For everything that we do in life there is always a first time and this blog post is one of those first time experiences. The first time experience that I am talking about is of interviewing someone and publishing the same on my blog. I got a chance to interview debut author Viraj J. Mahajan and I asked him various things about his book Derivation of Life and life in general. I have already started reading his book and will soon write the review, in the meanwhile below is the interview...
--- Interview with Viraj J. Mahajan ---
Q: What's behind the title, "Derivation of Life"?
A: Title was the last thing I thought after finishing the first draft. It had been somewhere in my head that I want it to be thoughtful and after discussing it with my friend Ankit, we came to the title as the story derives itself to life.
Q: Why have you chosen English as the language?
A: Derivation of Life was not bounded by the language but when the first line came to me, It was in English and that’s how the rest of the story happened.
Q: If your book is made into a Bollywood film, which actors/actresses would you want to be a part of it?
A: If ever Derivation of Life gets to be a movie, there are many method actors in Bollywood which I think suits for the part.
Q: Is the story inspired from real life events or is it completely fictional?
A: It’s a fiction story but there are some parts which I took out from the real life. Like, the story of Pooja and Raju, when I was a kid, my father used to tell me those fantasy stories.
Q: Which writers inspire you?
A: Oh there are so many. From Kafka to Twain, from Dr. Tagore to Charles Dickens, from JK Rowling to JRR Martin, from Khalid Hussaini to Salman Rushdie, list goes on.
Q: Other than debut book, "Derivation of Live", what other work you have done?
A: I have done many writing projects as freelancer but the most prominent insights into writing had been by my college newspaper, which I started with my friends. It gave a broad idea about the post writing work like printing, distributing and yeah of course the hard part – marketing. I was also the script writer for Annu Kapoor’s hit radio show, Suhana Safar with Annu Kapoor. It gave me detailed insight of the Bollywood and it was amazing working with him.
Q: Give us an insight/small introduction about the main character in your book?
A: It’s a family drama, everyone is somehow the main characters here.I gave birth to every character so I cannot be biased but still I think that Vijay’s character came out very strong. All his life, Vijay wanted a life where all his dear ones can stay together and stay happy.
Q: When did you decide that you want to be a writer? What inspired you to take it up?
A: I was very young when I read, Mark Twain and I realized that I want to be a pirate but my father told me that you cannot be a pirate in India but if you can write, you can become whoever you want. My parents are avid book readers so from my childhood they have told me many stories. And those stories which I heard in my childhood left a mark on my life. Derivation of Life is a wonderful beginning and there are going to be more stars in this galaxy.
Q: What gadgets do you personally use?
A: For writing purpose, I only use one notebook and my black color ink pen. I still follow that old school book. I like to write and torn the pages. When I finish writing it, I sit down and type everything on my laptop. Other than this I have a mobile like everyone else.
Q: Other than writing, what are your other interests?
A: I am a keen photographer. I have a collection of many gears.
Q: During the course of writing this book, did you ever face a writer's Block? How long did it take for you to complete the book?
A: Yes a lot of time. I just went with flow. I never pressurized myself to write. I was meant to write Derivation of Life and I did it and it took me exact 21 days to finish it.
Q: Any tips on how to get rid of writer's block?
A: As I said, just go with the flow. There will come a time when you have the perfect equation to write what you always wanted and believe me, you will surprise yourself.
Q: Do you read as much as you write? Which are your favorite books?
A: Oh yes! I read a lot of book. At one single time, I read at least 3-4 books. And, without a thought Harry Potter series has always been my favorite. There is seriously something magical about that story.
Q: You prefer reading e-books or you love the traditional paper/hard back books?
A: There are few things which look good on computer or on phone – a book is not one of them to me. I want to hold the book in my arms when I engage myself with the characters.
Q: Tell us something about the cover of the book? How did the idea came to your mind?
A: The first line which came to my head brought an image. A lady looking out from her window, looking at a world she always wanted for her family. Plus, my maternal grandparents had blue color windows. So that’s how the cover image developed.
Q: How can our readers connect with you?
A: I am always available on my Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/DerivationOfLife), they can drop me a message on it. And if they have some suggestion or wants to invite me over some event then they can connect with me on my website. I will respond in no time.
--- End of Interview with Viraj J. Mahajan ---
Click here to order a copy of Derivation of Life.
Q: What's behind the title, "Derivation of Life"?
