WEAVING A MAGNIFICENT FANTASY WORLD

Author Interview: Sarang Mahajan

Sarang Mahajan is a novelist and a screenwriter. He has written TV shows for the channels such as Life Ok, Star Bharat and Colors Bangla. Among his popular shows was Hatim for Life Ok. He is currently in the limelight for his fantasy novel, Inkredia - Luwan of Brida, which is the first of the four books the Inkredia Series will have. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, he talks about his latest book, his writing journey, and takes us into the dazzling fantasy Inkredia universe. Read on.


Please tell us more about Sarang Mahajan as a person.
I am a simple, easygoing person. I love being in my own creative space, but I also like to travel and socialize within likeminded circles. I love animals, birds and even insects. I live at a slightly remote place from where I only have to look out of the window to see hills and trees.

When did you think of writing this book? Can you tell us more about your writing journey?
I was late to open my gift. I realized I can write during my first job and began working on the Inkredia Series. I finished writing the first book in 2006, but didn’t really push myself to get it published right away. The book was published in 2011 by a decent publisher, but it wasn’t promoted. I got encouraging responses from whatever tiny number of readers actually picked up the book, but that was all. I moved on to writing TV shows, but it was always in the back of my mind that I needed to do something with Inkredia. Writing novels was what I really wished to do. So, it was republished in 2017. Now that an effort is being put into promoting it, the book is finally receiving the success I always thought it deserved. Every day I am learning the names of the Indian cities I didn’t know as I am getting positive responses from all across India.

Can you give us a brief overview of your book “Inkredia – Luwan of Brida”?
It is set in the Inkredia Universe that I have created. Though the book primarily targets young-adults, it’s meant for anyone who loves fantasy. The story goes like this – Luwan, 17, lives in a village named Brida. He finds himself in a danger and must make a dangerous journey along with his sister in order to survive. As he sets out, running from one enemy, he learns there is another that wants him dead – a band of legendary assassins. They are powerful and are equipped with supernatural powers. Inkredia – Luwan of Brida is the story of Luwan’s thrilling journey through the unknown regions. While he faces dangers one after another, he also struggles to find out why a simple village lad like him is being chased by the assassins that go after powerful lords and rulers. What he doesn’t know is that a conspiracy is shaping up in the background, one that’s soon going to jolt the entire kingdom. The tagline of the book is, ‘Danger looms tall. Mystery runs deep.’

How has the response of readers been to your book?
Incredible. I was unsure at first because Indian fantasy readership is presently overwhelmed with mythological fiction. I am being told now that this book is like a breeze of fresh air, especially by the lovers of genuine fantasy that have to rely on western authors such as JK Rowling or Rick Riordan. I am being constantly told by the readers that this is the first time they have read a genuine fantasy novel from an Indian author. Among other things, they also say that the book has a rich visual quality and it appears as if they are in the story themselves. Many readers have loved the fantasy universe of Inkredia and want to read more novels set in it.

What do you think is the perfect recipe for a dazzling fantasy novel?
A proper blend of imagination and reality. Yes, fantasy authors have a liberty to make up stuff as they go, but they can’t abuse this freedom. The most important factor of a fantasy, just like any other work of fiction, is its characters, which have to be realistic and relatable. A fantasy also demands creative imagination that’s properly channeled. It also needs a strong plot with a scope for thrill and adventure.

What kind of research went into writing this book?
Since the book is set in a period akin to 12th century, I studied the way of life from that era. I referred to cultures from Indian subcontinent as well as Europe. I also studied geography to develop the map for the Inkredia Kingdom as I wanted it to be scientifically accurate in its representation of the seasons and the weather from different regions described in the story.

Which book or books are you reading currently? Which are your favorite genres, books and authors?
Currently I am reading Ashoka by Charles Allen. Concerning books, fantasy is my most favorite genre. These days I love reading short stories by Roald Dahl as they are light enough to not distract me from my writing.

What are your other interests apart from writing?
I love nature photography. I also love forest treks. It’s great if I can combine both, or else I am happy shooting birds and a rare animal that shows up around my house.

This book is the first part in a fantasy series of four. When is the second book coming?
The plan is to launch it by the end of 2019 and I am pretty much on track.

Apart from working on this fantasy series, are there any other literary projects that you’re currently working on?
I am developing a story where I wish to fuse science fiction with history. I am also working on a novella based in the Inkredia Universe. I have quite a few half-baked novels developed over the last few years. If things work out, I want to finish those one by one.

There are many new writers and poets there who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them?
Most of them seem to be in a rush to get published. The tag of a ‘published author’ lures them. My advice to them is it’s better to be published a few years later than coming out with underdeveloped, ordinary work. If they study the art of writing and invest enough time in their first novel, they will not only be looking at one successful book, but at a successful career. Also, it’s important to know how to promote a book. While it’s not advisable to get distracted while you are writing your first book, it’s necessary that you keep an eye on what successful authors are doing and try to learn how it works.

Can you share with our readers a motivational quote that keeps you going?
‘Live in the moment. All your worries shoot from the events that are either in the past or in the future. Don’t stress yourself over those now. In this moment, focus on what makes you happy and do your work honestly.’ I often remind myself of this and it does help me untangle myself from the mess that we keep throwing ourselves in by unnecessarily complicating our lives without realizing.

Updated On 10/30/2018 12:52:24 PM