Home Home | Picsquare | Your Account | Help | Contact Us
   

Tete A Tete with One of India's Youngest Authors - Anshuman Mohan

Bookmark and Share
Indian writers are truly coming of age. Infibeam had the special privilege of getting in touch with one of India`s youngest authors Anshuman Mohan. The feisty teenager spoke to us on his debut novel, flair for writing and more. This is what he had to say:

Q1). How does it feel to be one of the youngest authors in India?
Ans - It feels great! It's sort of flattering when someone puts it that way – "India's youngest author" and all…But for me, being an author comes first.

The fact that I happen to be one of the youngest in the country at present is just an interesting flower along the road to a greater end result.

At the end of the day, it's the book that matters, not me. So, hopefully, the book will be met with acclaim, and it will be possible for me to proudly say, "Yes, I wrote that."

Q2). Are you tensed, as your first book is about to come in the market?
Ans - No, not at all. My well-wishers at my publishers', my family members, and especially my schoolmates have given me such support and encouragement, that I feel like a success already, even if the book doesn't really sell.

As far as my fellow teens are concerned, this is their story. It is our story. So I have no doubts as to whether they would like to give the book a read. And for the grown-ups, this is their chance to relive a big old chunk of nostalgia and memories. So they have every reason go ahead, and indulge.

Q3). What kind of support you are getting?
Ans - Without a word of exaggeration, I am receiving every imaginable sort of support for my book.

My family showed real support by cooperating around my busy typing and hogging of the computer. My mum deserves special mention, for her ever-present care and love.

My friends quizzed me about my progress every day during the writing of the book, and they continue to do so now, about when the books will hit the stores.

My publishers, too, supported me by being patient and tolerant of my childlike whims and fancies.

So I really do have a lot of people to thank.

Q4) Your biography reflects your penchant for reading. How or what are your earliest memories of reading?
Ans - I couldn't tell you the very earliest – I'm afraid I just remember an entangled mass of confused thoughts.

There is the library at my previous school, with its beanbags and shoes-outside-rules. I'd befriended the librarian there, I remember, and we'd had engrossing discussions about the true intentions of Gandalf, The White Wizard.

Q5) Any particular author who has inspired you?
Ans - No single author has really inspired me to get up and start writing for myself, but I enjoy some authors very, very much – and it is quite likely that their writings may have influenced my writing style over time. Jeffrey Archer, Dan Brown, Agatha Christie, Eoin Colfer, Anthony Horowitz, and Robin Cook are some favorites.

Q6) Do you, like most adult writers take inspiration from real life?
Ans - I feel that any story that is genuine and from the heart has to have some sort of real-life inspiration. Mine is also so.

Now that I think of it, I really will enjoy making up completely outrageous names for people and places if and when I write one of those science-fiction fantasy jobs!

Q7) "Potato Chips" is a book from a 13 year old's perspective. Have you thought of another subject for your next book already? Or what is the plan followed post "Potato Chips"?
Ans - I was aiming to be India's youngest author…but that crown seems to have been stolen from me. Anyway, I have bigger dreams now – with my second, I aim to become the youngest person to bag the Man Booker. Overconfidence? You could say so…

Q8) How do you view your fondness for books: as a hobby or a learning experience?
Ans - A little bit of both, really. I read books as a hobby, and consciously or unconsciously learn a little from each book.

Q9) Is there a particular book that brings back memories or you wish you could read forever?
Ans - Not really…but there are some books that I really enjoyed. Of them, Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None for it's ending, and Mitch Albom's For One More Day for how embarrassingly valid it was for me.

Q10) Your hobbies besides reading:
Ans - Oh, this is a good one! I do pretty much everything that one can do, but to varying levels of seriousness. Tennis, squash, horseback riding, drums, writing, speaking, and another whole lot of petty sports that have now faded away.

Q11) What are your views on Infibeam.com promoting your book both nationally & internationally?
Ans - I am more than pleased. It feels great to see the book being bought all over the world, unrestricted by any boundaries. Moreover, I thank Infibeam and all the people and companies who have supported me this far for being so supportive, patient and understanding with the whims of an inquiring young adult. I had the dream.It was they who made it come true...

Q12) What do you see yourself as, ten years from now?
Ans - A very happy person, first of all. That's what matters most. I don't want to be another potato chip! To bunk all the philosophy, I actually have absolutely no idea what I want to do or achieve. So there.

Q13) Any message for aspiring young writers:
Ans - Read my book.

That was Anshuman Mohan in a candid chat before the release of his debut book. The young author is positive; his book will reflect the young Indian mind and appeal to the masses. Here is wishing him the very best for his debut novel and all his future endeavors.


Tags :
Add a comment RSS feed for responses to this blog entry
Posted by Naresh Koshti on 9 June, 2010 2:33:59 PM IST #