A: Title was the last thing I thought after finishing the first draft. It had been somewhere in my head that I want it to be thoughtful and after discussing it with my friend Ankit, we came to the title as the story derives itself to life.
Q: Why have you chosen English as the language?
A: Derivation of Life was not bounded by the language but when the first line came to me, It was in English and that’s how the rest of the story happened.
Q: If your book is made into a Bollywood film, which actors/actresses would you want to be a part of it?
A: If ever Derivation of Life gets to be a movie, there are many method actors in Bollywood which I think suits for the part.
Q: Is the story inspired from real life events or is it completely fictional?
A: It’s a fiction story but there are some parts which I took out from the real life. Like, the story of Pooja and Raju, when I was a kid, my father used to tell me those fantasy stories.
Q: Which writers inspire you?
A: Oh there are so many. From Kafka to Twain, from Dr. Tagore to Charles Dickens, from JK Rowling to JRR Martin, from Khalid Hussaini to Salman Rushdie, list goes on.
Q: Other than debut book, "Derivation of Live", what other work you have done?
A: I have done many writing projects as freelancer but the most prominent insights into writing had been by my college newspaper, which I started with my friends. It gave a broad idea about the post writing work like printing, distributing and yeah of course the hard part – marketing. I was also the script writer for Annu Kapoor’s hit radio show, Suhana Safar with Annu Kapoor. It gave me detailed insight of the Bollywood and it was amazing working with him.
Q: Give us an insight/small introduction about the main character in your book?
A: It’s a family drama, everyone is somehow the main characters here.I gave birth to every character so I cannot be biased but still I think that Vijay’s character came out very strong. All his life, Vijay wanted a life where all his dear ones can stay together and stay happy.
Q: When did you decide that you want to be a writer? What inspired you to take it up?
A: I was very young when I read, Mark Twain and I realized that I want to be a pirate but my father told me that you cannot be a pirate in India but if you can write, you can become whoever you want. My parents are avid book readers so from my childhood they have told me many stories. And those stories which I heard in my childhood left a mark on my life. Derivation of Life is a wonderful beginning and there are going to be more stars in this galaxy.
Q: What gadgets do you personally use?
A: For writing purpose, I only use one notebook and my black color ink pen. I still follow that old school book. I like to write and torn the pages. When I finish writing it, I sit down and type everything on my laptop. Other than this I have a mobile like everyone else.
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| Viraj J. Mahajan reading Derivation of Life |
A: I am a keen photographer. I have a collection of many gears.
Q: During the course of writing this book, did you ever face a writer's Block? How long did it take for you to complete the book?
A: Yes a lot of time. I just went with flow. I never pressurized myself to write. I was meant to write Derivation of Life and I did it and it took me exact 21 days to finish it.
Q: Any tips on how to get rid of writer's block?
A: As I said, just go with the flow. There will come a time when you have the perfect equation to write what you always wanted and believe me, you will surprise yourself.
Q: Do you read as much as you write? Which are your favorite books?
A: Oh yes! I read a lot of book. At one single time, I read at least 3-4 books. And, without a thought Harry Potter series has always been my favorite. There is seriously something magical about that story.
Q: You prefer reading e-books or you love the traditional paper/hard back books?
A: There are few things which look good on computer or on phone – a book is not one of them to me. I want to hold the book in my arms when I engage myself with the characters.
Q: Tell us something about the cover of the book? How did the idea came to your mind?
A: The first line which came to my head brought an image. A lady looking out from her window, looking at a world she always wanted for her family. Plus, my maternal grandparents had blue color windows. So that’s how the cover image developed.
Q: How can our readers connect with you?
A: I am always available on my Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/DerivationOfLife), they can drop me a message on it. And if they have some suggestion or wants to invite me over some event then they can connect with me on my website. I will respond in no time.
Click here to order a copy of Derivation of Life.
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| Image Credits : http://goo.gl/RAF70D |
Best of luck
ReplyDeleteThank You Rakesh :)
DeleteUjjain the place with which I was associated in early decade of 1980 and turn back after all perturbations in 1998 when i was doing my Post Graduation.Till 2012 it was in my skin and from that day I came of to the place Ghaziabad I till today believe that it is still in my skin and never come out of me................Ujjain I really love you because My Mother and elder brother are still there in your safe hand................and some very good friends of mine are still there..........great students.................My Guru Dr.Upadhyaya......every thing what I miss is you Ujjain
ReplyDelete