Author Interview: Sanjai Velayudhan

Posted October 5, 2017 by @amanhimself in Books, Interviews / 0 Comments

Q. Hello Sanjai, and thank you for agreeing this interview and congratulations on your book, ‘Dance of the Spirits’. Tell me a little about yourself and your background?

Amandeep, I am very happy to be interviewed by you.

Originally from Kerala, I have lived in many cities both in India and abroad. Currently I am settled in Bangalore with my family. Professionally, I am a marketing consultant who works with global brands.

Q. Briefly, what led you up to ‘Dance of the Spirits’?

There was no particular reason that led me to write the novel. As an avid reader of books of varying subjects, I always felt that well researched and written books have the ability to reach and influence people. The magical power of words can be used to convey complex ideas in a simple manner.

I was always fascinated with the myths, beliefs and stories of Kerala. Through this book, I have tried to bring out nuggets of history and backstories of my land of birth through a novel. I believe in the saying that ‘what comes out of a book are thoughts, not words’.

I stumbled upon this fascinating subject while doing research.

Q.  When did you decide that you want to be a writer?

About 12 years ago. I knew that a work of this complexity requires a lot of ground level research and analysis. So, I relocated from the middle east and was on an 18-month sabbatical. Putting together the first draft itself took about 6 years.

Q. What is the easiest thing about writing?

There is nothing easy about writing a serious novel. However, I enjoyed the freedom to think and imagine. Sometimes, it felt like I had created an inner world of my own inhabited by the characters & I!

Q. What motivates you to write?

I like to spend hours researching and analyzing various published works around human behavior, psychology, culture & history. A book like this requires a lot of travel, conversations with people and a deep understanding of the subject. I am a people’s person and these interactions kept me motivated enough to put together what I believe is a compelling point of view through a story.

Q. How was your experience with publishing process with Leadstart Publishing?

They are an organization who have published many good books. I enjoyed working with the team especially while editing the manuscript.

Q. Could the process have been different? In general, what things Indian publishers should consider? 

I think the process(s) from the laptop to book shops is tedious. Finding an established publisher is the toughest part. Many gifted writers in India fail to make the cut as far as traditional publishers are concerned. I think publishers need to be a little more open minded while evaluating manuscripts.

Q. What do you prefer: Pen or Computer? And how do you stay organised (any methods, systems, tools you use)?

I like to work on the laptop which itself makes organization of content easier.

Q. How do you relax?

There is nothing that relaxes me like a strenuous workout. I am a cross fit athlete.

Q. Do you have an agent. If yes, how did you find them? 

No, I do not have an agent

Q. What would you have done differently if you could do it again?

I don’t know how different the process could be but I am able to understand the nuances of writing an in-depth novel faster than before.

Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I believe that thoughts and weights can go together. A writer, thinker and analyst (typically rolled into one) can be physically strong as well. I am a fitness fanatic!

Q. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

As a writer, one needs to be open to all forms of reviews. It is also important to understand bad or mediocre reviews and if possible, learn from it.

Q. Do you re-read books? One book that you would read again & again?

I do. I re-read books that influence me deeply. There are many but stories from Ramayana & Mahabharata don’t bore me even after reading multiple times. They are not just stories but lessons in life!

Q. Your influence(s)/ favourite author(s)?

I like the grit, determination & altruism of Dashrath Manjhi, the man who defeated a mountain. I would like to believe he is a role model. As an eclectic reader, there are too many favorite authors to name one.

Q. What book(s) are you reading at present?

Currently, I am not reading any as I am trying to put together the broad brief for my second book.

Q. Are you working on anything at the moment? When can we see your next work?

Yes, I have started working on my second book. It is not easy balancing family life, work and writing. So, no deadline for the next book. But, I hope to finish it in a year or two.


For more info, you can visit LeadStart Publishing.

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