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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Author Interview : Malay Upadhyay, author of ‘Kalki Evian : The Ring of Khaoriphea' (Part 2)

Read up, the Interview with Malay Upadhyay (Part 2). In this section, he talks of how he relates the book's characters to lives today, the most fulfilling parts in the book, the characters he felt most close to and why there is a surge in books on mythology, nowadays, also his favourite authors, and a lot more, Folks...


When would your next book be out?


I have had three short stories released towards the year end. Each deals with one character from the story and revolves around a different contemporary issue. 

'A Christmas in Barcelona' shows us Jelzan’s perspective before his
Malay Upadhyay
marriage with Fridgeon Friuli; 'Selfie Simulation' (part of Project 9 anthology) looks at Fridgeon’s (whom Qin addresses as Friuli) perspective after her marriage with Jelzan; and 'An Enlightened Fly' finally brings the all-important Fly to the fore.
It is based in the final moments of Book 2 of the Kalki Evian series. 

As for Book 2 itself – a prequel to Book 1, I am putting the finishing touches to it now. So, we may see it sometime next year.

Why do you think there is a sudden surge in stories based on mythology and fantasy, these days?

There may be different schools of thought to this. I could say it is the continuing alignment of Uranus and Neptune that leads to a transitionary focus towards spiritual thought-process, as happens to any prevailing species and is much needed. 

Alternatively, I may say it is just the latest trend to catch on, as happens in cycles anyway. I could also vouch that it is because technology today has empowered us to better express what we could only imagine initially, that fantasy is taking centre stage. 

Yet another argument would be that we are searching solutions due to the state of our society today – when we are all feeling stretched, stressed and drenched in an unmistakable feeling that we as a profligate society have missed a step.

Who are your favourite authors and why?

Richard Bach
JRR Tolkien. He was the first to show me how a world like Middle Earth could be created to such fine detail while retaining contemporary relevance. 

Also, Richard Bach, for having delivered inspiration in such a short story as 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull'.

Who is you inspiration?

Many. That includes a fly. That also includes you, who is reading 
this.

Mo Yan
Which book are you currently reading?

'Pow', by Mo Yan.

What book is coming from your desk, next? When do you see it released?

'The Fly That Followed Me'. It is Book 2 of the Kalki Evian series and a prequel to Book 1. The latter was based in Italy. This one is based in India. 

It recounts the episodes of Kanha Evian in the time that led up to his train accident, prompting the whole saga to unfold. And yes, it brings a major character – the fly – into the fray.


What do you do on a day to day basis, besides writing stories?

I have been working as a Marketer, ever since I returned from Italy. Beginning January, though, I may be spending the whole of next year in Canada – a new chapter.

 

You can read the First Part of this Interview, right here
You can Read the Review, right here

  

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