the writers out there?
An evergreen tip of mine would be to 'keep imagining' and 'jotting down as much as one can.' Since many writers and some students of mine have lost their imaginative touch in writing and have submerged into the bitter truth of reality a bit too much (I feel personal), getting that innovative brush back in your mind canvas and letting it flow in your real-world with your 'conscious' observation and action is all one requires to be a successful/true writer.
10)
Do you have another plot brewing?
Yes, I certainly have, and as a matter of fact, I have two. One, the sequel to BLACK, titled "WHITE," and another titled "Dear Australia" (a love story with a twist 'possibly,' so stay tuned).