Q: Not everyone writes, nor can everyone write. Tell us what inspired you to pick up a pen and start writing, along with a brief introduction of yourself.

A: There is a backstory to my writing. I was an academic for nearly ten years, after completing my Ph. D., and researching and writing was a lot of what I did. But while writing was something I did enjoy, most of it was in the rigid framework of writing for academic journals. Then, there was my interest in history and fiction. So when I finally had the time, audacity won over prudence and I tried my hand at writing a novel. That is how ‘Arambha’ came to be.

By way of a brief introduction, I completed most of my education in India and came to the US to do a Ph.D. My career went through two phases: I was an academic for about ten years and then switched to Banking, where I spent the rest of my career. I think I’m on to my third phase-trying to make a go of writing historical fiction.

I now live in New Jersey with my wife, and we have a son who lives a few hours away. I’m lucky that I now have the time, and enjoy the researching and writing that goes into creating and producing historical fiction.

Q: As one correctly said, every writer has their own reasons for writing—whom they write for and why. How has the feedback from your readership been?

A: For a first-time novelist, I was surprised at how positive the reviews were. Two things about the reviews surprised me. First was the fact that nearly all reviews/reviewers seem to have cottoned on to the amount of research that went into the writing of the book. That was heartening. The second reaction that I found truly gratifying was that I most enjoyed the history of the period being brought to light.

Q: Our readers would be interested in learning more about your work. Could you elaborate on the story behind this book?

A: I’ll try and keep this short. I had for a while felt that much of the historical fiction about India had a northern tilt. When I started to look for historical fiction, specifically about the Vijayanagara Empire, given the prominence of the Empire in South Indian history, there was nothing I could find. And this reminds me of a quote attributed to Toni Morrison which goes something like “If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it”. That captures some of the impetus behind the writing of this book.

I think I also got a shot in the arm when I spent a few days at Hampi just when I started to write the novel. Just trying to visualize the grandiosity of ‘what must have been’ while looking at the remains, inspired me.

Finally, when I began to study the history of the period, I found the story of the two brothers Hakka Raya, and his successor, Bukka Raya to be truly heroic.

Q: The writing process is unique to each writer. After all, it is dynamic. What is your writing process?

A: Mostly it’s about keeping to a routine. While I do some reading in the mornings, time permitting, all of my writing is done in the afternoon. I stop just short of dinner time which is when my wife usually gets back from work. I’d take a break or two in the afternoon to take my furry companion for a walk if I found my flow flagging.

Q: Writer’s block is often discussed. Has it ever affected you? If so, when, and how did you deal with it?

A: I am not sure I have been stricken with writer’s block. What does get in the way is chores, projects and anything that breaks the routine. If I find getting back into a routine difficult, it’s reading that helps me ease my way back to my routine of writing.

Q: “Fiction is the reality of the fiction we live.” What is your take on that statement?

A: Forgive me, but I’m going to take a pass on this.

Q: Three decades ago, one could sit and read fiction without much concern for facts. Today, readers are obsessed with accuracy due to their information-driven mindsets, often making it difficult for them to fully enjoy a piece of fiction. In your opinion, how has this overwhelming access to information impacted readers’ literary appreciation?

A: Access to information and, more importantly, the method of acquiring it has clearly had a less than salutary effect on readers and reading. I’m reminded of the book by Marshall McLuhan, ‘Medium is the Message,” in which he evaluates the impact of TV. Its comparison is apt, I think, as we now have a proliferation of devices that seem so convenient and serve up ‘hot’ bite-sizes of information. Reading is not easy in comparison, and it is ‘cold’ to use the McLuhan terminology. But nothing comes close to being as enriching and thought-provoking as reading a good book.

Q: What are your thoughts on the digitalization of books and its impact on readers, literature, and overall human well-being, which literature ultimately aims to enhance?

A: I would not be categorical about the de-digitalization of books. Any framework that helps people to read, and read more fiction, is fine by me. My own preference is to hold a book in my hand and enjoy the tactile feel of paper as I read.

Q: Would you mind giving us a hint about your future work?

A: Not in the least. It’s going to be about the Vijayanagara Empire about a century and a half after the period covered by ‘Arambha’ and deals with a time when the Empire reached its apogee.

Q: Any parting words?

A: Thank you for inviting me to do this interview. Your questions were intriguing and some were thought-provoking. Good Luck to the Asian Review: readers and writers need a rich conduit such as yours.

By Dhanuka Dickwela