An Interview with Author of Dharmayodha Kalki. Amazing book it is!! you can get your copy here.
About the Author:
Kevin Missal is a 21-year-old graduate from St. Stephen’s College, who has written four novels till now ranging from crime to mythology to horror. He had written his first book at the age of 14, which was released by the Chief Minister of Delhi. His second book was written at the age of 16 and was published by a British indie-press. He is a pioneer in writing the World’s First InstaRead and is a bestseller on Amazon under horror category. He is also the co-owner and co-founder of Kalamos Literary Services, which publishes and promotes fledgling writers to make a mark in the literary industry. He currently lives in Delhi.
Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, Website.
Interview:
1: I was curious for asking you this question ever since I started reading the Book (Kalki). Why you choose this Genre? What made you write mythology book?
It was not mythology but fantasy that drew me in. I love fantasy genre. I have been reading fantasy since I was fourteen. But there was never scope for this subject since not many publishers or readers choose to read fantasy books in India. So I mixed mythology which is trending currently, mixed my favorite god Kalki as I was bored with the adaptations of Ramayan and Mahabharata and added fantasy. It’s the idea of escapism, wonder, the magic that appealed me to this genre in the first place.
2: Is it difficult to write this genre? How? if no, How you managed to write mythology stories?
You just need to have a heavy dose of imagination. But for imagination, you need to read history especially if that imagination takes the mythology roots. My character Kali was based on Hitler and Mussolini with an added ingredient of Genghis Khan.
3: If you have to write a book in any other genre which genre you would write in?
Most probably thrillers. I love mystery-thrillers!
4: How long it took to write this novel?
One month. I wrote 10k words in one day.
5: A piece of learning that you would like a reader to take from your book?
I think it’s a lot about taking responsibilities in your hand even though you don’t want to. I didn’t get this theme in the beginning but as I read my book reviews and how people interpreted it, I understood the book was about being responsible. There are times in this world when you have a choice to stay same and remain in your comfort zone, be selfish or you have a choice to be selfless and be a hero. I think that’s what Kalki’s story was based on. And I’m thankful to my selected readers about how they saw it.
6: What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Write. Eat. Jog.Write. Eat. Sleep. Write again.
7: What types of books do you enjoy reading?
Fantasy and thrillers. But a masala story is always very rare. In the publishing industry, the genre has become such a cliche. Everyone abides to it. Oh, this is a thriller, so it needs to have thrilling moments and not anything else. I don’t believe that. If you are reading a novel, you should experience every genre if you can.
8: A recent book that you read?
I read…what was that? The Emperor’s Blade. It’s a cool fantasy book.
9: What is Success for you?
When readers enjoy my work and review it. It’s just invaluable.
10: Passion rules us all, Do you agree?
I absolutely agree. We can’t live without passion.
11: An advice for aspiring writers?
I’ll give you a practical advice. Save a lot. You will end up spending a ton of money to be a bestseller.
12: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
It’s about how expansive this world was. There are many subtle mysteries I have added the book that’ll be cleared on later. Like who is the man with the scar? What’s Kali’s past? What’s Padma’s backstory?
Blog by Vidhya Thakkar
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