I had a wonderful moment interviewing Deepak Kripal, a Blogger-turned-writer with his recent book- The Devil's Gate which is been acclaimed for being unique and different. Let's see what he has to say about his wonderful entry into the field of Indian Literature.
1. How does it feel to be an author now, Mr. Deepak, considering that very few get an opportunity to get published these days?
What do I say! It feels special! It’s like a dream come true. I don’t think I can put this ‘surreal’ feeling into words. There are some things words find hard to define, and even harder to express. Let us say it is one of those things!
2. What is your new novel- The Devil’s Gate about?
This story is born of a very unique idea. The idea is what happens if some day, animals decide that since humans are not going to listen to us, and why don’t we try and negotiate a deal with the demons to let us co-habit with them. The idea was not only unique and thrilling but also had an air of desperation and sarcasm to it. And this is the very basis of this story, and the starting point of this story. Many things build over that, and there is a lot of mystery involved. Let me be very precise that it is not a horror story. It’s a fantasy/mystery/adventure/thriller. And idea is not only to entertain, engage and thrill but also to inculcate some wisdom without getting into the preaching mode. You have to read the book to know the rest.
3. How hard was it to base your characters on animals? How did you get confidence that such idea would work with Indian readers?
It wasn’t hard at all, since I humanized the characters so that every reader could relate and identify with them. I didn’t think about things like whether the idea would work or not. I wasn’t even sure if anyone would publish such an unusual story. I just knew within me that I have a really unique and interesting story to tell, and I saw no reason why I shouldn’t pen it down. It was totally an emotional decision based on my love for good stories.
4. We have heard that you have been a Blogger before being an author. What experiences of blogging did you put in this book?
I largely learnt the trade of writing (I am still learning) through my experience of blogging. Simultaneously, I also gained the much needed confidence in my own writing. I’ll be forever indebted to my blog readers and fellow bloggers for encouraging me to step up and go to the next level.
5. Are you writing a fresh story as your next or sequel of The Devil’s Gate is on the cards?
I have 3 or 4 ideas in my mind at the moment. I have still not finalized what I am going to take up next. So you’ll have to wait a bit to know about that. Regarding the sequel also, there is nothing finalized. If significant number of readers craves for the sequel, they might just have their say!
6. Readers have found The Devil’s Gate a textual version of 3D animation movie. Are you trying to contact film-makers to adapt it into a movie? We are sure kids are going to enjoy it more than anyone else.
I would love that. I am sure kids will love it. But I don’t really know how to contact the film-makers. If you have any idea how to do that, or you have their contact numbers, I am all ears!
7. In future, are we going to see you write a Love story, campus story or a story based on humans(Haha!) or we are going to see you trying such different genres only?
I have no problem with humans, being one myself! I won’t write a love story or campus story just for the heck of it. Only criteria for me, is that the idea should be exciting, and should have the potential to carve out an engaging story around it. Once that happens, I don’t care what the genre is, or whether the story is based in a campus or in hell!
8. In the end, tell us in 5-7 lines, what speech will you give if you win a Major Award for the Best Indian Author for your books?
I will say just three words before bursting into tears – I AM SPEECHLESS!
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