About The Author
Meera J Pillai hails from Kerala, but has spent most of her life outside the state and currently lives in Chennai. She started her career with Deccan Chronicle, Chennai as their Chief sub editor and reporter, a role she handled for three years.
Her tryst with Radio, lasted a year, as Head of Programing at Chennai Live. After four years in the media, she moved to MJ Enterprises, Kochi, a family-owned HR and Facilities Management Company.
Meera did her schooling in Kolkata and Chennai, and her graduation in Coimbatore, before completing her Post graduation in Mass Communication from the esteemed Manorama School of Journalism in Kottayam.
Now, she is the Deputy Editor of Culturama magazine and mother of a seven-year-old. In between endless moments mothering a defiant toddler and managing one of the more sought-after lifestyle magazines in India, Meera has found the time to create another world of her own.
For more details check: www.meerajpillai.com
Interview
Q) Tell us about the idea behind the book?
Fantasy genre is a personal favourite, starting from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in wonderland to Tolkien’s Lord of the rings. We grew up reading epic Indian tales that explores talking animals, mighty warriors and about the world beyond. So I knew that if ever I had the opportunity to become a storyteller, this is the genre for me. And Maya and the Sword of Gringak came to me through the bedtime stories I told son and nieces when they were younger. I liked telling stories where the protagonist was most of the time a female superhero. And Maya is the perfect superhero, in the sense that she is relatable.
Q) How much time did it take in the process of writing?
It took me about 2 to 3 months to put together the first draft, but took about a year to get to the complete product.
Q) What did the process of writing this book teach you?
Practice and Patience. Practice, because you need to constantly work on yourself to do better. No matter how good a writer you are, when you are penning down a book, you are bound to doubt yourself. And patience, because while the book may appeal to you, to get it published and reach your audiences, could be a tedious process and patience comes in handy here.
Q) What inspired you to write this book?
I could hardly relate to any protagonist in most of the books I read as a young adult. I knew there are lots of kids like me, who would love to see representation in an fantasy story. Maya is a character that many young girls will identify themselves with and the epic journey she is on is something that we all crave for. I decided to write it and as I kept at it, I knew there is something more here than just a ‘happily ever after’.
Q) 5 books one must read in a lifetime
The Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson – The protagonist Lisbeth Salander is the most amazing female character I have ever read.
Those Pricy Thakur girls by Anuja Chauhan – I am a huge fan of Anuja Chauhan and love all her books. This one in particular, for painting such a colourful picture of life in New Delhi through her immaculate narrative.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll – Lewis Carroll’s beautiful wonderland is what made me fall in love with fantasy in the first place. The characters are so influential and enigmatic that even as an adult they stayed with me. Whether one is a child or an adult, it is a book for all.
The Harry Potter Series – It is impossible for me to put a list without mentioning Harry Potter. The magic, the friendships and the heroics that JK Rowling introduced to the world through the books are unparallel.
The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien – The Lord of the rings is an epic that I feel everyone should read, for its magnificent language, glorious situations and heart-warming relationships. A close second to this epic if of course Game of thrones by George RR Martin.
Q) A book that had an impact on you, which helped you in writing this one?
For me, it was Lewis Carroll, L. Frank Baum, JK Rowling and JRR Tolkien, who made the difference. I fell in love with fantasy because of them, and chose the subject thanks to their legacy.
Q) A character that you love the most from the book?
As a writer you are constantly observing people, it helps you understand the complexities and even the simple essence of human behaviour. With Maya, I wanted to portray a character that is as real as it can be, despite the unexpected circumstances we find her in. She deals with the regular insecurities of a teenager like handing peer pressure, being awkward about her looks and having crushes. Whether you are a saviour of Earth or not, the idea is that life at some level is same for everyone. So I wanted to tell the story of an unlikely superhero.
Q) This book has family love, Father daughter relationship and many other emotions, Which one you loved writing the most?
I think the relationship between Maya and Anaya as well as Maya and her father Bharat are both special. It is important for the lead character to feel loved not for being a superhero but for being her unique self. I wanted to showcase a relationship that many are blessed with or we want to have. Healthy relationships are especially important for young girls.
Q) Which part of the book you enjoyed writing the most?
I think writing about the protagonist, Maya. She represents every Indian girl. Her dark skin or her peer group standing doesn’t define her. It is her inborn ability to see good in people and trying to work on herself that makes her who she is. She may be facing a rather mountainous task at hand but she stays true to herself and despite the doubtful moments, she strives to give her best, even if it comes with shortfalls. I think for readers, the main takeaway is that while the society may see flaws in you, it is how you see yourself at the end of the day that really matters.
Q) Tell us about your publishing journey in 5 words.
Challenging yet greatly satisfactory journey
Q) Tell us about your plans? Planning a new book?
The next book will be the second part of The Maya and The Sword of Gringak, which is a 3-part series. Hopefully the book will be done in 2022-2023.
Q) How your life changed after the book was published?
It is lovely to add the title of ‘author’ to my name. It is a dream come true.
Q) What is a literary success for you?
For a writer, there is no greater joy than getting literary success. To have people share their positive feedbacks and show love for your book is absolutely brilliant.
Q) A message for all the readers.
The most beautiful thing about fantasy stories is that it gives you a glimpse into the infinite possibilities of our life. And I hope that Maya and the Sword of Gringak gives you the same on its adventurous journey.
